The skincare items I keep at home aren’t quite the same as those I deem vital when vacationing. When I’m preparing for my trips, my luggage includes a selection of stylish and enjoyable skincare products designed to amplify the enjoyment of the summer holiday. These items are not only efficient, but also enjoyable to use, with delightful fragrances and visual appeal – they perfectly complement a sun-tanned complexion.
It comes as no surprise that a substantial portion of my must-haves are sun-protection products, both for facial and body use. I am meticulous about applying sunscreen and am notorious for pursuing my relatives around the swimming pool to ensure their skin is safeguarded.
The first highlight is the Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF50 Body Spray (€36 from Brown Thomas). It features prominently amongst the company’s recently launched sunscreen range, that includes three products. While all three are impressive, the body spray was an immediate favourite. It’s delightfully cool and pleasant to apply, it imbues a tangible sense of summer holiday, and with a generous 200ml, it’s ideal for a week-long getaway (it even boasts water-resistance for up to 40 minutes).
I also ensure to pack at least one or possibly two tubes of my preferred facial sunscreen, Supergoop! Play SPF50 (€25 from cultbeauty.com). It checks off every requirement I might have from a facial sunscreen: it’s lightweight, works well on delicate skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves behind nothing but a lovely glow. It’s perfect under makeup as well (and has even won the approval of my 11-year-old, who’s usually rather picky).
The last sunscreen in my luggage is another one designed for facial use and it’s a mist – an indispensable tool for makeup aficionados such as myself. I liberally apply Ultrasun UV Face and Scalp Mist SPF50 (€23 for 75ml from Boots) throughout the day or on sunny evenings, knowing it won’t ruin my makeup. Its crisp and dry, fully transparent formula leaves no traces on the skin. It’s available in two different sizes, but I find the smaller 75ml bottle more convenient as it can be easily stashed in handbags without a second thought.
Applying sunscreen is crucial for me, but I also focus much on my skincare routine, which contains must-have items like facial wash and skin cream. One product I cannot miss out is the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Hydrating Mask (£9 from Boots). This mask is perfect for managing skin discomforts caused by jet lag, sensitivity, or overexposure to sun, providing immediate relief. Upon reaching my destination, applying one is the first thing I do to rejuvenate my skin. Having an extra mask chilled in the refrigerator is also beneficial for unforeseen skincare crises.
I always pack a rich body cream to care for my body’s skin. I was once a regular user of the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (£21 for 75ml from Brown Thomas), but the creamy Delicia Drench Body Butter (£21 for 75ml from Brown Thomas), from the same brand, has become my new go-to product. Despite its compact size for travel, it lasts quite awhile.
A shimmery body bronzing item is always in my travel bag to achieve a holiday skin glow. I rely on a duo for this. The first one is NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Glistening Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for Face, Body, and Hair (£26.99 from Boots), and the second is the sometimes elusive Sol de Janeiro Rio Sunset Glow Oil (£35 from Brown Thomas). These dry oils, not only provide intense shimmer for face and body, but also have an amazing fragrance.
This week’s favourite is Sundae Body Foaming Body Wash. A creative and effective new addition to the beauty market, Sundae Body Foaming Body Wash (£14.99 from sundaebody.co.uk) aims to magnify your shower experience with an assortment of aromas, as it promotes skin health. Its whipped cream-like appearance and texture bring joy to my skincare routine. Choose from ordinary or exfoliating body wash and you might find yourself hooked, just like myself.