Probably one of the most daunting places for a man to shop, the Liverpool 1 shopping complex is bookended by both Debenhams and John Lewis’ cosmetic and beauty stores making it virtually impossible for any blokes to get away from a shopping expedition with the Mrs without being dragged through the most pungent, bright and uncomfortable areas in Liverpool. Are women unaware of how confusing and dazzling these places are? Or, like those Mosquito audio alarms for teenagers are the sights and smells of these departments only too much for male senses? Without the women looking at us like small boys, however we would be totally lost. These places are often our salvation for christmas presents, birthday gifts and token gestures of apology. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. What else does that apply to?
Isabel O.
Place rating: 5 Liverpool, United Kingdom
So as well as being a connossieur of cupcakes, I’m also one of cosmetics. I could spend the rest of my life happily wandering round aisles of Benefit and Lancome. On the ground floor of Debenhams is where the wonderland of beauty products is situated. On entry, I’m sceptical that it won’t be as good as John Lewis’ fantastic cosmetic section. However, I am pleasantly surprised. Debenhams offers all the main brands with some quirkier names such as Urban Decay(Big Fatty Lash mascara is my favourite, great name, great product). I usually find make-up assistants a little scary as they often have around six inches of orange-hue foundation on, but the staff here were a little more normal-looking and offered great advice. I love this place, but they don’t sell MAC, and MAC will always be my number one.
Sarah-Jane B.
Place rating: 5 Brighton, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a new perfume, aftershave, foundation or lipstick, it’s worth trecking across town to visit the Debenhams Health & Beauty department. Located on the ground floor of the department store, it’s a bright and welcoming space with literally hundreds of different products. There’s individual stands for brands like Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Lancome and Estee Lauder alongside smaller concessions for U.S. make up companies Benefit and Urban Decay. There’s usually a tester pot for each product and helpful staff who will give you a honest opinion about whether or not something suits your skintone. My mother in law regularly pops in to check out new mascaras and eye shadows and has been offered dozens of free make-overs over the years. The only disadvantage is they don’t have a Biotherm counter yet. Watch this space…