A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY
JULIETTE WINTER ON THE BEAUTY PRODUCTS WORTH MAKING ROOM FOR IN YOUR SUITCASE THIS SUMMER.
Take off on your summer holiday with all the beauty essentials you need packed and ready to go.
AN AUSTRALIAN SUMMER is like nowhere else in the world: the sound of crickets, the mingling scent of grilled snags and sunscreen, and the feeling of the sun on your skin. “To me, summer in Australia is all peachy, bronzed and glowing skin… and about trying to keep your makeup on!” says Nicole ‘Pinky’ Thompson — makeup artist, MAC makeup ambassador and author of Making It Up (New Holland Publishers, $49.99) — whose job takes her around the globe for fashion weeks and celebrity photoshoots. “This is the time of year that people want to appear healthy, shiny and flawless. I love shiny moisturising creams under makeup to prep the skin, and mixing luminiser into full coverage foundation to give skin a lighter fresher feel.” Stopping it sliding right off again is a summertime challenge, but one that Nicole says can be overcome with a good primer and layering. “This doesn’t have to mean heavy… I love to buff on sheer layers of foundation in circular motions to work it into skin without creating an edge to your makeup. Spritz in between with a hydrating mist so it doesn’t become cakey — this really works!” What you apply underneath your makeup is even more important if you’re heading into the great outdoors. The experts agree that SPF should be the first thing to go in your suitcase, particularly formulations that offer additional multi-tasking benefits. “Sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine… In addition to sunburn, sun damage is responsible for premature ageing and pigmentation, so well worth preventing,” says Christina Schroder, National Retail Sales and Education Manager at Natio. According to a recent Neutrogena study, 78 per cent of Australians don’t wear a primary sunscreen every day — often because they don’t like how it looks and feels. So it may surprise you to learn just how far sunscreen formulations have come in recent years. “You can get some really great non-sticky formulas,” says Christina. “For the face, look for a moisturiser with high SPF and natural ingredients like aloe and lavender that are gentle on the skin and absorb quickly. My number one summer must-have is a tinted moisturiser with SPF 50+ because you get a moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen in one application. What’s not to love?” Nicole’s top trick for using sunscreen to your advantage is to mix in some liquid luminiser so “the sheen doesn’t just stop at the jawline”. If you’re flying, you’ll feel much fresher when you touch down if you throw a few beauty saviours into your on-board bag. “To protect skin from dry cabin air, I recommend bringing a face mist, a lip balm and a hand cream in your hand luggage and reapplying regularly,” says Christina. “Once you’ve reached your destination, apply a hydrating mask to give your skin a proper moisture boost.” Packing travel-sized skincare and multi-purpose products will also free up some space in the suitcase. Papaya balms and dry oils, such as jojoba and rosehip, can be applied to hair and skin without leaving any oily residue. They also double as a great makeup remover. Christina says you can also be creative with your travel products. “You could swap your body moisturiser for a gradual tan lotion.” If you’re concerned about spills, pack solid formulations. You’re no longer limited to soap, shampoo and deodorant — Lush now make clever Toothy Tabs (toothpaste in a tablet formula) and Diptyque have created beautiful solid fragrances, which are perfect for travelling. Cream cosmetic formulations are handy, not just because they won’t crack or crumble, but also for their multi-tasking benefits. “Cream blush is perfect during summer for that effortless cheek flush but also for when you’re in a hurry. You can rub it on eyelids and across your lips for a quick fix,” says Nicole. And, regardless of where you’re going, there’s always room for a bright lippie. “A great way to get used to wearing a bold lip colour is to apply lipstick with your fingertip and dab it off with a tissue for a more subtle stain,” says Christina. “Corals and deep pinks look extra flattering on sun-kissed skin, so they are my top picks for summer.” >
If you’re flying, you’ll feel much fresher when you touch down if you throw a few beauty saviours into your on-board bag.