Beauty Beat: 5 holiday essentials
Use this checklist on your glam vacation to ensure a 24/7 golden, gorgeous glow
While packing your special holiday clothes, swimsuits and sandals for the perfect summer vacation, it’s easy to forget the beauty products until the last minute. Here are Beauty Beat’s five holiday essentials that will keep your routine simple — without adding bulk to your luggage.
1 CLEANSER
If you’re an avid makeup wearer, pack a solid cleansing balm. Emma Hardie Skincare’s popular Moringa Cleansing Balm comes in a travel size along with a face cream (Dh77 on Cult Beauty).
For those with simpler needs, a gentle gel cleanser will be more than enough. The Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (Dh121 on Cult Beauty) is a joy to use during summer as it smells of crushed berries (it’s all natural though, no artificial fragrance).
2 SUNSCREEN
A routine you just can’t miss is a protective coat of sunscreen. I don’t mean a dab, or a smidgen. I mean the whole recommended half teaspoon for the face and neck, and more on other exposed parts of the body. For the face, use a product with at least SPF 30. There are lots of reliable and affordable ones at supermarkets — Neutrogena is a classic — but one that I’ve been enjoying recently is Aesop’s Protective Facial Lotion (Dh195 at Bloomingdale’s). It’s light on the skin, contains antioxidants and since it’s a chemical sunscreen it doesn’t leave a white cast. There is a slight sheen after application, but it dissipates quickly. It also comes in a handy pump dispenser.
4 EASY MAKE-UP
For the face, think pencils, sticks and cream products in muted shades that can be applied with the fingers. Everything from Nudestix was made for this very purpose, with my favourite being the Nudies All Over Face Color Matte In The Nude (Dh136 at Sephora). It’s a muted, peachy tone that gives a natural flush to the cheeks. The stick does come with a tiny brush. It can also be used on the lips and eyes, but we have better plans for those steps.
3 LEAVE-IN HAIR CONDITIONER
Is there such a thing as a good hotel shampoo and conditioner? I don’t think so. Travel with a do-it-all leave-in conditioner that will hopefully offset all the damage. The Ouai Smooth Spray (which has been renamed Leave-In Conditioner) really does it all; it de-frizzes, smooths, conditions, adds shine and leaves the hair soft and not feeling heavy at all (Dh90 on Cult Beauty). A locally available alternative is Davines’ Oi All In One Milk (Dh120 at various Dubai salons).
5 VIBRANT COLOURS
For the lips go for juicy glosses in pinks and reds, such as the Red Carpet Starlet gloss from Essence (Dh6 on Noon). They’re cheap but work as well as expensive glosses and you can get multiples shades and not feel guilty about it. For eyes, the Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duo in Mimosa Sunrise/Sangria Sunset (Dh168 on Sephora) makes for an excellent travel buddy. Not only do the colours scream beach holiday, the products can be used as blushes and highlighters.