Finally – summer is here and you’re planning to spend a week or two laying on a white, sandy beach, topping up that tan and then dancing the night away in the hottest club at the resort.
If you’re like the majority of us, you’ll probably end up packing way too much, costing you extra cash at the airport and leaving you weighed down with items you’re not going to use. So, before you stuff the contents of your bathroom into your suitcase, check out these simple tips and you’ll be packing like a pro in no time!
1. Lashes that Last
Summer make-up needs to stay light and natural and while you’ll want to ditch your regular make-up routine, mascara is that one essential item that most of use can’t live without! Finding a long-lasting mascara that stays on even after a dip in the pool is ideal and there are many great waterproof mascaras now on the market that don’t need industrial strength remover!
One simple layer of mascara should see you through the day and late into the night and will brighten your eyes while still keeping the look simple and understated. For a real low-maintenance option, have your lashes tinted before leaving so you can skip the step completely or just use a clear mascara for definition.
2. Put up Protection
We’ve all seen the damage overexposure to the sun can cause, both long and short-term and the last thing you want while on vacation is a nasty sunburn. A quick trip to the spa for a spray tan is great for giving you a head start and means you’re less likely to go overboard on the rays when you get there, but you’ll still need a good sunscreen even on those days when you’re taking in the sights rather than spread out on the beach.
An SPF factor of at least 30 is essential and if you’re very fair-skinned, 40 to 60 is a must. Choose a good quality waterproof brand that will protect you even in the pool and don’t forget to reapply after every dip.
3. Foundation-free
One of the great things about being on vacation is you can let skin breathe and give it a break from your usual foundation, powder, and blush. If your skin is relatively free of blemishes and imperfections, a light covering of tinted moisturizer (with added sunscreen of course!) is all you need to even out the skin tone and give it a healthy color.
If your skin needs a little more help, simply dab on some light concealer first and for a really sun-kissed look, add touch of bronzer on your cheekbones, temples, and chin.
4. Tame the Tresses
The last thing you want to do on vacation is fussing with your hair and while it might be tempting to style it into a messy knot and forget it, the sea salt, chlorine, sand and sun are going to leave it looking less than lush!
Take along a leave-in conditioner as a quick and simple way to keep your hair healthy and nourished and always remember to give it a rinse after being in a chlorine-heavy pool. And don’t forget, many hair products now come with added sunscreen to keep it protected from those nasty UV rays too!
5. Get Lippy
Hot weather, late nights and, ahem, over-indulgence can leave your lips dry and flaky – definitely not the look you want to rock on vacay! To keep your kisser perfectly smooth first mix up an easy DIY lip exfoliator using a little sugar and coconut oil and then skip the lipstick and opt for a tinted balm with added SPF instead.
Not only will this help condition the lips and keep them fully hydrated, but it will add a hint of color without the weight of your regular lipstick. And who doesn’t want soft, kissable lips that are ready for that unexpected holiday romance!
With these five basics, you’ll be able to spend less time in front of the mirror and enjoy every single precious second of that much-deserved vacation!
