Skincare and beauty comes a close second to my love of fashion. I’m less experimental with skincare – the first twenty years of my life were ruled by eczema so I am acutely aware of what suits my skin and hair and what does not.
Living in London – pollution and cold weather are definitely high on the list of criteria I consider when choosing products – along with trying to slow down the inevitable ageing process (!)
However, for me, going on my summer holiday means a much simpler beauty regime. Everything I use on my skin and hair focuses on hydration and nourishment and that’s about it.
Whilst I have never been one to bake in the sun, it is hard to stay completely in the shade and I adore feeling the heat on my body. So when away, I like to balance my need for vitamin D and looking after my skin and hair.
With that in mind, here’s my list of favourite products for my summer holiday:
Body lotion: My favourite holiday pick is John Masters blood orange and vanilla body milk (https://johnmasters.com). John Masters is a great organic brand and this lotion is light but nourishing. It also has aloe vera in it – which is anti-inflammatory and incredibly soothing. A key ingredient for me in the summer months. If I need a little extra oomph I add dry body oil. Something like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (https://uk.nuxe.com) or the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse D’Or - the gold shimmer version, if like me, you like a bit of a shimmery glow on your body.
2. Sunscreen: Being naturally tanned I have had a longstanding issue with sunscreens. Historically, most are thick and white - which means they take ages to rub in and afterwards you can look slightly grey. So I was delighted when I discovered spray/mist sunscreens, a while ago. My favourite is Hampton Sun sunscreen (http://www.hamptonsuncare.com). This stuff is expensive; but as I only buy sunscreen once a year and one can goes a very along way I don’t mind splashing out on this. SPFs range from 15 to SPF70 (!!). These products are not only effective UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreens, they contain aloe vera and a multi-vitamin complex that nourish and hydrate your skin. Hampton Sun sunscreens also contain a compound called Polycrylene, which is said to increase the product's water resistance and filters more UVA rays than the "average" sunscreen. This is definitely a high tech option. There are cheaper versions on the market. I have used an ultra mist sunscreen from Banana Boat (http://www.bananaboat.co.uk) which, whilst not as luxurious, works.
3. Body scrubs: I don’t know if you are a body scrub fan or not – I am and even more so on a hot summer holiday – alternating between sun and sea is wonderful but can be quite drying on your skin. So a body scrub really makes a difference to skin tone by getting rid of dead skin cells. My personal fave at the moment is Prismologie’s Ruby and Cedarwood foaming scrub (https://www.prismologie.com). A little goes a long way and it is on sale at Space NK right now (Spacenk.co.uk).
4. Hair: As I have said before, I am a “wash your hair once a week” kinda girl. But on a hot summer holiday I wash my hair every day. For a few years now I have been using Intelligent Nutrients’ harmonic shampoo and conditioner (http://www.intelligentnutrients.co.uk) - simply gorgeous minty freshness. They balance cleansing and moisturising perfectly in my opinion. The shampoo can also double as a body wash. These products are described as anti-aging, antioxidant rich, volumizing and nourishing. The ingredients are food grade, and the products are formulated without sulphates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Pretty perfect if like me, you like natural hair care solutions.
As for hair styling products on holiday – I tend not to bother, other than maybe some of the dry oil I use for my body.
I take all my usual face products with me, but go minimal. Similarly, with make up. I find a little bit of primer, eyeliner, mascara and lip-gloss is all I want after a day at the beach.
I’d love to know what your favourite summer products are, let me know…