The Holiday Essentials To Take On Your Next Trip
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The Holiday Essentials To Take On Your Next Trip

Summer holidays? Exciting. The thought of having to decant every beauty product you own so you can take it all with you? Not so much. With this in mind, we asked SL contributor Adeola Gboyega to select the top essentials that really deserve a space in your suitcase…
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All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Lighter Bases

On holiday, the focus should be on using lightweight formulas that give you a radiant complexion instead of full coverage foundations. This year, skin tints are everywhere – they’re low maintenance and just help to even out your skin tone. The Iconic London New Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint delivers a weightless veil of colour and looks like natural skin once it’s on. If you prefer not to use a base at all, a good glow booster might be all you need – my pick would be the E.l.f Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which is infused with skincare ingredients for effortless radiance. 

Multipurpose Products

If ever there was a time to streamline your make-up routine, it’s ahead of a holiday. You want to take a concise edit of products with you to cover all the bases. That’s where multipurpose palettes come in. The Mac Cosmetics Correct & Conceal Palette does it all: conceals blemishes, highlights, brightens under the eyes, and corrects dark circles and pigmentation. Bronzing palettes are also a holiday essential because you’ll often find prolonged sun exposure can change your skin tone – so you may notice your existing make-up doesn’t blend as well as it once did. A palette like this is a great way to even out your complexion, add warmth where it’s needed and ensure everything looks even and healthy.

Sun Protection 

The most important beauty product for any summer holiday is sun care. I’d recommend buying new SPF every year. Or at least check the expiry date – most sun creams only last between six to 12 months once opened. No matter your skin tone, everyone should be applying and reapplying sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re enjoying prolonged spells in the sun. Go for a non-greasy formula like the Shiseido Expert Sun Protector – it’s weightless and absorbs fast on the face and body, without leaving behind that tell-tale white cast. It also works well as a primer under make-up, and don’t forget to pay attention to sensitive areas like the ears and lips. I’d even go as far as recommending a lip balm with an SPF such as the Beauty Pie Super Moisture Lip Balm. Apply it every couple of hours and invest in a light sunscreen mist so you can top up your protection throughout the day.

Hair Hydrators

It's so important to keep your hair protected and conditioned on holiday. Excessive sun exposure and salt water can cause significant damage and even fade the colour in your hair. I like to have a hydrating hair mist in my beach bag so I can apply it regularly throughout the day. The Pattern Beauty Hydrating Mist protects strands from environmental stressors and feeds hair with essential nutrients. You also don’t want to use continuous heat on your hair, which is why I prefer to use the Babyliss 9000 Cordless Styler to create effortless beach waves that last me for a few days and maintaining the look with a good hair oil, such as the Nez Hasan Oil Hair Mask.

Pampering Body Care

It's hard to find time to pamper our bodies at home, but holiday is a time to indulge. I prioritise space in my suitcase for my most luxurious bodycare products, including a fresh summer shower gel such as the Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime Bath & Shower Gel. The scent fills the entire room and makes you feel so fresh and clean. Then, I apply a luxurious body cream or body oil to keep my skin feeling nourished and looking radiant. Once you’re back home, you can continue using the same products to remind you of your trip and beat those post-holiday blues.

Mini Sizes

Going on holiday also gives you the opportunity to try new products. That doesn’t mean spending a fortune on lots of full-size products that take up excess room. These days, travel minis are a booming part of the beauty market, and department stores like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols often have a whole section dedicated to them. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also pick up great discovery edits like the Harvey Nichols Beyond Beautiful Summer Edit Box, which is curated with all your skin and haircare needs in mind. A great tip is to look out for the summer collections –they’re often put together with travel in mind, and almost always come with a handy travel bag. It really is a win win.

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