Help needed - Moving to London
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Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:02 pm

Hi all

I'll be moving to London sometime in May this year for a work posting.

As I've always lived in sunny, humid Asia where spaghetti-strap tops and jeans are the norm, I need advice on what types of clothing / footwear would be essential in London.

Also, are there any good and affordable skincare brands available in London that are suitable for my combi, sensitive skin?

Many thanks!

free skin care · Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:30 pm

Hi,

Congrats! I have oily, acne prone skin, so we'd use different things. But I was in London last year (Knightsbridge area) and got my basic toiletries at a place called Boots: http://www.boots.com/shop/product_list_endeca_template.jsp?classificationid=1018012 . I like London a lot.

There's Harrods of course: http://www.harrods.com/Cultures/en-GB/Categories/Beauty+and+Fragrance.htm . But that's a high end dept. store.

Lastly, there's space.nk, which is across teh street from Harrods. As such they have some pricey stuff too -http://www.spacenk.co.uk/SpaceNK/ProductList.aspx?shopby=category&category=SKIN&language=en-GB

Wish I could help more. But this is a start.

Best,

T

Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:10 pm

Hi, hope you enjoy your year there, it is a wonderful city. I am from London but now live in California, so can appreciate the different climates.

The atmosphere for the spring/summer is pretty moderate and but does get very humid in the summer. Being a city it is a close muggy atmosphere on hot summer days and the skin does get dirty very easily. Most products can be bought in London from all over the world and everything you need can be bought on the internet. A shop called Space.nk often holds brands hard to get, but most of the department stores, especially Selfridges are best for a large range. It is recommended that you use a good SPF because of the city pollution and there is a lot of sun, despite it not always feeling so hot, Clinique City Block is worth the money. As someone mentioned, Boots Chemist holds a great range and their own brand, No7, is wonderful and inexpensive.

In terms of clothing, London has all seasons so you will need items for hot, cold, wet and windy. It is also a very sociable place so make sure you have some smart, clubby and dressy clothes and high heels shoes. It is very accessible for walking so flats needed too. A nice pair of boots is a must. For lovely clothing that is cheap and trendy and individual two great stores are H&M and Top Shop. Hope that helps and have fun in London.

Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:13 pm

Forgot to mention, in the winter you may feel a big change to your skin, this is because England is a very damp country and people use heating in all their houses/offices which can dry out the skin so a richer moisturiser is recommended for the winter.

free skin care · Sun Mar 12, 2006 10:09 am

Because of the changeable weather, it's good to dress in layers. So you can still wear your strappy tops and jeans, but also add a cardi or wrap-top into the mix. A decent coat and definitely a brolly are a must!

Boots really is a great place to go for a wide range of cosmetics and toiletries. They also have their own brand ranges, which can be quite good, and loads of special offers. An often cheaper alternative to Boots is a chain of shops called Superdrug.

The streets of London can be hard on the feet, so some comfortable shoes are advisable. Converse are still very popular over here at the moment, as are flat ballet pumps.

There's a vast, vast range of cosmetics, skincare, clothing and footwear available in London, to suit all tastes and pockets. You'll probably have loads of fun choosing some favourites. And if you want something quirky and different, you'd really enjoy visiting the street markets such as the one at Camden, where you can even find items by not-yet-known designers-to-be.

You're going to have a fantastic time, I'm sure! Very Happy

Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:29 am

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Any money saving tips in London? I earn a paltry wage before taxes, after taxes it's pathetic... =(

Are there any affordable, safe and relatively convenient locations to stay?

Apologies for my endless questions!

free skin care · Sun Mar 19, 2006 10:39 pm

Hi joycemhtan - I hate to break it to you, but London is one of THE most expensive cities in the world. By some measures, it IS the most expensive. You'd better do some serious research on where to live affordably and safely. Luckily, there's great public transit. You won't need a car if you plan properly and find a place to live that's near necessary services you can either walk to or commute to by transit. If you DO end up driving, at least you're already accustomed to driving on the left side of the road!

On the other hand, it's also one of THE GREATEST cities on the planet, and I envy you so much! The climate change will be a shock to the system coming from Singapore, but it's such a terrific place in so many ways that I'm sure you'll be glad for this opportunity. If you've never been to Europe before, you'll freak out when you see all of the old architecture, which will also contrast sharply with your homeland.

Generally, it's been my experience that Londoners are very reserved and conservative in demeanor. Yes, the occasional eccentric is tolerated and even revered at times, but when it comes to apparel or behavior, it's probably safer not to push the limit in public places, especially if you're a sensitive person! I'll never forget being shushed and told to sit down after a fantastic recital where a few of us dared to give the [absolutely incredible] artist a standing ovation Rolling Eyes

There's chic attire available all over town in any price range, but don't forget to check out Selfridges on Oxford Street -- it's the greatest department store in town, IMO -- much better (and bigger) than the much-vaunted Harrods (which you nevertheless must see too). Harvey Nichols is nearby and offers younger and trendier stuff -- definitely worth a look!

Good luck!!! I hope you really enjoy your experience!!!

free skin care · Mon Mar 27, 2006 2:58 pm

I see you have got lots of great advice here already. Dressing in layers and shopping at SpaceNK being my favorites. I wanted to recommend you a cheap, convenient and safe location to stay: Willesden Green.

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