5 summer holiday beauty must-haves
Whether you’re off to sunnier climes or enjoying a relaxing stay-cation, I recommend making space in your beauty bag for products that make you feel as good as they make you look. Here are my top picks for beauty packing this summer…
Spray Away
On the desk, in the plane or at your final destination, keep a cooling spray mist to hand. A fine spritz of a hydrating spray is a wonderful way to set makeup for a dewy finish or to simply give skin a much needed boost of moisture. I love CosMedix Mystic Hydrating Treatment, with refreshing Witch Hazel and extracts of Cucumber and Aloe which is great for all skin types. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water gives skin a mist of soothing antioxidants and its mini 50ml size is a great budget buy for £4.
Top Tip: Pop it in the fridge until you need to use it for a zingy skin treat.
Screen Time
You know you should be wearing SPF every day regardless of the weather, so it goes without saying that investing in a highly effective sunscreen for summer or holidays is paramount for good skin health. When choosing your SPF avoid those with too many chemical filters as they can irritate your skin and try to go for a formulation that is non-toxic. Even though it’s a little pricey at £50, I use Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion, SPF50 which is light and quickly absorbing so ideal for using on the face. Less expensive, £7.59, and great for use on all the family is Kiss My Face, Sensitive Side 3in1 Sunscreen, SPF30 which is ultra moisturising.
Top Tip: A high zinc content is usually a safe bet when choosing sunscreen but can leave a white residue on the skin so add a few drops of bronzing liquid to prevent that spooky look!
Makeup Marvels
It’s always nice to let the skin go bare when taking time out to relax, but if you want to use makeup then I suggest going for mineral makeup that prevents pores from clogging and feels lightweight on the skin. Youngblood and Jane Iredale are my choices and both offer products which include some sun protection.
Top tip: If you’re looking for extra hydration, try a lighter formulation BB or CC cream to give a little coverage while adding a slight glow to the complexion.
Summer Kisses
Lips often get overlooked when it comes to applying SPF and because they lack the pigment melanin - our natural UV protection – they can burn easily. Sunlight is also a trigger for cold sore flare-ups. I like to keep a lip tint with an SPF in my purse for a flush of colour and protection and choose Youngblood Hydrating Lip Tint, £18 which has a luxurious combination of Jojoba, Argan, Sunflower and Avocado oils. For a super indulgent lip treat once the sun has gone down, Tata Harper’s Be Adored Lip Treatment, £23, naturally nourishes and volumises.
Top tip: Once a week, dampen the edge of a flannel or muslin cloth and gently wipe the lips in small circles to exfoliate and remove dead skin. Follow up by sweeping on a drop of olive oil to keep them smooth and flake-free.
Body Luscious
Considering you’ll be wearing fewer layers when the weather is hot, you’ll want to ensure that your skin is soft, hydrated and sweetly scented. Whether I’m on a sunny holiday or at home, I love scented body creams that conjure up the free-spirited feeling of relaxing summer days. Dr Organic’s Virgin Coconut Souffle, £9.95 is perfect! The virgin coconut oil enriched with plant extracts sinks in straightaway leaving skin gleaming. It’s great for dry patches on hands and feet too.
Top tip: Use while skin is slightly damp to lock in moisture and enhance the ingredients.
NOTE: My Summer Skincare Edit Beauty Box contains 4 essential products for those who are looking for a pared down regime for the summer. Each of these products has been especially chosen by me for their effectiveness and for the way that they work together to encourage a glowing complexion and optimal skin health. £250. For more details or to purchase the box, click here.
