Beauty: hoorah! Superdrug’s serum is back

First, a public service information announcement. About four years ago, I discovered the brilliant Simply Pure Hydrating Serum at Superdrug. It softened and comforted freshly cleansed skin in preparation for day cream, imparting a moist, perky glow as it went. I raved about it constantly; my readers and forum members did the same.

At less than three quid, though, it seemed too good to be true – and so it proved to be. Superdrug’s distribution of the serum was dreadful (I recall one woman taking orders from fellow readers up and down the country, because her Coventry branch seemed to be the only one with stock), and communication between the brand and myself was an inconsistent mess of, “We’re just having supply issues! It’s definitely staying!” and, “Oh, we think that’s been discontinued,” and back again, within the same week. So, Superdrug’s serum finally died a death and we were all forced to switch to similar ones that cost more than five times as much.

But now this serum is back, as great as before, and at an unbelievably bargainous £2.69, which is only 30p more expensive than in its earlier incarnation. If you’re sensitive, dehydrated or just looking to slot a basic serum (there are no anti-ageing retinols here) into your routine, you could do a hundred times worse.

Second, and less affordably, there’s Wunderbrow (£19.95). This is a product I’m asked about so often that I bought it online to see what all the fuss was about. It’s a paint-on filler for those with sparse or overplucked eyebrows, or indeed anyone who feels too deprived for the thick brow trend. You dab on the cream with the brush applicator, then, while it’s wet, brush brows upwards and out with a clean mascara wand. When dry, brows look natural and a fair bit fuller for up to three showers.

I’m pleased to say it definitely works, but be warned: the colours are a bit off. The brunette shade is actually better suited to redheads/dark blondes/light brunettes; I fared much better with the brown-black. Likewise, the auburn is too warm and best avoided. I’d also suggest a gentle start. It layers so well that it’s no hassle to build up colour slowly. But, like removing salt from a stew, it’s a world of pain to fix.

And, if that’s all a bit scary, try L’Oréal Paris Brow Artist Plumper (£5.99) instead: it does a similar job very well, minus any commitment.