Skincare essentials at home look quite different from what I consider essentials on holidays. When packing for holidays, I bring a collection of fancy, feel-good products that serve to enhance the summer holiday experience. These products are not only effective but fun to use, delightful-smelling, and aesthetically pleasing – the perfect companions to sun-kissed skin.
Unsurprisingly, several of my top picks are sunscreens, for the face and body. I am diligent about sunscreen application and have been known to chase family members around the pool in an effort to make sure they’re protected.
First up is Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF50 Body Spray (€36 from Brown Thomas). This is one of three products in the brand’s new sunscreen collection, launched earlier this year. While all three are lovely, I instantly fell in love with the body spray. It’s cool and refreshing to use, it smells like a summer holiday, and at a generous 200ml, it’s perfect for a one-week break (it’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes).
A tube of my favourite facial sunscreen, or possibly two, will also be in my suitcase. Supergoop! Play SPF50 (€25 from cultbeauty.com) ticks every box I can think of when it comes to facial sunscreens. It’s light, suitable for sensitive skin, sinks in rapidly, and leaves no trace apart from a beautiful glow. It works great under make-up, too (and it’s kid-approved – this is one of the only sunscreens my 11-year-old deigns to wear).
The third and final sunscreen in my case is also for the face, but it’s a mist – arguably an essential if you’re a make-up lover like me. I use Ultrasun UV Face and Scalp Mist SPF50 (€23 for 75ml from Boots) with abandon during the day or on sunny evenings, safe in the knowledge that it won’t disturb my make-up. It has an ice-cold, dry-touch, completely transparent formula that’s undetectable on the skin. It comes in two different sizes, but I find the smaller 75ml appealing as it can be flung into handbags without much thought.
After sunscreen, and aside from simple skincare essentials like cleanser and moisturiser, I always make sure to bring one (or several) of Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Mask (€9 from Boots). An instant soothing fix for the skin, this mask calms and repairs jet-lagged, sensitive, or sun-blasted skin in a jiffy. I use one as soon as I arrive to bring my skin back to life and I throw another one in the fridge for skin-soothing emergencies.
When it comes to body care, there’s one product I pack: a thick and creamy body moisturiser. For years, my product of choice was Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (€21 for 75ml from Brown Thomas), but more recently, it has been replaced by another iteration from the brand: the delicious Delicia Drench Body Butter (€21 for 75ml from Brown Thomas). The travel-size version takes up little space and lasts a long time.
Lastly, I’m never without some kind of shimmering body bronzing product to enhance my skin and get those holiday vibes going. There are two products in particular that I love for this; NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for Face, Body and Hair (€26.99 from Boots) and the sometimes hard to track down Sol de Janeiro Rio Sunset Glow Oil (€35 from Brown Thomas). Both are incredible, intensely shimmery dry oils that can be used on the face and body. Unsurprisingly, they also smell incredible.
This week I’m loving ... Sundae Body Foaming Body Wash
A fun, cleverly formulated product has just arrived on our shores. Sundae Body Foaming Body Wash (€14.99 from sundaebody.ie) is available in an array of flavours, and its sole aim, aside from looking after your skin, is to elevate your shower experience – and that it does. It’s an exact replica of a can of whipped cream in packaging and texture – and an utter joy to use. Choose from regular or exfoliating body wash and become immediately addicted (like me).
