Editor’s choice – summer holiday beauty

By Lucy Douglas

I took my summer holiday early this year. I couldn’t wait until July or August so I took two weeks in April and jetted off to Colombia.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with this feeling: too many beauty products that you cannot travel without, and not enough space in the suitcase. But with the toll that summer holidays can take on your skin – long haul flights, tropical sun exposure, sweltering heat followed by freezing air conditioning – it’s hard to cut back.

Here’s a little glimpse into the contents of my beauty bag:

Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The first product I always pack when I’m going away is a good sunscreen. I’m pale skinned, with plenty of moles, so I try to be extra cautious about sun protection. I love this product from Murad because its oil-free formula doesn’t make me break out. Also, Murad’s new Essential-C Sun Balm, out this month, is a great little stick to top up sun protection.

Mavala nail polishes

Mavala’s tiny bottles are very travel friendly, and last year’s Chilli and Spice collection has some great hot summer shades. I took vibrant purple Samarkand and burnt orange Jaipur to help me look the part on the Caribbean coast.

Darphin Ideal Resource Night Cream

Launched last autumn, this isn’t specifically a summer product, but it’s one of my favourite moisturisers. It’s soothing, not too heavy and is great on dehydrated skin. I smuggled it into my hand luggage so I could do some emergency skin rehydration on my 11-hour flight.

Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder

When I’m on holiday, I don’t like to wear heavy foundation, but I still want some coverage, and something if I’m going out in the evening that’s also going to mattify my skin. At home I combine this powder with a BB cream or tinted moisturiser, but on holiday I use it on its own for a light base.

Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist

I use a thick Thalgo body moisturiser that helps restore my skin on holiday – I always use loads of body cream on holiday after I’ve been out in the sun all day. This spray is designed to make it all work more effectively, but I because it’s so cooling and refreshing, which is ideal when it’s 35º outside.