When jetting off on holiday, leaving space in your suitcase for some French Brie or authentic Ibizan espadrilles goes without saying, right? Well you might want to free up a bit of space in your trusty Globetrotter for some beauty buys too. You see, a visit to the local pharmacy or drug store can uncover all sorts of cult finds (you'll lose me to Duane Reade for hours when stateside) and best of all, purchases are far gentler on the wallet in their home countries – some by nearly 50% – than they would be on British soil.

Yes, I hear you wise owls piping up to say that many globally adored brands are already being shipped to the UK, and yes, you are completely right. BUT, they're never as purse-friendly and satisfying as when you buy them in their proper home town (I still wait to buy my Bioderma stash when I am over on French shores, purely for the foreign thrill).

So while gallivanting abroad this summer, keep a beady eye out for the heroes that come star-rated from those in the know. Like Icelandic Silica face masks, my latest new discovery, and innovative Japanese mascaras which make our favourite go-to wands look, well... quite menial. You’ll be saving money, won’t need to pay any horrific shipping rates (save for the flight, of course) and will feel like a proper, in-the-know shopper. 

Click through the gallery above to see our much coveted foreign beauty buys. And raise a glass of Sangria to these well-travelled finds.