What to Take With You: Beauty Edition
Take the stress out of this pre-holiday chore with our beauty editor’s foolproof toiletries packing list
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What to Take With You: Beauty Edition
Take the stress out of this pre-holiday chore with our beauty editor’s foolproof toiletries packing list
By: Shannon Peter
You’ve checked in for the flight and checked out the hotel, next on the agenda: packing your suitcase. Whether you’re someone that revels in this ritual, dragging your case from the attic weeks in advance in a bid to instate that holiday mood early, or you’re someone that dreads it entirely, you’ll find pleasure in working from a foolproof list that covers all eventualities. We’ve already compiled the dream holiday packing list, but here we get a little more specific: this is the ultimate holiday toiletries checklist, a run down of all the wash bag essentials you’ll want to squeeze into your case.
Of course, your baggage allowance will have a major influence here. Should you only have hand luggage, whittle this list down to the beauty essentials you can’t live without. Yes, there are whispers of changing liquid limits afoot, but be sure to check your airport’s specific requirements beforehand – lest your favourite Byredo perfume or dream Davines shampoo get left behind at security. So behold: a definitive list of all the beauty products you need to pack for your holiday. Bon voyage!
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HAIR
The goal with your haircare edit is to select the kind of formulas that will reinstate lost shine and softness.
Shampoo
You’ll want a fairly hardcore shampoo that’ll rinse away sweat, sand and chlorine with little effort. Might we suggest Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo, £16.50 or Oribe’s Serene Scalp Oil Control Shampoo, £50?
Conditioner
Choose a conditioner that is rich and extra nourishing to replenish all that the sun takes out. Dizziak’s Deep Conditioner, £22 or Davines Love Conditioner, £22 are the dream for this.
Styling Cream
A versatile and lightweight cream will be a godsend for pretty much any style, whether you want to add definition to beachy waves, add softness to curls and coils or perfect the dream holiday hairstyle: slicked back hair. Try Larry King Haircare’s A Social Life for Your Hair, £29.
Hair Oil
Trust us, your strands will soak up a generous helping of hair oil, particularly sun parched ends. Larry King Haircare’s Spoilt for Choice Hair Oil, £55 doubles up as a scalp-restoring mask, too.
Hair Mask (if space allows)
Hair goes through a hell of a lot on holiday, so it will be thankful for a hydrating mask. Try something like Sam McKnight’s Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask, £48 before bed, rinsing out again in the morning.
Read More: Here's how to get shiny hair, according to industry legend, Sam McKnight
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BODY
When it comes to body, you want products that will remedy the effects of long days lazing on the beach or by the pool.
SPF
The most important item in your case (bar your passport) you’ll want a high factor broad spectrum sunscreen – and lots of it.
Body Wash
Perhaps you’re going to a fancy hotel and can trust it’ll stock a dreamy body wash but if you’re not so sure, you’ll want to bring your own. Fresh and uplifting, Necessaire’s The Body Wash Eucalyptus, £25 makes that post-beach shower all the more satisfying
Body Lotion
You could pick a specific after sun formula, but something refreshing and nourishing like Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, £33 will work just as well.
Body Oil (if space allows)
After a day in the sun, your skin will slurp up all the moisture it can get, so if you can squeeze in an extra bottle of something, make it a rich body oil like MIRROR WATER Smooth Body Oil, £35 or Costa Brazil’s Lua Moonlight Body Oil, £95 which comes with bonus shimmer: a dream for summer nights out.
Body Scrub (if space allows)
If you’re going all out with your holiday toiletries packing, keep your newfound tan looking fresh with a full body exfoliation once or twice throughout the week. Try Aesop’s Redemption Body Scrub, £29.
Read More: How to raise your bodycare game with this dream bodycare routine
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SKINCARE
Protection is the first goal of your holiday skincare kit, but then you also want to add in some restorative products that will help maintain your glow.
SPF
No surprises here. Pick a factor 50 formula that suits your specific skin needs – Ultra Violette is the best place to start.
Face Wash
You want something that can melt away makeup and SPF, but also add in extra moisture, so plump for a balm or oil cleanser.
Hydrating Serum
If you hadn’t guessed by now, hydration is key on holiday, so pack a serum laced with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. Your skin barrier will thank you.
Vitamin C Serum
A hardworking antioxidant, vitamin C provides extra protective benefits as well as brightening ones.
Moisturiser
Seal in all the goodness below with a simple but hardworking moisturiser like Augustinus Bader’s The Cream, £225 or Dr Dennis Gross’ Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, £64.
Sheet Masks
For those obligatory balcony selfies – pack plenty!
SPF Lip Balm
It’s vital you don’t forget to cover every inch in SPF, including your lips. Ultra Violette and Bobbi Brown have great options.
Read More: How to create a morning skincare routine
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MAKEUP
When it comes to holiday makeup, should you choose to wear it, it’s about adding glow and polish. Either opt for your normal makeup bag, or whittle down to just a few essentials. Here’s our suggestions:
Concealer
Foundation
Bronzer
Blusher
Highlighter
Brow Pencil/Pomade
Brow Gel
Mascara
Eye Shadow
Lip Balm
Lip Gloss/Stick
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SCENT
Whether you opt for hazy, skin-like scents or something bracing and zesty, don’t forget to pack a bottle of perfume and that all-important deodorant.
Deodorant
You need a sturdy deodorant that can stand up to muggy temperatures, like Agent Nateur’s holi(rose) Deodorant, £27.
Perfume
Have you thought about picking out a brand new summer perfume? Sure, it’s fancy, but just think: everytime you smell it in years to come, you’ll be reminded of this epic holiday that awaits.
Read More: An expert guide to buying perfume online
