What’s in My Beauty Bag? – The Holiday Edition

“It’s the Humidity!”

Is it too late for a summery holiday beauty post? I mean, I’m well aware that we’re technically in Autumn now and that traditionally by now most of us have stashed away our suitcases for another year… but actually, I think more and more of us are jetting off in search of some sunshine all year around.  Case and point: right now, I’m in Florida for all the R&R that I missed out on over the summer while I was sick (check out my Instagram if you’re not sickened by that and fancy travelling along with me…).  These days we’re not as confined to using up our holiday time purely during the summer months, and so Summer Beauty is becoming a year-long thing. More and more of us have that dash-bag of travel-friendly miniatures ready to go. Me included, and I feel like I’ve got a really good mix this year of both tried, tested and true products that I wouldn’t leave the UK without, as well as a few new bits and bobs I’ve enjoyed trying out.

Now that I’ve justified talking about Summer in September (😉), here’s what I’m packing…

Nuxe Moisturising Protective Milky Oil For Hair

My love for all things Nuxe is no secret, and this bottle never leaves my side when I’m pool-side! I’ve got very fine, easily damaged hair and a scalp with a tendancy to burn if I’m not careful. The Nuxe Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair, packed with water hyacinth oleo-active, coconut oil and kau pe flowers (it smells good enough to swig like a pool-side cocktail – but don’t…) protects your tresses and scalp from UV, salt and chlorine. Good shiz.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer

This little bottle of magic comes with me on the plane, to the pool and bangs around in my basket bag until it’s time to head home. The Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a handy and gentle moisturising toner infused with lots of skin soothing goodies like aloe vera, calendula, cucumber and chamomile – perfect for calming dry, sun-burned skin.

Toni & Guy Split End Concealer

Here’s one from my pre-holiday Boots Shop of Shame (…we’ve all been there!). I needed to pick up my favourite heat protection spray and tripped into a Toni & Guy 3 for 2 situation. I didn’t have time to get my dead ends trimmed off before going away (that reminds me; I need to book an appointment pronto tonto once I’m back in Wales!), and this little tub was my quick fix solution. I LOVE IT; it’s a tiny tub (no bigger than your average handbag Vaseline tin) and you need very little to get the smooth, moisturised ends that look as if you’ve just stepped out of the salon, as opposed to the frazzled ones associated with split ends. Oh, and it also smells gorgeous.

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Deliciously Nourishing Body Scrub

I’m pretty sure that Rêve de Miel means “Honey Dream” (pardon my rusty Year 9 French…) – which is precisely what this tiny, travel friendly tub oozes. Firstly, body scrubs tend to come in massive, great big tubs which aren’t exactly travel friendly – however, this beauty is the perfect, travel-sized tub. And secondly, you don’t need great big scoops of the stuff as just a small amount of this honey-textured, nourishing scrub goes a long, long way.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover Pads

If you’re a DIY manicure kind of girl like me, then you’ll know that the neat nail polish you paint on during your pre-holiday pamper sesh isn’t going to last two or three weeks away. No way! I used to lug a whole bottle of nail polish remover with me (which is ridiculous when all you really need is a couple of drops of the stuff!) until I found these handy little sachets by Sally Hansen while I was out in America. Now all I need to do is pop a couple in my bag and I’m good to go. Sadly, I don’t think SH still sell these anymore, but there are plenty of dupes out there that are just as good.

Toni & Guy Get a Grip Prep Spray

The other item in my Toni & Guy 3 for 2; this travel-friendly spray is a bit of a Swiss Army Knife for your hair; it does a lot. It detangles, it smooths frizz, adds volume, injects shine and helps to hold your do in place all day – even when it’s humid. I was umming and ahhing whether to bring my favourite L’Oreal Mousse away with me – I love it, but it’s massive – and wondered whether this could be a good travel alternative for my limp texture-less locks. Well, I wasn’t quite brave enough to ditch my holy grail hair mousse (just in case!), but, turns out that this little spray works almost as well. A couple of spritzes are enough to add a little oomph and ensure it sticks around throughout the day, no matter how muggy the weather gets – a little like sea salt spray but without its drying properties. I love it for my summer holiday, but not for year round use as it can feel a little too sticky and cloying if you use too much.

Sudocrem

I don’t go away anywhere without my dinky pot of Sudocrem. Sure it’s boring, but blimey is it brilliant stuff to break out during a skin disaster. I use it on spots, dry skin, mosquito bites, sun-burn… it’s a lifesaver.

Simple 5 Minute Reset Hydrogel Mask

I love Simple’s range of sheet masks, I’m always popping a few into my basket whenever I’m at the supermarket and spot them on offer because they’re gentle, soothing and nourishing (and cheap!). I’m a big fan of the charcoal mask, but this 5 Minute Reset Hydrogel Mask is so cooling and soothing after a day spent in the sun – plus it packs 40 days worth of moisture. Not too shabby.

Have a lovely week! ♥️

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