going to USA -best buys

[livvyliv]

Looking for best anti-aging products,jeans,brands,anything basically that you can't get over here
What would be on your list of things to bring back?

Brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic etc are all cheaper but still not cheap really, for example a classic trench coat in Banana Republic is only £14 cheaper in US than UK (exchange rate isn't amazing at the moment plus any price you see on the tag you need to add local and state tax).

I'm always asked to send Abercrombie stuff over for friends kids as it's cheaper.

One of the many outlet malls are fab for bargains.

Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, every single time

nom nom nom

Kiehl's always seemed much cheaper over there than here.

And Banana Republic.

Crest whitening strips (apparently they are illegal here in the UK) but sold in drug stores over there. Wish I'd known about them, was never out of Duane Read when I was in New York!

Ooh yes, go and browse around a drug store. You'll pick up all kinds of goodies that you won't find over here.

ooh see what price smashbox primer and mac eyeshadows are

I love the American Eagle store, often in the outlet malls. Really nice clothes - can you bring me some tank tops

Was just going to suggest smashbox primer! go to Sophora and have a lovely time.

Also hit the big department stores, look at their own lines for dresses and things. A different selection to here and cheaper.

And hanky panky thongs. One size fits all, best pants EVER

Sephora....

Yes Sephora are brilliant - me and sis had a free makeover each and were given loads of Stila freebies!!

Where in USA are you going btw?

Clinique is significantly cheaper. Estee Lauder, Dior etc not much difference.
A couple of US skincare brands are Alpha Hydrox and philosophy (which is a big skincare brand in the US, not just a purveyor of brightly coloured bath gel).

Uggs are much cheaper (see Ugg Australia website and set location as USA).

Have a look on a website like amazon US or zappos.com to get an idea of prices for most things. Also Nordstrom will give you a feel for prices for clothing and shoes.

Definitely do some research on prices before you buy stuff though, I love Aveeno just for everyday body lotion and handcream, but it's more expensive in USA, $10 for handcream versus £3.50 in UK!

Burts Bees line is cheaper in US, love their baby stuff and they do cute gift packs which have always gone down well with friends.

I love Sephora own brand body butter, in fact I love sephora full stop, and Duane reade. The secret deodorants are nice and I got some lovely shaving cream from there too but cant remember the name so not much help!

Have a great trip.

J brand jeans and 7 for all mankind

Lots of shops have discounts like BR had 25% off when I was there Gap 40%

Uggs r cheaper too

whenever I go, I always check where all the TJ Maxx, Filene's Basement and Marshalls shops are - they have websites with store locator maps so it's easy. And then I spend my time shopping through all of them.

Ive been recently: Clinique if you use it, Levi Curve jeans are miles cheaper, Hollister and Victorias secret for six knickers not cheap but great quality. Smashbox is miles cheaper, Mac is not.

victoria secret lip gloss. "Beauty Rush" its called, about $7 per tube, v hard to get over here.

hi ladies, quick question. im going in may and want to know is it better to get my clinique eye cream here at the airport(gatwick) or in the US, either on hol or in the us airport?

ihatethecold, def get your Clinique in US duty free, ie on the return journey (any US brands actually, so Estee Lauder, Arden, MAC etc). You'll get a saving of 15-20% vs domestic US prices - which are cheaper than UK prices.

Opi nail varnish - get it in the drug stores.

Have fun.

Huge cannisters of aspirin, Tylenol - store brands are really cheap in Target and Walmart. You can get 500 in a jar. Target is good for California Baby skincare which is nice for adults too. Carmex lip stuff is fabulous and much cheaper in the US.

As well as TJMaxx, Marshalls and Filene's Basement, try Nordstrom Rack -- usually found away from big glitzy malls.

mathanxiety: Advil !!! Glad its not just me who brings back drugs. (of the legal variety !)

thanks lulie10 will do.
mathanxiety... do you need 500 tylenol ???

God, I have found the US duty free to be dire so I would be very careful leaving anything until the last minute.

Ive always got my Clinique from Sephora as I find the variety much better than the duty free.

Dont forget Uggs if they are your kind of thing.

Remember, its only a bargain if you need it

Have fun!

Thanks for all the info.keep it coming.
Quite like the idea of string analgesics-though don't want to come back with an addiction!