I embrace a maximalist approach to most things in life, but that can prove problematic when it comes to holidays. Whether it’s a night or two in a hotel or a week or two by the sea, packing light is a skill I’ve taken some time to get to grips with. However, this year – with the help of some brilliant and versatile beauty buys – I’ve got it down.
SPF is a non-negotiable, so let’s start there. Plus, it’s often cheaper in the UK, especially if you can find canny deals online. That said, the two I’ll be packing this year aren’t the most keenly priced, but both are excellent. For all-round protection, I head straight to SPF 50 and to pay my due to the environment for whatever negative contribution I’ve personally made in taking my summer holiday, I like Green People (£30 greenpeople.co.uk). Very high spectrum, water-repellent and skin softening – what’s not to love? Oh, and it’s ocean friendly and kind to prickly heat. This one is good for the whole family, including anyone with sensitive skin.
I personally prefer a separate product for my face and bonus points if it’s a spray and one that will fit in a day bag. Image Skincare’s Daily Prevention Protect and Refresh mist (SPF 30) is invisible and weightless. It can be spritzed over makeup and it is packed with active ingredients to keep skin safe, moisturised and glowing (£52, imageskincare.co.uk).
I’ll also be packing Code 8’s new Beauty Radiate Balm; a tinted BB cream that offers buildable coverage (£43 codeeight.com) and comes in a broad range of shades and tones. This is my new go-to for golden hour when the UV rating has passed its peak. They contain an SPF of 15, which is nice, but it’s in my bag for the buildable coverage which evens out any splotches and gives me a natural, soft-focus radiance. I don’t like heavy base at the best of times, and certainly not when I’m on holiday.
That takes care of the night before, so on to the morning after. First up the brilliant every&one 5-in-1 cream (£20 everyandone.com) which can be used to cleanse, wash, shave, moisturise and prime: this fragrance-free formula is the ultimate in multi-taskers. Suitable for eczema-prone and sensitive skin, it contains moisturising squalane, fatty acid Vitamin F to build damage-limiting ceramides, and a plant-based natural alternative to silicone for superior slip.
With cleansing in mind, one of my favourite brands, REHAB make absolutely genius plastic-free, zero-waste enriched Body Wash sheets (£24 for a box of 25 rehabyourhair.com). They lather up a treat and cut down on the bulk of bottled bodywash. In terms of space, I will also happily use whichever shampoo or conditioner the hotel or Airbnb provides if I’ve got a good oil to keep hair nourished, maximise shine, and dupe as a styling product. I love the award-winning Kama Ayurveda Bringaras Scalp and Hair oil. At £60 it’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way (kamaayurveda.com).
I know some people like to take their entire 10-step routine with them wherever they go, but I’m not one of them. Too lazy? Perhaps, but I like to give my skin a break and let the time away from the grind work its own magic. However, if the relaxing has led to late-night revelling, helloSKIN’s dissolvable eye patches will quickly reduce puffiness and brighten up dark circles. I also recommend using them on the plane (if you’re flying this year) to combat the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air (£7.95 thehelloskinco.com).
I’ll also make an exception for RoC Skincare’s fantastic new Hydra+ Hyaluronic stick serum which is nothing short of a treat to apply as it is deliciously cooling on the skin. The effects are instant and used consistently it helps tackle uneven texture while plumping out lines and boosting elasticity (£34.99 rocskincare.co.uk). I’ve been using it throughout this long hot summer and I’m seriously impressed with how my heat-exhausted face looks and feels after applying.
I don’t want to lower the tone, but there are two less-than-glamorous items I’ll be making room for. First, the Tweezerman Facial Razor (£20 lookfantastic.com) to tidy up brows, nip out any rogue chin hairs and eradicate the peach fuzz. I also like the reassurance of knowing I’ve got a bottle of Wype in my arsenal, should too many drinks, too much baguette, or a dodgy prawn make the loo situation a little challenging… (starter kits from £10.99 try.wypeuk.com).
Finally, my ultimate wash bag hack: if your luggage allowance is limited, pack your kit in a crossbody (lined with a plastic bag if necessary). You can unpack once you’ve reached your destination and it gives you the option of an additional accessory for your holiday wardrobe. My current obsession is from Emma J Shipley’s recent collab with bag queen Lulu Guiness – complete with trademark lips housing a handy zippable front section. From £95, emmajshipley.com.
