Holiday beauty products should be portable, sensible and hassle-free. You don’t want to come home crispier, redder, or shinier than you left, and want to look nice, but with an absolute minimum of effort. It’s easier than you’d think.
Wallaroo Sun Hats (From €75 from Neelu in Arnott's): Ultraviolet protection factor refers to the level of UV protection provided by fabric. These sun hats provide UPF 50, come in a universal, adjustable size and are made from crushable, easy-pack fabric. They're available for men, women and children, and offer guaranteed sun protection for scalp, face and neck.
Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer (€399.99 from Arnotts): I wanted to dislike this, but it's fantastic – light, unbelievably powerful and quiet as well as comfortable to hold, Dyson give it a life expectancy of 10 years which makes the investment worth it if drying your hair is a source of dread. I'm a luddite when it comes to blow drying, but even I can create a silky head of hair with this. It's also quite portable.
Voya Organic Voyager Travel Kit (€40): We all hate a heavy suitcase full of products. This handy travel bag contains shampoo, conditioner, body wash and moisturiser (all 75ml) in a charming duck-egg blue pouch. The products are high quality and smell divine, and won't weigh you down.
La Mer After Sun Enhancer (€105): This body cream will make tanned skin glow, but will also give radiance to paler, less olive limbs all year round. The soft, gelatinous texture is soothing and luxuriant.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Solution 100ml (€5.50): This mini version of the classic cleanser is small enough to fit in hand luggage, and prevents the need to bring wipes. Pack this with some cotton wool, and you're ready to go.
Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes (€22): If you insist on wipes (shudder), then opt for these. They still have the signature sting of a wipe, though much milder, and contain some oil to counteract all that alcohol. Just make sure to use a good oil on the skin afterwards. Wipes are a temporary solution. In the long term, they'll guarantee breakouts, dryness and discomfort.
Bobbi Brown Instant Confidence Stick (€34): This clever little pocket-sized stick mattifies shine in muggy weather. It has a pleasant blurring effect over and under makeup, or can be used instead of it entirely.
MAC Tendertalk Lip Balm (€22): A comfortable, low maintenance, all-weather lip colour is a holiday handbag essential. This, from MAC, is pigmented enough to pack a little punch, but is buttery soft with a satin sheen that makes lips look and feel hydrated. No expertise or mirror are required to apply.
Bobbi Brown Sunset Pink Collection: It may seem greedy to put a whole collection as my product of the week, but it is a collection of such outstanding beauty that I couldn't resist. See for yourself – it is gasp-inducingly perfect and wearable. The Naked Tube Tint (€23) and Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow (€44) have become summer staples in my make-up bag.
