Latest news with #Superdrug
The Guardian
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Superdrug plans to add more stores as demand for weight-loss drugs soars
An increase in demand for weight-loss drugs, including Mounjaro and Wegovy, as well as demand among its generation Alpha customer base for beauty products is driving expansion at Superdrug. The retailer plans to add 25 more stores to its 800-plus strong chain this year as well as extending existing outlets, despite troubles across the high street that have led to the closure of hundreds of stores at its rival Boots and downsizing at chains from Poundland to River Island. Superdrug is bouncing back from difficult times during the pandemic as demand for its weight-loss services soared almost 300% in the first half of this year compared with last year. While many of the drugs are ordered online via its private GP service, the retailer is looking at how it can adapt and expand in-store services to cater to demand so that its team of nurses can offer help with the potential side-effects such as hair loss, for example. More serious issues, including problems with the pancreas, have also been flagged in some cases. 'For us it is good that people are getting healthier and fitter and that is really important,' said Simon Comins, the chief commercial officer at Superdrug, but those taking the drugs may want 'social interaction in store' to help discuss any issues they encounter. Superdrug, once the downmarket and dowdy rival to Boots, is also capitalising on the growth in the beauty market and its appeal to gen Alpha – people born from 2010 onwards – who are looking for in-store experiences as they head to the high street after school and on weekends. The retailer has made a conscious effort to gain youth appeal, catering to the generations influenced by TikTok and Instagram. Its latest gambit is the 'beauty playground' – tables kitted out with testers of the latest hot products, mirrors and ring lights for flattering social media snaps designed to appeal to tweens and teens. 'Generation Alpha is our focus,' says Comins, touring the first of 30 planned beauty playgrounds in the group's Westfield store in Stratford, east London. 'They often come as a 'squad' and they like the opportunity to touch and feel the products.' As much as clicking [to buy] on TikTok is easy and convenient, people want to browse in real life.' Even on a hot June lunchtime, a steady stream of young women are posing in front of the mirrors and testing out the products. The store has been extended by taking over two neighbouring outlets to give more space for experiences including a brow and nail bar, and piercing service. It is part of efforts to draw shoppers into physical stores rather than just buying online. Other services that have been tried include barbers and hairdressers and trained hundreds of pharmacists who can offer free consultations on skin conditions such as acne – the kind of service it may be difficult to access via a GP. Comins says Superdrug has a team that scans social media to pick up on the latest popular brands and has brought many into store including Geek & Gorgeous, Starface acne stickers, BPerfect cosmetics and the colourful Daise body care range appeals to tweenagers. Industry insiders say the demand for beauty and cosmetics brand has even diverted spend from toys and other traditional products bought by not-quite teenagers. Liz Tan, a senior strategist at the trends advisory firm WGSN, says 'Zalpha', the fringe generation that threads between gen Z and Alphas, are leading the beauty craze 'having grown up immersed in social media, with influencers and creators promoting beauty products online. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion 'Beauty brands are also increasing, building and establishing brand awareness, affiliation and emotional connection through digital playgrounds in gaming worlds like Roblox,' she says. These youngsters are also getting into skincare regimes at a much younger age then previous generations as 'health-conscious Millennial parents emphasise routine building as part of their daily lives'. Alex Beckett, senior research director at market research firm Mintel, adds that young consumers are prompting their parents to spend. 'Thanks to their exposure to social media, YouTube and Netflix, gen Alphas are exposed to trends and dopamine-raising crazes intended for older adults, and they're emulating them – essentially becoming hyper-informed consumers at an early age.' For its older customers, Superdrug's push into weight-loss services comes as thousands of patients in England are from this week able to access weight-loss jabs via their family GP. But the NHS rollout is limited to 220,000 people with the 'greatest need' and many more people are prepared to pay for private access, so demand from high street and online chemists is expected to continue. Recent figures from its rival Boots also indicated strong growth in pharmacy sales – up 5.4%, while its online service increased sales almost 15% in the three months to end 31 May, although the group did not break out the contribution from weight-loss drugs. Analysts at GlobalData said the chain was benefiting from demand for treatments for skin conditions such as acne, as part of a wider trend – being encouraged by government policy – towards visiting the pharmacy before trying the GP. Superdrug, which is owned by the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, is expanding after Debenhams – once one of the leading beauty retailers in the UK – left the high street and House of Fraser and John Lewis have closed stores.
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I hate how instant tans look on my pale skin, so tried out a new viral product that claims to suit any undertone
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. You can use our handy guide to work out whether you have a 'warm' or 'cool' undertone to your skin TRUE TONE I hate how instant tans look on my pale skin, so tried out a new viral product that claims to suit any undertone Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to getting an extra glow, millions of women worldwide rely on instant tans. But having pale skin means it's always been difficult for me to find a product that works without making me look orange, or comically tanned, à la David Dickinson. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 I've got very pale skin, and most instant tans I've tried in the past are way too orange to even look a little bit natural Credit: supplied 6 So I was keen to try out utan's new viral instant tan sprays - the first designed to complement your skintone Credit: utan 6 They come in either a cool or warm option, depending on your undertone - which you can check in the box below Credit: utan 6 The cool spray was the first I tried, but was too orange for my liking - and I felt it was obviously fake Credit: supplied So I was keen to try a new Instant Tan, after it went viral on social media. The product comes from utan, who count Sienna Miller and Hailey Bieber among their celeb fans, and is the first-ever instant tan designed to "perfectly complement your skin's undertone". "Blending easily and offering sheer coverage like body make-up, the airbrushing sprays dry in 60 seconds, staying resistant to sweat and water for long-lasting wear," utan say of the sprays. "Plus, it washes off with soap, when you're ready." I couldn't decide whether my undertone was cool or warm, so opted to get both of the sprays, as you can mix them together if you need to. And you don't need to worry about the instant tan having that horrible biscuit-y smell associated with so many tanning products. The utan sprays - which you can get for £17.99 in Superdrug - have a base scent of organic vanilla and tonka, perfect for fragrance layering as it helps perfume to make your scent really stand out. So if you're a vanilla girly, it's the perfect product to enhance your sweet smell. In fact, women online have called the smell of the Instant Tan "insane" - and I tend to agree. They advise you to spray the product, from a distance of approximately 15cm, onto a brush or mitt, before buffing into the skin. Can a £3 Gradual Tan Really Deliver a Sun-Kissed Glow without Streaks or Stained Sheets? I didn't have a mitt to hand, so went with a fluffy blusher brush, and sprayed it on there before applying to my skin. Applying the tan to my face led to a moment of panic, as it looked VERY dark compared to my ghost-like complexion. So I definitely wouldn't advise spraying the product directly onto the skin! But after blending it in with my brush, it started to spread more and give me the glow I was looking for. While I had initially thought I'd have to mix the two colours together, it was actually the warm that worked best for me. The finish of the cool ended up being too orange, and seemed to draw more attention to the fact that my bronze was fake. How to choose the right instant tan for your skintone YOUR undertone is the colour beneath your skin's surface, which remains the same regardless of sun exposure. And matching your instant tan to your undertone means you'll get the most natural, flattering results. Undertones fall into three categories, and identifying yours is simple: Cool (blue, pink, or red) – Blue or purple veins typically indicate a cool undertone – Blue or purple veins typically indicate a cool undertone Warm (golden, peachy, or olive) – Green or olive veins suggest a warm undertone – Green or olive veins suggest a warm undertone Neutral (a mix of both cool and warm tones) – A mix of both suggests a neutral undertone You can then choose the Instant Tan that's right for your undertone. Use the Cool option if you've got cool undertones, as the spray gives a bronze that may be too ashy for those who prefer a golden glow. The Warm option is perfect if you want a natural golden glow, but may be too yellow for those who suit cooler shades. If you've got more of a neutral undertone, you can blend both colours for a bespoke, flawless tan. Whereas the warm spray worked perfectly - giving me a natural glow without too much of an orange base. You have to work quickly with the sprays, as they do dry quickly, but I did manage to blend it out for even coverage. Once I was happy with the finish, I used Avon's Prep & Set setting spray for some extra transfer protection. Having a tan - especially on my face - is a novelty for me, and made me feel instantly more confident. So much so that I'd even consider going out without any more make-up on. However, you can use the instant tan as a base if you'd prefer - just remember that your usual foundation may end up looking too light. Another thing I hate about instant tans I've tried in the past is just how hard it can be to get them off. But I didn't need to worry about that with the utan sprays. You can apparently remove easily with just soap and water, but I grabbed a face wipe and they worked a treat. All in all, I'd give these sprays a four out of five - they're perfect for a quick tan if you haven't got time to let one develop, and smell absolutely divine. But due to how easily I got the tan off, I'm not sure how well it would hold up in the rain - and that's a necessity for heading out in British weather! I'd definitely recommend though - even for the pale queens out there - and I'll 100% be using it again. 6 I tried the warm spray next, and it was a much better option for my skintone - giving me an instant confidence boost too Credit: supplied
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I hate how instant tans look on my pale skin, so tried out a new viral product that claims to suit any undertone
WHEN it comes to getting an extra glow, millions of women worldwide rely on instant tans. But having pale skin means it's always been difficult for me to find a product that works without making me look orange, or comically tanned, à la David Dickinson. 6 6 6 So I was keen to try a new Instant Tan, after it went viral on social media. The product comes from utan, who count Sienna Miller and Hailey Bieber among their celeb fans, and is the first-ever instant tan designed to "perfectly complement your skin's undertone". "Blending easily and offering sheer coverage like body make-up, the airbrushing sprays dry in 60 seconds, staying resistant to sweat and water for long-lasting wear," utan say of the sprays. "Plus, it washes off with soap, when you're ready." I couldn't decide whether my undertone was cool or warm, so opted to get both of the sprays, as you can mix them together if you need to. And you don't need to worry about the instant tan having that horrible biscuit-y smell associated with so many tanning products. The utan sprays - which you can get for £17.99 in Superdrug - have a base scent of organic vanilla and tonka, perfect for fragrance layering as it helps perfume to make your scent really stand out. So if you're a vanilla girly, it's the perfect product to enhance your sweet smell. In fact, women online have called the smell of the Instant Tan "insane" - and I tend to agree. They advise you to spray the product, from a distance of approximately 15cm, onto a brush or mitt, before buffing into the skin. Can a £3 Gradual Tan Really Deliver a Sun-Kissed Glow without Streaks or Stained Sheets? I didn't have a mitt to hand, so went with a fluffy blusher brush, and sprayed it on there before applying to my skin. Applying the tan to my face led to a moment of panic, as it looked VERY dark compared to my ghost-like complexion. So I definitely wouldn't advise spraying the product directly onto the skin! But after blending it in with my brush, it started to spread more and give me the glow I was looking for. While I had initially thought I'd have to mix the two colours together, it was actually the warm that worked best for me. The finish of the cool ended up being too orange, and seemed to draw more attention to the fact that my bronze was fake. How to choose the right instant tan for your skintone YOUR undertone is the colour beneath your skin's surface, which remains the same regardless of sun exposure. And matching your instant tan to your undertone means you'll get the most natural, flattering results. Undertones fall into three categories, and identifying yours is simple: Cool (blue, pink, or red) – Blue or purple veins typically indicate a cool undertone Warm (golden, peachy, or olive) – Green or olive veins suggest a warm undertone Neutral (a mix of both cool and warm tones) – A mix of both suggests a neutral undertone You can then choose the Instant Tan that's right for your undertone. Use the Cool option if you've got cool undertones, as the spray gives a bronze that may be too ashy for those who prefer a golden glow. The Warm option is perfect if you want a natural golden glow, but may be too yellow for those who suit cooler shades. If you've got more of a neutral undertone, you can blend both colours for a bespoke, flawless tan. Whereas the warm spray worked perfectly - giving me a natural glow without too much of an orange base. You have to work quickly with the sprays, as they do dry quickly, but I did manage to blend it out for even coverage. Once I was happy with the finish, I used Avon's Prep & Set setting spray for some extra transfer protection. Having a tan - especially on my face - is a novelty for me, and made me feel instantly more confident. So much so that I'd even consider going out without any more make-up on. However, you can use the instant tan as a base if you'd prefer - just remember that your usual foundation may end up looking too light. Another thing I hate about instant tans I've tried in the past is just how hard it can be to get them off. But I didn't need to worry about that with the utan sprays. You can apparently remove easily with just soap and water, but I grabbed a face wipe and they worked a treat. All in all, I'd give these sprays a four out of five - they're perfect for a quick tan if you haven't got time to let one develop, and smell absolutely divine. But due to how easily I got the tan off, I'm not sure how well it would hold up in the rain - and that's a necessity for heading out in British weather! I'd definitely recommend though - even for the pale queens out there - and I'll 100% be using it again. 6 6
The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I hate how instant tans look on my pale skin, so tried out a new viral product that claims to suit any undertone
WHEN it comes to getting an extra glow, millions of women worldwide rely on instant tans. But having pale skin means it's always been difficult for me to find a product that works without making me look orange, or comically tanned, à la David Dickinson. Advertisement 6 I've got very pale skin, and most instant tans I've tried in the past are way too orange to even look a little bit natural Credit: supplied 6 So I was keen to try out utan's new viral instant tan sprays - the first designed to complement your skintone Credit: utan 6 They come in either a cool or warm option, depending on your undertone - which you can check in the box below Credit: utan 6 The cool spray was the first I tried, but was too orange for my liking - and I felt it was obviously fake Credit: supplied So I was keen to try a new Instant Tan, after it went viral on social media. The product comes from utan, who count "Blending easily and offering sheer coverage like body make-up, the airbrushing sprays dry in 60 seconds, staying resistant to sweat and water for long-lasting wear," utan say of the sprays. "Plus, it washes off with soap, when you're ready." Advertisement Read more Tanning stories I couldn't decide whether my undertone was cool or warm, so opted to get both of the sprays, as you can mix them together if you need to. And you don't need to worry about the instant tan having that horrible biscuit-y smell associated with so many tanning products. The utan sprays - which you can get for £17.99 in Superdrug - have a base scent of organic vanilla and tonka, perfect for fragrance layering as it helps perfume to make your scent really stand out. So if you're a vanilla girly, it's the perfect product to enhance your sweet smell. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous In fact, women online have called the smell of the Instant Tan "insane" - and I tend to agree. They advise you to spray the product, from a distance of approximately 15cm, onto a brush or mitt, before buffing into the skin. Can a £3 Gradual Tan Really Deliver a Sun-Kissed Glow without Streaks or Stained Sheets? I didn't have a mitt to hand, so went with a fluffy blusher brush, and sprayed it on there before applying to my skin. Applying the tan to my face led to a moment of panic, as it looked VERY dark compared to my ghost-like complexion. Advertisement So I definitely wouldn't advise spraying the product directly onto the skin! But after blending it in with my brush, it started to spread more and give me the glow I was looking for. While I had initially thought I'd have to mix the two colours together, it was actually The finish of Advertisement How to choose the right instant tan for your skintone YOUR undertone is the colour beneath your skin's surface, which remains the same regardless of sun exposure. And matching your instant tan to your undertone means you'll get the most natural, flattering results. Undertones fall into three categories, and identifying yours is simple: Cool (blue, pink, or red) – Blue or purple veins typically indicate a cool undertone Warm (golden, peachy, or olive) – Green or olive veins suggest a warm undertone Neutral (a mix of both cool and warm tones) – A mix of both suggests a neutral undertone You can then choose the Instant Tan that's right for your undertone. Use the Cool option if you've got cool undertones, as the spray gives a bronze that may be too ashy for those who prefer a golden glow. The Warm option is perfect if you want a natural golden glow, but may be too yellow for those who suit cooler shades. If you've got more of a neutral undertone, you can blend both colours for a bespoke, flawless tan. Whereas the warm spray worked perfectly - giving me a natural glow without too much of an orange base. You have to work quickly with the sprays, as they do dry quickly, but I did manage to blend it out for even coverage. Once I was happy with the finish, I used Having a tan - especially on my face - is a novelty for me, and made me feel instantly more confident. Advertisement So much so that I'd even consider going out without any more make-up on. However, you can use the instant tan as a base if you'd prefer - just remember that your usual foundation may end up looking too light. Another thing I hate about instant tans I've tried in the past is just how hard it can be to get them off. But I didn't need to worry about that with the utan sprays. Advertisement You can apparently remove easily with just soap and water, but I grabbed a face wipe and they worked a treat. All in all, I'd give these sprays a four out of five - they're perfect for a quick tan if you haven't got time to let one develop, and smell absolutely divine. But due to how easily I got the tan off, I'm not sure how well it would hold up in the rain - and that's a necessity for heading out in British weather! I'd definitely recommend though - even for the pale queens out there - and I'll 100% be using it again. Advertisement 6 I tried the warm spray next, and it was a much better option for my skintone - giving me an instant confidence boost too Credit: supplied 6 The utan sprays are also perfect for vanilla girlies, thanks to their incredible scent
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside new Superdrug store where customers can test out products for FREE
They're offering 'exclusive products and beauty experiences you won't find anywhere else' SUPER DUPER Inside new Superdrug store where customers can test out products for FREE SUPERDRUG has just dropped its most exciting store yet and it's a hit for any beauty fanatics. The high street health and beauty giant has launched its brand new Beauty Playground at Westfield Stratford in London. Advertisement 2 Superdrug has opened a pop up store in Westfield Stratford 2 The 2025 'Beauty Playground' will allow customers to test out new products Gone are the days of sniffing samples and hoping for the best, now, shoppers can swatch, test and snap their way through a fairground of makeup and skincare, all without spending a penny. Packed with interactive displays, 'Try Me Tables', and glitzy social content stations complete with ring lights. You'll also find in-store brand ambassadors offering personalised beauty advice, demos, and top tips on the latest trending buys. The store officially opened this week, and Superdrug bosses say it's just the beginning. Advertisement The Beauty Playground will roll out across 30 of the retailer's top stores by next summer, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Glasgow Braehead, and Cardiff St David's. Simon Comins, Superdrug's chief commercial officer, said: 'The beauty shopper is crying out for immersive experiences – and we're giving them exactly that. 'With Beauty Playground, we're bringing the fun back into beauty, giving shoppers the chance to experiment, discover, and enjoy Superdrug like never before.' The mega makeover is all part of Superdrug's big plans to boost its bricks and mortar stores, while blending them seamlessly with online experiences. Advertisement And to top it off, Superdrug has teamed up with brands like Daise, Delhicious and Smuuti to offer exclusive products and beauty experiences you won't find anywhere else. Daise co-founder Jaimee Lupton called the partnership 'incredibly valuable' for bringing 'next-gen' beauty to the high street. Make-up fans race to snap up £5 Superdrug dupe of viral Huda powder, and save themselves £30 in the process It comes just after the retailer's Superdrug Superswap pop-up earlier this month, where bargain hunters bagged up to £500 worth of luxury beauty dupes for a fraction of the price. Among the must-have steals were Studio London's U Dew U Bronzing Drops for just £5 (saving £30 vs a high-end dupe). Advertisement It also included the cult-fave Artiscent Atelier fragrances, which were a mere £12 for scents that smell way more expensive. One shopper said: 'I couldn't believe how similar it was to the designer brand and it lasted all day. Total win.' The Superswap event highlighted more than 40 of Superdrug's best own-brand products, covering skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries, all proven to rival premium buys in tests and reviews. Superswap's best dupes The SuperSwap event introduced shoppers to swaps that could save them £500. SuperSwap Savings include: B. Cleanse Melting Cleansing Balm - £10 (£ 5 member price ) - Save £24 vs high end alternative* - Melts away dirt and impurities with this velvety soft balm which helps to remove every trace of make-up Melts away dirt and impurities with this velvety soft balm which helps to remove every trace of make-up Studio London U Dew U Bronzing Drops £5 - SAVE £30* - Enriched with coconut oil and niacinamide this hydrating formula gives a natural sun-kissed tint and healthy glow Enriched with coconut oil and niacinamide this hydrating formula gives a natural sun-kissed tint and healthy glow Artiscent Atelier Scents £12 - SAVE £233* - From sweet and musky to spicy and woody notes, these scents smell expensive and provide long lasting fragrance all day From sweet and musky to spicy and woody notes, these scents smell expensive and provide long lasting fragrance all day Studio London SuperBoost Tint Oil Cherry - SAVE £28* - A weightless, moisturising formula infused with nutrient-rich, upcycled raspberry seed oil to soften lips, leaving a high shine finish And if you missed out, don't panic, Superdrug is bringing back its 'Superdrug Presents' event in August, promising even more freebies and surprises. Advertisement TikTokers who attended last year's bash claimed they walked away with bags full of beauty goodies — including twenty lipsticks. It's not just Superdrug jumping on the experiential bandwagon either. Disney has also returned with a brand-new pop-up at Westfield White City, opening just days ago on June 20. The grand opening kicks off Saturday, June 28 with a full-blown Disney party, complete with free Mickey ears for the first 200 guests, roaming balloon artists, tattoo stations, and early access to the magical 'Once Upon a Story' dolls.
