Travel season is in full swing, and for many, exploring new destinations includes a bit of shopping. A new study by Currys has revealed where beauty products like skincare and makeup are most expensive, helping travellers decide where to stock up or hold off. The research highlights significant price differences across 29 countries, with some offering savings of up to 24% compared to the UK, while others charge up to 25% more.
The study, conducted by health and beauty tech retailer Currys, compared the average local prices of 10 popular beauty products: cleanser, toner, SPF, moisturiser, retinol, night cream, lipstick, foundation, mascara, and shampoo. The findings show the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the most expensive country for beauty buys, with prices averaging 25% higher than in the UK. Switzerland follows closely, with costs 19% above British rates, while Turkey, often seen as a budget-friendly destination for dental and cosmetic procedures, ranks third, with beauty products costing 16% more than in the UK.
Countries with the highest beauty product prices
- UAE: 25% more than UK prices
- Switzerland: 19% more than UK prices
- Turkey: 16% more than UK prices
- Indonesia: 10% more than UK prices
- Singapore: 9% more than UK prices
Surprisingly, even destinations like India and Indonesia, often considered affordable, have beauty product prices 7% and 10% higher than in the UK, respectively. High import taxes and limited local manufacturing in places like the UAE and Thailand contribute to these elevated costs, according to the study. In contrast, countries with robust local production, such as Germany, benefit from lower prices due to competition and reduced import reliance.
Countries offering the best value for beauty products
- Mexico: 24% less than UK prices
- South Korea: 24% less than UK prices
- Canada: 24% less than UK prices
- Romania: 15% less than UK prices
- Germany: 9% less than UK prices
Travellers heading to Mexico, South Korea, or Canada can save significantly, with beauty products costing up to 24% less than in the UK. These countries stand out as top destinations for beauty-savvy shoppers looking to stretch their budgets. Germany, one of the world’s largest economies, also offers competitive pricing, with beauty products averaging 9% less than in the UK, thanks to strong local production and retail competition.
The study also examined the cost of beauty treatments, such as manicures, half-leg waxes, and women’s haircuts. The UK ranks seventh globally for value, with an average total cost of £103.76 for these services. India tops the affordability list at £17.02, an 84% saving compared to the UK, followed by the Philippines (£17.51) and Brazil (£19.02). Switzerland, however, is the priciest for treatments, with costs reaching £196.71—90% more than in the UK—followed by Denmark (£147.62) and Hong Kong (£117.92). These high prices reflect elevated living costs and demand for premium services in these regions.
For UK beauty professionals, the findings suggest the country remains competitive globally, offering strong value for both products and treatments. The report also notes cultural trends, with the UAE showing the highest search volume for “beauty salon near me,” indicating strong consumer interest in beauty services. This could inspire UK salons to tailor offerings for international visitors or adopt global trends to attract clients.
