Holiday Toiletries: The Ultimate Beauty Bag Checklist

Holidays: the one time you need to look absolutely perfect and need everything from that bathroom cabinet of yours, but also the one time you’re limited to a corner in an otherwise overpacked case (or worse – a small plastic bag for liquids smaller than 100ml). With space for beauty essentials limited, it’s time to get smart about how you pack and make the most of your limitation. Remember, holidays can be a time to let your natural beauty glow and it’s all about picking your items wisely to do just that.

Bathroom Cabinet essentials

First of all, where are you going? Do you definitely need to take your usual shower gel and shampoo? If you’re staying in a 5* hotel, for example, the odds are they’ll have some in your bathroom (or will get some hands on some if not). If you’re staying in a fairly busy resort there’ll definitely be a shop where you can get your hands on some wash essentials if not (a couple of Euros on shampoo is definitely cheaper than airline excess luggage fees…we’ve all been there!)

To pack

• Travel-sized deodorant
• Travel-sized toothpaste
• Paracetamol/tablets for upset stomach
• Antiseptic Cream
• Toothbrush
• Moisturiser with SPF
• Lip balm

To buy there/be provided by hotel/buy in airport

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Suncream
• After sun
• Bug repellent/after bite cream

Makeup

Now this is where it gets more tricky…we all know you can’t get your hands on Nars in any old shop! By optimising on your space through ignoring unnecessary toiletries (those you can buy there), you’ve hopefully left a little bit of space for the nighttime essentials. We tend to find, if you’re sunning it up, heavy makeup looks lose their effect and it’s time for your natural beauty to shine through. Rather than thick layers of makeup and contouring, you might want to try a lighter foundation or a tinted moisturiser in combo with an anti-shine powder – it will allow those gorgeous freckles and your lovely natural features to shine through. Avoid heavy eyeshadows and too much mascara – no one likes panda eyes in the heat! If you do opt for normal makeup on the evening, try bright colours and shades – they’ll compliment your tan perfectly and it’s the one time of year you can get away with it!

• Foundation with SPF/Tinted moisturiser
• Bronzer
• Anti-shine powder
• Light mascara
• Colourful lipsticks and eyeshadows
• Small (max 30ml) perfume
• Highlighter

Makeup looks are all about bringing out your natural features on holiday – considering how to highlight and colour in the right places. Go light on everything and you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

Holiday essentials will always be more important than your makeup and, if there’s a chance you can’t get your hands on suncream where you’re visiting, do not risk it. No amount of foundation can cover nasty sunburn and you’ll regret it in the long-term – lipstick does not look pleasant on chapped lips, blistered skin doesn’t flatter many of us. Got any suggestions to add? Let us know on Instagram.