It seems like forever ago that I jetted off to Italy and as I sit here, sweater-clad, preparing for my kids’ imminent return to school, I feel like my Summer is drawing to an end. For those lucky enough to be heading off on a late holiday, here are a few beauties I wish I’d packed for mine.
The top row are things you might like to try before jetting off…
TAN FASTER Carrot Sun Tan Accelerators come in 6 formulas with different skin benefits and include natural ingredients: carrot oil, L-tyrosine and henna. They prepare your skin for sun exposure and speed up the tanning process, so should be used for a few weeks in advance of your holiday (L-tyrosine is an amino acid which promotes and stimulates melanin production). Carrot smells lovely and fresh but the Coconut is my favourite as it feels so nourishing and smells divine. Available in large pots or a set of mini shot pots like mine above.
PEDI POWER Pedi-Sox are toe-less socks which can be worn to keep feet cosy post-pedi - just pop them on pre-painting and you can still wear flip flops home without getting cold feet! They can also be used overnight with a moisturising treatment like botanical Sofspa, though personally I’d prefer a pair with toes in for that!
BRONZE ON I’ve been applying Sienna X Q10 Bronzing Mousse with this cute Glove Your Body leopard print tanning mitt. Q10 is more rich and creamy than most other mousse formulas I’ve tried and gives an instant (perfectly presentable in public) golden tint, which develops into a natural looking golden olive tone after a few hours. Glove Your Body is thicker, more dense and sturdy than your average tanning mitt and has finger holes inside for a secure grip. I found that it gave a really smooth application, didn’t absorb too much product and looks way cuter than the average manky mitt in my bathroom. It’s pricier than some, but has much longer lasting power and can be chucked in the washing machine.
Make way in your suitcase for the items in the bottom row of my pic…
BUZZ OFF If like me you get eaten alive by insects on holidays (I have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites) and are afraid to wear perfume in the evenings, then you’ll find this duo as revolutionary as I do. Acqua D’Alfresco is a a natural insect repellent perfume... I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but it smells good! I’d describe it as a sensual, oriental musky evening scent - exactly the kind of perfume I’d enjoy wearing on holiday. Right now I’m using it to keep grumpy late season wasps and midges at bay, but so wish I’d had it with me in Italy *sighs at the mosquito scars still on my legs*. Use the Anti Bug Bite Moisturiser in place of After Sun and you’re good to go - great for babies and children too!
SOOTHE IT Speaking of bug bites, Human & Kind Family Remedy Cream is a great way to treat them, along with skin ailments ranging from sunburn to eczema and cuts. It contains 15 natural ingredients and has a distinct tea-tree scent, which doesn’t bother me, but worth a mention. I adore the packaging and have also been enjoying the hand cream from this range.
LUSH LOCKS Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair is perfect as an intense conditioning treatment or to keep frizz at bay. I’ve been using this at home but it’s great to have something like this on holiday to avoid hair drying out in the sun. It makes my hair feel lovely and soft and doesn’t weigh it down.
HYDRATE To keep your face hydrated, Pur Minerals Miracle Mist contains 70+ essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. It does leave the face quite wet, but is super refreshing, doesn’t interfere with my make-up and can in fact also be used as a setting spray! Mine came as part of a travel set; the full size is 100ml.
GOLDEN GIRL Last but certainly not least is a product I’ll soon be featuring in more detail, Mr Kate Beauty Marks. Essentially glamorous, grown-up tattoos, I like to think of these as jewellery for the skin - gorgeous with a tan and much safer to pack in your suitcase than your actual jewellery!
