Ultimate Summer Skincare Guide: Must-Have Products for Your Summer Vacation

As the temperature rises and holiday plans take shape, it’s crucial to remember that summer sun can be both a blessing and a challenge for your skin.

While a sun-kissed glow might be desirable, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to premature ageing, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

To maintain healthy, radiant skin during your summer vacation, it’s essential to prioritise protection and hydration.

With the right approach, you can enjoy your time in the sun while keeping your skin happy and healthy.

Tips for Maintaining a Skincare Routine While Traveling

Simplify your routine: Focus on the essentials such as cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.

Use multi-purpose products: Look for 2-in-1 products like a moisturiser with SPF or a tinted sunscreen to save space and time.

Pack travel-sized containers: Transfer your favourite products into small, travel-friendly bottles to save space and comply with airline regulations.

Many of your favourite brands such as Drunk Elephant, Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, VIEVE, Sol de Janeiro and Ultra Violette offer travel-sized products as well.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating facial mist to combat the drying effects of air travel and new climates.

Cleanse properly: Always remove makeup and sunscreen thoroughly at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Adjust to the climate: Be prepared to switch up your routine based on your destination. You might need a lighter moisturiser in humid areas or a richer one in dry climates.

Don’t forget your lips: Apply lip balm with SPF regularly, especially in sunny or windy conditions.

Sheet masks for the win: Pack a few sheet masks for an easy, mess-free way to give your skin an extra boost of hydration during your trip.

Stick to your usual actives: If you use products like retinol or vitamin C, continue using them to maintain skin consistency, but be extra diligent with sun protection.

Be prepared for breakouts: Pack a spot treatment just in case the change of environment causes any blemishes.

Don’t neglect your body: Remember to moisturise your body after sun exposure and showers to prevent dry, flaky skin.

Protect your skin on the plane: Apply a rich moisturiser before long flights to combat the drying cabin air. Reapply if necessary during the flight.

Consistency is key, even when travelling. Try to stick to your usual skincare steps as much as possible, but be flexible and listen to your skin’s needs in the new environment.

And always prioritise sun protection, regardless of your destination!

12 Essential Beauty Items for Your Summer Holiday

Broad-spectrum sunscreen: A high SPF (30+) sunscreen is non-negotiable. Look for water-resistant formulas that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours or after swimming.

Try: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30

Moisturising after-sun lotion: Even with diligent sunscreen use, your skin needs extra care after sun exposure. An aloe vera-based lotion can soothe and hydrate, helping to prevent peeling and maintain your tan.

Try: Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser After Sun Lotion

Tinted moisturiser with SPF: For light coverage that evens out your complexion while providing additional sun protection, a tinted moisturiser is ideal. It’s a great alternative to heavy foundations in hot weather.

Try: Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broad Spectrum SPF30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Waterproof mascara: Keep your lashes looking lush whether you’re poolside or ocean-bound. A good waterproof mascara will stay put through sweat and swims.

Try: Two Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

Lip balm with SPF: Lips are often overlooked but are particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Choose a nourishing balm with sun protection to keep your lips soft and safe.

Try: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating SPF50 Lip Balm

Dry shampoo: Beach hair is great, but sometimes you need a quick refresh. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume, perfect for extending the time in between washes.

Try: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Facial mist: A refreshing facial mist can cool you down and provide a quick hydration boost. Look for ones with soothing ingredients like chamomile or green tea.

Try: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist

Multi-purpose makeup palette: Save space in your luggage with a palette that includes eyeshadows, blush, and bronzer. Opt for warm, summery shades that complement your tan.

Try: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Leave-in conditioner: Protect your hair from sun, chlorine, and saltwater damage with a nourishing leave-in conditioner. It will keep your locks smooth and manageable. Apply to damp hair after showering, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Use before sun exposure for added protection.

Try: OUAI leave in conditioner

Antioxidant Serum: An antioxidant serum with Vitamin C or E can help protect your skin from environmental stressors while brightening your complexion.

Try: Fresh Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence Oil

Cooling eye gel: Combat puffiness and dark circles caused by travel fatigue or late nights with a refreshing eye gel. Store it in the mini-fridge for an extra cooling effect.

Try: BYOMA de-puff and brighten eye-gel

Gently pat around the eye area in the morning or whenever you need a refresh. Use your ring finger for the gentlest application.

Setting spray: Keep your makeup in place despite heat and humidity with a long-lasting setting spray. Hold the bottle about 8 inches from your face and spray in an “X” and “T” formation after applying makeup.

Try: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

BB Cream or Tinted Moisturiser: Swap out heavy foundations for a light BB cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF. It will even out your skin tone while letting your skin breathe.

Try: NARS Cosmetics Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30

With these essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain your beauty routine while enjoying your summer vacation.

Remember, the key to radiant summer skin is protection, hydration, and a touch of low-maintenance glamour.

My Summer Beauty Travel Essentials

These are my personal essential skincare beauty products whether you’re going on a beach vacation or city break:

Piz Buin Facial Sun Screen SPF50
This scent always takes me back to childhood vacations.

VIEVE Skin Nova Makeup Primer
I wear this under makeup at home and abroad. It gives a lovely glow.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
This is my go-to serum all year round but the travel size is perfect for vacations. The fresh watermelon scent and light product is great for summer skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
A lighter version of the classic magic cream, this is ideal for a warmer climate.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50
I wear this all year round under foundation but on its own during the summer.

Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
This tiny tube of liquid blush goes a long way and lasts all day. I wear the shade HOPE.

MACStack Mascara Mega Brush
The travel size is perfect to pop in your travel bag and makes sure you have long, thick lashes during your holiday.

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set
This travel set of the classic body cream, shower gel and fragrance is ideal for mini breaks and will remind you of summer long after the vacation has finished. I can never get enough of the heady, rich caramel, pistachio, and vanilla scent.

Clarins Eau Dynamisante Treatment Fragrance
This is something I have worn for years and always reminds me of summer. I love an after-shower spritz after a long day in the sun.