Nice little chemistread more

A brush of the teeth and a quick skoosh of BO spray under the oxters is usually all that's required…read morein my beauty regime, so I'm not sure if I'm really the ideal candidate to be reviewing a branch of Semi-Chem. I am aware though, that it basically sells all the stuff that Boots does, in slightly cheaper and more downtrodden surroundings, so if I am ever on a quest for toiletries of some sort, I'll usually at least stick my nose in here for a look. Just as long as I'm not seen with the carrier bag.

Blah. That's what goes through my head when I think of Semi-Chem, the goods they stock are pretty…read moreuninspiring and the black and white layout of the shop doesn't exactly make it the most inviting store around. Although it's essentially a discount cosmetic and perfume store I've seen the products here cheaper or just as cheap in the local supermarkets when doing the weekly shop or at Superdrug. Most of the products stocked here are predictable; Herbal Essences (which although smells really nice is actually rather rubbish), Dove, and a few lesser known brands. I guess worth while for a browse to see if they have what you're looking for but it's really nothing special.

I don't often come here except when I can't find a particular item in other local branches of…read moreBoots. It's usually for shaving-related stuff - I'm an eco-conscious kind of dude who eschews the expensive environmentally-unfriendly planet-destroying plastic multi-blade razors and chemical aerosol shaving foams in favour of a plain, simple, single-blade safety razor and a shaving soap bowl. It's probably an age thing, although it is a much cheaper option too. Although Boots do have own-brand shaving bowls and single blades, they seem to be getting harder to find in the smaller branches (like Byres Road and Dumbarton Road), but I always seem to manage to find them here thanks to the larger selection of stock. It's certainly the largest branch of Boots I know outside of the city centre, and for that fact alone I'm grateful that it's here.

A very large and comprehensive Boots - nicely laid out - not cramped or stuffy like some Boots can…read morebe - with plenty of breathing space. They have a Pharmacy, a photo kiosk, a large cosmetics and perfume section, and of course, at this time of year, is well stocked with their famous 2 for 3 gift packs. Very good for gift, essentials, photo and medicine shopping. A great feature of the Crow Road shopping estate - makes up completely for the usless furniture stores.

The Kelvin Pharmacy on Hyndland Road is a small yet welcoming pharmacy…read more As well as all the usual pharmacy services, you'll also find a good selection of health and beauty articles to browse through while you wait. Brands include Arran Aromatics, Crabtree and Evelyn, Kent brushes and Vichy Skincare as well as Bronnley. In addition to these more upmarket products, you'll also find traditional chemist favourites like hot water bottles, hair bobbles and lip balm. This not enough for you? They also have a great website so you can check online to see if they have what you want before you leave the house!

A lovely little bright pharmacy - being ill at the moment, I've made a few trips to it, and the…read moreservers are polite and informative, the service is quick, and I feel better the minute I step in. There is some nice gift sets and smelly bath things on display too, so you can do a bit of mum christmas shopping while you wait and try in vain to swallow painlessly.