Travel Beauty Edit

Travel Beauty Edit

words and photography by Nicola McCullough

Ever had that self-satisfied feeling of packing a suitcase immaculately, only to discover that it is almost impossible to either close or lift once you've added your collection of beauty 'essentials'? I'm pretty sure we've all been there - and while it can be tempting to bring the entire contents of your bathroom and dressing table just in case, it's really not necessary.

SKINCARE My top tip is to avoid new skincare on holiday. I'm all for saving travel-friendly miniatures for trips away, but stick to products that you know work for you (been there, had the breakouts). Alternatively, dispense your favourites into those little clear travel pots, bottles and atomisers from Boots. Sheet masks are as compact as it gets when it comes to skincare and 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut After Sun Mask with Coconut Oil extract is beautifully refreshing on postbeach skin.

SUNSCREEN When it comes to sunscreen I look for excellent protection combined with textures that feel great. Vichy Ideal Soleil Dry Oil SPF50 leaves skin soft and glowy yet not greasy and nourishes as it protects. For the face, Tropic Tinted Skin Shade SPF50 is a 100% naturally derived mineral sunscreen with a hint of tinted moisturiser level coverage; also sits beautifully under makeup. Sun can leave hair parched and faded, so cover up with a large hat or spritz in Aveda Protective Hair Veil with UV filters. This extra fine mist doesn't weigh down the hair and has a beautiful fresh scent.

SELF TAN If you'd rather sight-see than lie by the pool, opt for a faux glow with Vita Liberata Ten Minute Tan. Made with organic botanicals, this is suitable for both face and body and has an instant tint that helps with application. There's no need to leave this on for hours... rinse off after 10 mins for a subtle colour or leave up to an hour for a natural looking golden tan with good lasting power.

FACE SPRITZ Choose a facial spritz that goes beyond cooling and hydrating, like Pixi Beauty Vitamin Wakeup Mist. Made with Orange Blossom and Citrus Extracts, this delivers a welcome burst of energy and uplifting scent, especially when used straight from the fridge! Also excellent in-flight.

MAKEUP I'm all for keeping makeup user-friendly on holiday, so multi-use products are a must - Pixi Multibalm in Rose for lips and cheeks is a favourite. Eye shadow sticks that can be worn as liner or blended out with a finger are easy to pack and to apply - By Terry and Kiko both excel at these. Liquid or cream formulas tend to sit well on hot skin - Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Colour adds a pretty flush of colour to cheeks and partners well with a tan. It goes without saying that anything in miniature is a no-brainer... I tend to save these throughout the year from gift sets, though glossy magazines are usually laden with them in Summer.

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