Packing for a holiday is the worst, amiright?! The difficulty of choosing what outfits you will most definitely need in your suitcase, not to mention essential hair and beauty cosmetic products, should not be underestimated…
That’s why VIP decided to help our jet-setting readers with a handy guide on what cosmetics you should be lining your luggage with so you can head off on your holiers with minimum stress.
Online Ed Niamh recently headed off to the sun to try out some holiday beauty buys – as a result here are the top VIP products you need to take on the plane with you.
Clear bottles
First up, if you’re just bringing a carry on bag, you’re going to have to comply with restrictions; namely you can’t bring liquids that exceed 100ml. That’s why small clear bottles to bring the right amount of cream, shampoo, conditioner etc with you are simply genius. Pick them up in Boots, starting at €1.99.
Hair Removal
Ah, the great debate. To shave, or to wax? We recommend booking in with a pro for a wax, just so it’s done for the week and you won’t have to think about it again. However, if you do decide to home-wax or use your razor, we strongly urge you to get your hands on Waxperts Wonder Pads (€7.99) and Beautiful Body Oil (€9.99). They nourish, sooth and hydrate the skin and also make sure to keep those pesky ingrown hairs at bay. Hurrah!
Tanning
Let’s be honest – who wants to arrive on the beach and blend into the white sand? There’s nothing worse than going abroad and literally creating shock in the streets due to locals thinking Casper is walking in their midst. Prepare a few days beforehand by exfoliating and moisturising- we really like The Body Shop’s new Virgin Mojito range because it really gets you in the holidays mood with it’s zesty smell. The Body Scrub and Body Butter both cost €19.95. When applying tan, do it the night before you leave so you can wash off any excess in the morning. Our tan of choice at the moment is Tantastic Self-Tanning Mousse (€27.00). It leaves a golden colour that looks totally natural and healthy and doesn’t wear off like you have a skin condition….our pet hate in faux tan! Keep it topped up with Cocoa Brown’s Chocolate Whip (€4.99).
Sun cream
Us Irish need to just accept a simple fact: We are required to look after our skin. Our poor pasty complexions aren’t used to sun rays beaming down on them all day, so protection is a must. We love Lancaster Sun Sport Dry Touch Gel spf50 (face& body) €26.70 – it smells good and blends in amazingly to the skin without leaving any traces behind. Have the lobster effect? Also try Lancaster Tan Maximizer Repairing After Sun €27.90. It’s so cooling and brings immediate relief. For a little glimmer, make sure to try out Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer (€26.50). You can use it on your face, body and hair and it makes you look fab.
Makeup
There are obviously loads of options here, but we’re going to pick the bare minimum of what you need. For the perfect holiday makeup, keep it simple. Think light coverage, some mascara on the eyes and a slick of bright lippy. Bourjois have a new summer range and we just love the BB Cream – it provides a lovely golden sheen without clogging up your skin, allowing it to breath in the heat. Isadora – Buildup Mascara 100% Waterproof (€14.75) creates gorgeous lashes that don’t wash away in the sea, and L’Oreal Caresse Lipstick (€11.99) in Coral is great for that pop of colour. To add a sprinkle of shimmer to your skin, dust over some of The Balm Mary Lou Manizer (€19). It works wonders – our new beauty crush.
Skin care
Here at VIP Towers, we’re loving New Zealand brand Trilogy at the mo. Their Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (€19.99) is 100% natural and makes our skin feel so good. Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin, and with this product you just need 2-3 drops to work through your face and you’re good to go.
Hair
Holiday hair is about one thing, and one thing only – beachy waves. Ain’t nobody got time for straighteners and curling wands on their holiers – embrace your natural side, ladies! To help your inner curl along, we recommend TRESemme Waves Creation Sea Foam (€7.49). It makes your locks look effortlessly sexy and soft.