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The Best Beauty Essentials to Pack for the Beach
Feature: Long Read
Words by Emily Kerr
Summer is on the way and with a jam-packed social calendar, we bet you can’t wait to lounge in the sun on your next holiday. There is no doubt your trusty sunnies and swimsuit will be first on your list of things to pack, but packing the right beauty products, from sunscreen to heatproof make-up and SPF-infused skincare, can be a little more challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled your guide to the ultimate beach bag essentials, so you’ll be ready to soak up the sun while looking and feeling your best.
What sun protection should I prioritise?
Sun protection is essential regardless of your skin type or concern. Under the midday heat you’ll want to consider an SPF that offers maximum protection, therefore look out for SPF50 and SPF50 PA++++. Both provide 98% protection from UVB rays and the latter, high UVA protection. Try La Prairie’s Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 50 or Dr Dennis Gross’s All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ – both are fast-absorbing and lightweight options for your beach bag. But remember to top-up every two hours for your SPF to remain effective. If a dip in the ocean is how you like to cool off, reach for Decorté Sun Shelter Water Resistant SPF 50+. This hard-working gel can reduce the likelihood of damaging UV rays penetrating your skin even under water. As for a sunscreen you can use on your body apply Clarins' Sun Spray Lotion Very High Protection SPF 50. Non-greasy, nourishing and easy to re-apply, your skin can remain hydrated, radiant and protected.
How to wear make-up in the sun?
Whether you require a ‘no make-up make-up’ look for beachside activities, or light touch ups for post-beach soirées, less is more when it comes to your complexion in the heat. Firstly, preparation is key. Multi-tasking make-up products such as U Beauty’s The Super Tinted Hydrator provides lightweight coverage and a healthy glow. Massage in a good dose for blurred, supple and smoothed looking skin (hello, shea butter). Highly pigmented cream formulars such as Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand can easily be applied using your fingers and bestows a soft natural glow. Beat the humidity and swap to waterproof products like YSL's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof mascara or Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eyeliner for a smudge-free, locked-in eye look. Set your make-up using Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Lightly patted onto oily areas it’ll keep any unwanted shine at bay and avoid make-up slipping throughout the day. Alternatively opt for a dewy (not oily) finish with a spritz of antioxidant-rich Mac Prep x Prime Fixx Lavender mist to minimise free radical damage and refresh your look.
What fragrances are best to take on holiday?
Choosing the ideal beach bag fragrance is key; it should be long lasting, transcendent and unique to your taste. Scents are known for their memory-bottling benefits so if you enjoy spritzes that are inspired by warm, hazy destinations try Tom Ford’s Soleil de Feu Eau de Parfum for a sunset cocktail of amber and sandalwood. If you like a cold wash post sunbathing, opt for light, fresh, green notes, such as fennel, found in Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Aqua Media Cologne Forte eau de parfum (think of garden herbs submerged in a glass of icy sparkling water). And if you simply delight in a fragrance that embodies both, Diptyque's Do Son Eau de Toilette spotlights pink pepper and exotic orange blossom notes for a spicy-sweet and floral aroma. This scent will wrap you in a creamy, fragrant cloud and elicit memories of carefree summer evenings.
10 Products to Pack for Your Next Holiday
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+, £27
Shield your skin from the sun's harmful effects with Ultra Violette's reliable Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+. Boasting UVA and UVB protection, alongside moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, you can relax pool-side knowing your skin is in safe hands.
Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Lip Treatment SPF 30, £53
Taking care of your lips is just as important as your complexion. With Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Lip Treatment SPF 30, lips are protected, smooth and moisturised.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hydrating Face Mist, £80
When your skin needs a little extra protection reach for Dr. Barbara Sturm Hydrating Face Mist. Infused with powerful antioxidants such as hyaluronic acid and lemon, skin damage and free radicals are minimised.
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion, £28
Don’t let your summer holiday fade away with Lancaster's Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion. Formulated with shea butter this is a sure hero for any post-trip skincare collection for prolonging your tan and holiday glow.
Fresh Floral Recovery Overnight Mask, £63
Blended with squalene and vitamin C, Fresh’s nourishing Recovery Overnight Mask works by replenishing lost hydration after a sun-drenched day.
SUQQU Suminokou Make Up Fix Mist, £30
Infused with nourishing camellia sinensis leaf extract, Suqqu’s lightweight Suminokou Make Up Fix Mist ensures the skin barrier is strengthened and your look is fortified to prevent smudging.
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder, £69
Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder uses antioxidant-rich skincare ingredients such as probiotics to work against environmental pollutants as well as provide a flawless finish by setting your make-up in place with one easy sweep.
Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier, £34
Don't forget hair protection! Shield your strands from sun damage with every spritz of Rahua’s Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier. Infused with nourishing plant-based ingredients such as mango and green tea your now soft, shiny locks will have a sweet and creamy aroma.
Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum, £245
If a perfume is worth the investment, it is Parfums de Marly's Perseus Eau de Parfum. Expect a day of endless sunshine with its citrus and bergamot blend, offering a sparkling start to any holiday.
Creed Virgin Island Water Eau de Parfum, £265
With notes of coconut and ylang ylang, Creed’s Virgin Island Water Eau de Parfum evokes memories of warm tropical adventures and salt winds – a firm favourite for a day by the sea.
Keep In Mind These Beach Bag Beauty Tips
Versatile make-up products ensure you can pack light and keep a glowing blush on all your high points, such as your cheeks and lips, for a sun-kissed look. Opt for Vieve's Sunset Blush Balm for a natural veil of colour.
A matte SPF moisturiser and hydration spray can ensure your skin stays hydrated and cool, reducing the likelihood of redness, breakouts and excessive sebum production.
After a refreshing swim in the sea, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to prevent your hair from tangling and to capture those natural beachy curls.
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