Staycation Beauty Must-Haves

 This post contains gifted items

With the majority of us holidaying in the UK this year, I wanted to create a post sharing some of my favourite travel-friendly beauty products, covering hair, skincare, suncare, makeup and so much more! Here are my staycation beauty must-haves...

I wanted to include the Pixi Glow Beauty In A Bag (£20.00), as it comes already sealed and includes the Glow Tonic Cleansing Cloths (x10), the Glow Mud Cleanser (15ml), the Glow Tonic (40ml) and the Peel & Polish (15ml), so pretty much a nice little skincare routine. Depending on your skin type, there are other collections from Pixi in this style, but I adore the Pixi Glow formula, as it really does brighten the skin. I don't normally use cleansing cloths, but sometimes on holiday you just want a quick refresh during the day, and these are perfect for that. As well as for travel, I think these bags are a great introduction to the brand for those that haven't tried Pixi skincare before, or a really lovely gift.

If you want a skincare product that takes care of both the face and body, then I would highly recommend the Eco Warrior Hand & Body Chill-Out Bar*, and if you have sensitive skin, fear not as you can also get the Eco Warrior Sensitive Face & Body Cleansing Bar* (£4.50 each for 100g). These body bars are made from 99.9% naturally derived ingredients, are vegan and cruelty free, so not only do they smell naturally delightful, but they are also good for the skin and good for the environment too. The Chill-Out Bar contains Shea Butter to leave the skin feeling moisturised and cleansed and is the perfect companion for wind down washing after a busy day. The Sensitive Cleansing Bar is suitable on even the most sensitive of skin and gently cleanses the skin using a traditional recipe which is made predominantly with Olive Oil, and Green Clay for an ultra-nourishing cleanse and has a lovely, uplifting natural fragrance to it.

I haven't used cotton wool pads in a very long time, and so I like to take a couple of cleansing cloths with me whenever I travel, just like the Magnitone Wipe Out Microfibre Cleansing Cloths* (£12.00 for 2). These super soft cloths just require warm water to remove makeup, including eye makeup and oil-based makeup. I personally do go in with a cleanser after using the cloth, but if you are going somewhere over night, you may as well just take one of these with you rather than carrying a bottle of cleanser with you. The Magnitone Wipe Out Cloths are washable and reusable thousands of times, and so just think how many cotton wool pads you're not using during all of that time! Magnitone now also do little reusable round pads, which I have and they're are super soft and gentle, which I love for using around the delicate eye area.

It doesn't matter where I am going, or how long for, I always take skincare with me, and the Eve Lom Begin & End Dual Pack Cleanser and Moisture Cream* (£85.00 for 30ml/50ml) is such a luxurious travel skincare duo. In each pack, you receive 30ml of the Eve Lom Moisture Cream, 50ml of the Eve Lom Cleanser, an additional lid in case you want to have the products separate and a muslin cloth. This innovative duo allows you to begin with the 5-in-1 Cleanser balm to cleanse, hydrate, tone, exfoliate and remove all traces of makeup, including waterproof mascara, and then finish with the multi-tasking Moisture Cream, which contains Hyaluronic Acid, which is going to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours after use, which is definitely helpful after a day in the sunshine, at the beach or in the pool or sea. This is a luxe skincare product, but I do like to splurge on products when I am going away, as it feels pampering to use extra lovely skincare on holiday.

I have chosen three different SPF products, as they all offer something a little different, and the first one is the Ultrasun Face SPF30* (£22.00 for 50ml), which I have used for years now, every single day, come rain or shine. The Ultrasun Face SPF30 gives you all-in-one skincare and sun protection to fight visible signs of ageing and restore lost moisture to the skin. If you wear makeup a lot on holiday, then this is going to be for you - it dries down to a matte finish and doesn't leave a white cast, ensuring makeup applies over the top of it flawlessly., whilst keeping your skin protected from the sun throughout the day. The unique lamellar formula delivers photostable, high level UVA, UVB, Blue Light and Infrared A protection along with anti-ageing properties. SPF 30 Face is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and is lightweight, water-resistant and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. Simply apply onto clean, dry skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

If you have particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin, then the Everyday Humans Rose S'il Vous Plait SPF30 Gentle Mineral Sunscreen* (£23.00 for 43ml) will be a dream for you to use! This is a non-nano zinc and titanium oxide physical sunscreen with SPF30 broad-spectrum protection and is ultra-gentle, sweat-resistant and leaves a minimal white cast and a velvety finish that is comfortable to wear. The formula contains Rose which enriches the skin with toning, soothing and pH balancing properties, Aloe Juice which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties along with providing intense hydration and having healing abilities, and Vitamin E which moisturises, repairs and fights off free radicals as well as soothing and calming upset skin. You apply 15-20 minutes before going out into the sunshine, and allow the product to work into the skin, and it can be used with or without makeup and it is silicone-free and fragrance-free. All Everyday Humans Sunscreens are reef-safe, which means they are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, and so if you are swimming near a reef, your sunscreen isn't going to damage the reef, which is pretty cool, as so many formulas can do that. Everyday Humans is available at Naturisimo here.

My final sunscreen choice is for those who like extra high protection, but an extra light formula, and it is the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50 PA ++++* (£40.00 for 60ml). This daily, non-comedogenic sunscreen provides all-day hydration, absorbs in seconds, and leaves a comfortable, non-greasy finish. It contains advanced UVA/UVB technology and pollution protection and is a super lightweight formula with SPF 50 PA ++++ which helps defend against aggressors while also helping to protect against premature signs of ageing. The Daily UV Defense is fragrance free, and so whilst it is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin are able to use it and as someone with slightly sensitive skin, I find the lightweight formula so much more enjoyable to wear than some thicker formulas, as it doesn't irritate the skin. With the Ultra Light Daily, it can be worn alone or underneath foundation and due to the lightweight formula, it doesn't affect your foundation whatsoever throughout the day.

When I travel, I don't always like taking large, bulky, often expensive skincare products with me and so a really great option is the Essence Hello, Good Stuff Milky Face Moisturiser* (£4.49 or 30ml). This little glass bottle has a pump dispenser, so it is quick and easy to use, and contains a lightweight, versatile moisturiser than is formulated with 96% natural ingredients from sustainable sources. The Moisturiser contains Turmeric Root and Oat Water, to calm and hydrate the skin and is quickly absorbed and so you can be out of the door in seconds. This cruelty-free and vegan formula is also suitable for use as a makeup primer, so not only is this pleasant, hydrating moisturiser an excellent skincare must-have for travelling, you can also use it in multiple ways.

I get the FabFitFun Boxes sent from America every season and one item which I have since repurchased is the Voesh Pedi in a Box. They aren't available online but you can get them from beauty salons. These handy little boxes contains a Sea Salt Soak, a Sugar Scrub, a Mud Masque and a Massage Butter, and come in a variety of gorgeous scents. I love taking them away with me, as it gives me the chance to have a little pamper after a long day of walking and each set is often enough for two uses, so you can even share with a loved one. I went to Center Parcs a month or so ago (whenever we were allowed to), and I took one of these with me and it was so nice to just take some time out.

Another pampering item I like to take away with me is a hair mask, and the Aussie SOS Repair Treatment Shots (£3.99 for 25ml) are the perfect size! You can easily get two uses out of these and they come in different versions depending on what it is your hair needs the most. I like to take the Repair one, especially if I have been swimming, as it helps to restore the hair whilst adding moisture and you only need to leave this deep treatment on for a few minutes before rinsing. You can of course leave it on for longer, if you are having a pamper session, but I love how refreshed my hair feels after using one.

Hask Haircare also have some really great travel-sized hair treatment products, including the Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Hair Oil* (£3.00 for 18ml), which is a lightweight oil that absorbs instantly to provide frizz-free shine without leaving behind an oily residue. Argan Oil is a wonder product for the hair especially, and with it being rich in essential fatty acids, it penetrates the hair to restore shine and leave the hair feeling super soft and silky in seconds! The Hask Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner* (£3.00 for 50ml) is a perfect treat for the hair after a day in the sunshine or in the pool. This super strengthening, hydrating treatment will restore and smooth dry, damaged, chemically treated or over processed hair and you simply leave on for ten minutes or more for revitalised hair. You could easily get two treatments from this sachet too.

Even though we are talking Staycations, hopefully there will be some sunshine, and to show off your tan, I recommend the Sol de Janeiro Rio Sunset Glow Oil (£18.00 for 30ml). This lightweight oil moisturises the skin for a soft, silky finish delivering lasting hydration and is infused with light-reflecting shimmer particles, giving the skin a glass-like finish. The formula is infused with a scent of Wild Fig and Brazilian Gardenia, which just screams summer to me! This glowing body oil makes your tan look its very best and contains a hydrating formula of Cupacu Butter, Acai Oil and Coconut Oil to condition and nourish the skin leaving it super smooth and soft to the touch. You can get this in a larger bottle, but this 30ml size is much more travel friendly.

Perfume bottles can often be big and bulky, and so I often look for an alternative fragrance when travelling as I would hate to break a £80+ bottle of perfume. The Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrant Water (£14.00 for 30ml) is inspired by the fragrance of Nuxe Sun products and contains notes of Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Coconut, Tiare Flowers, Vanilla and Musk, and so again, it is the perfect summer scent. You can also use this in many ways, as a fragrance as you would normally, spritzed onto clothes, even onto your hairbrush, so that when you brush through your hair, it delicately infuses it with the scent. I just adore anything Summery, and this is a clean, fresh, creamy, Summer fragrance that is going to be the perfection scent for your travels.

Another multi-use product I wanted to include in this post is the Saie Glowy Super Gel in the shade Starglow (£22.00 for 30ml). Formulated with 75% water, this cruelty-free gel melts into the skin and diffuses with ease for a stunning luminous lustre. Loaded with ten precious extracts including Papaya and Vitamin C to protect and revitalise the skin, this comes in two shades and here I have Starglow, a dreamy champagne gold. You can wear it underneath foundation as a primer, mixed in with foundation for a glowy look, on the high points of the face as a highlighter or even all over the body, on the legs, arms, décolleté etc to add some shimmer to the skin, which if you are tanned, is going to really enhance the depth of your tan and leave you looking and feeling amazing.

For primer, I am loving the Catrice Cosmetics One Step Skin Perfector* (£5.99 for 30ml) which is a moisturising primer that offers high-quality skin care and reliable sun protection with SPF20. Formulated with Ginger Extract and Vitamin C, this light texture pampers the skin with its lightweight and comfortable formula and it contains pigments that boost the complexion and adapt to your skin tone, leaving a soft tint effect with light coverage, so you could even wear this alone, and it is going to even out the skin tone and offer you a little coverage. So not only can you use this as a primer, but as an all-over face product too and it offers moisture to the skin as well as SPF - you have to love a one and done product! Genius!

For foundation, I wanted to include my fail-safe foundation, which is the Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation (£29.50 for 30ml). This foundation comes in an amazing 51 shades, ranging from very fair to very deep, each with a range of undertone variations. There is a whole science thing behind Uoma's shades, and I won't go into it here, but I have the shade Fair Lady T2N, for fair skin, which is a shade most commonly associated with premature ageing and dry/combination skin, so the foundation features Anglianco Grape Extract to induce Hyaluronic Acid synthesis, stimulate collagen production and improve cell detoxification. Say What?! has a beautifully lightweight, long-wearing and hydrating formula that has adjustable coverage that can be built up from subtle to full before it dries to a soft matte finish. The formula is infused with biomimicry pigments, which essentially mimic your skin to give a blurring effect, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. This is definitely such a reliable foundation and I have been obsessed with it ever since first trying it out not so long ago. As you can build up the coverage, and its skin-loving properties, this is such a great do-it-all foundation for travelling with.

The Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF* (£44.00 for 5g) is such an amazing product! This twist-up brush is made from beautiful vegan, sculpted brush fibres that mimic natural hair, and the powder is a dry, physical sunscreen for the face, body and scalp, offering SPF 30 broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun protection, as well as setting your makeup in place! There are five shades available, ranging from fair to dark and I have Nude, which is for light to medium skin tones. Never have I ever come across a loose face powder that offers SPF 30! The formula is also reef-safe and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and as it is a powder in a pretty tube, you can simply pop it in your handbag for touch-ups, and it is also great for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. The powder comes through the brush super easily so you don't have to dip in and out of a compact, and it is completely refillable too, in fact, you do get two pods of powder, and each one lasts a very long time. The brush head is magnetised, so you can remove it for easy cleaning too. I really think this is such a fabulous product, whether you are staying home or going abroad, and such an easy and quick way to apply your SPF!

Carrying on the skin-perfecting theme, we have the Pur Skin-Perfecting Powder Bronzing Act in Light (£22.00 for 8.6g), a buildable and blendable light bronzer shade that provides the skin with a natural-looking radiance. It has an ultra-matte formula, which is perfect for when you are sat in the sunshine - no-one likes a shiny face and this bronzer helps brighten the skin whilst also giving a subtle, all-over warmth that radiates even though it has a matte finish. Here I have the Light version, which is perfect for my fair-to-light skin, but they do also have a deeper shade too. I find that the formula gives a blurring effect on the skin, so my pores are minimised and as the pan is a decent size, you can also apply a little over the shoulders, arms and down the front of the legs too to enhance your tan.

A cute new blush/bronzer compact is the Stila Putty Blush/Bronzer Duo* (£29.00 for 6.35g), which is such a handy size, especially for travelling with. There are four shade duos to choose from, and here I have Bronzed Petunia, which is a little dark for me at the moment, but hopefully once the sunshine appears, it will work for my complexion. You get a bronzer and a blush in a bouncy formula that is infused with Macadamia Oil to keep the skin feeling moisturised and soft along with ingredients that help keep shine under control. I have quite dry cheeks and so this is a lovely nourishing formula for me personally and I find the unique texture blends seamlessly into the skin, without giving that powdery look. You can of course use the bronzer and blush for their intended purpose, or even use them as eyeshadows or on the lips too, and there is a mirror on the inside of the lid if you need to touch up on the go.

I wear contact lenses on a daily basis and sometimes when I am on holiday and the weather is warm, it can melt my mascara, which can run into my eyes, which are often pretty sensitive and it stings. So I wanted to include the Catrice Clean ID Volume & Definition Mascara* (£4.99 for 7ml) as this is a formula that is suitable for sensitive eyes. It has been formulated with 90% natural ingredients and has a slightly hourglass-shaped traditional bristle wand that separates the lashes perfectly as well as adding volume. The formula contains essential vegetable oils and so it is nourishing on the lashes, helping them to look their very best, not only short-term but longer-term too. I find this Mascara wears really well, I never get any smudging or budging, and there was no flaking either. Such a bargain buy!

If you really want to streamline your makeup products for travelling with, then the e.l.f. x Jen Atkin Let's Elfing Do This Palette (£14.00 for 18g) is a wonderful option. I have mine in the shade Light to Medium and it contains four eyeshadows, a bronzer, blush and highlighter and depending on your brow shade, you could perhaps even use one of the matte brown shades for your brows too. The packaging is cool, and I love that it is neat and compact as even though sometimes bulky packaging can be really pretty, it is not ideal for storing. As well as using the bronzer, blush and highlighter on the cheeks, you could of course use them as eyeshadows too, so you have quite a lot of choice from just the one palette here and there is a Medium to Dark option too, although I feel they could have come up with a darker option, as to me it looks more medium-toned.

The sweetest multi-use palette around has to be the Dear Dahlia Paradise Dual Palette* (£26.00 for 4g) in the shade Strawberry Crush. This adorable marble-effect compact fits into the palm of your hand and contains a coral pink multi-balm on one side and two beautiful eyeshadow shades on the other, as well as a double-sided mirror in the middle. The Balm can of course be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks, and the shimmery shadows are super pretty, with a formula that is enhanced with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract which has antioxidant benefits and anti-ageing properties to give a healthy-looking complexion. These do come in many other colour variations, but Strawberry Crush has my heart with its coral, frosted berry and ethereal pink.

When I first saw the Viseart Soleil La Plage Eyeshadow Palette (£39.00 for 18g), even without looking at the adorable packaging, the colour story screamed summer holidays to me. Colour story aside for a moment, these eyeshadow palettes are the perfect compact size for travelling with, and they even have a mirror on the inside of the lid. This beautiful palette features soft sandy hues, pops of bright sea blue, neutrals and a pop of coral, and you get a mixture of blendable matte and shimmer shades. The amount of looks you can create with this palette is endless, and even though it does have some pops of colour, you are going to be able to create an eye look that goes with just about every outfit on holiday! This was my first Viseart palette, and after enjoying the texture and the compactness of the packaging, I definitely want to pick up some more in the future!

I am keeping these multi-use products rolling out and next we have the Dynessa Myricks Vision Flush (£18.00 for 6ml) in the shade Bread N' Butter. There are eight shades of the Vision Flush available and these multipurpose products can be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks for a delicately buildable flush of colour. The formula has a satin, semi-matte finish that leaves the skin with a natural, healthy glow and contains smoothing ingredients that work to blur the look of pores and fine lines. The Vision Flush has an easy to use flocked applicator, and so it is a doddle to use and the shade Bread N' Butter is a dreamy coral shade that is going to look extra amazing with a tan!

If you prefer a cream to a liquid for this kind of product, the Live Tinted Huestick (£22.50 for 3g) is an excellent option. They come in stunning rose gold packaging and are available in nine different shades - here I have the shade True a pretty mauve pink. The award-winning Huestick can be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks, streamlining your makeup routine. It has a buildable, blendable, lightweight, demi-matte formula that is super easy to use and also good for your complexion. The formula contains Hyaluronic Acid to add moisture to the skin, Vitamin E to nourish the skin, Vitamin C to neutralise environmental aggressors and Squalene to heal and hydrate, which is going to be especially fab for lips that have been out in the sun all day.

When it comes to lip stains, you often get ones that are matte or satin, and certainly not ones with shimmer in, which is why I am obsessed with the Jane Iredale Lip Fixation Lip Stain* (£28.00 for 2.75ml) in the shade Devotion. Devotion is a coral colour with super tiny pink and gold glittery flecks in it, so it is the perfect summer shade, and as it is a shimmer finish, it helps to make the lips look fuller. The Jane Iredale Lip Fixation is one of my all-time favourite long-lasting lip products as even after the formula has worn off, you still have colour on the lips that lasts and lasts. The formula contains plant-based oils to condition and protect the lips, so even whilst you are wearing colour, you are getting a lip treatment at the same time. The applicator is a slanted flocked tip and so it is super easy to apply and the size of the bottle is perfect for travelling with or popping in a pocket or handbag.

Setting Sprays are another product that can often be big and bulky, but you can get the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray* (£12.00 for 30ml) in a handy 30ml size, which is great for travelling with. The Your Skin But Better Setting Spray is a makeup extending spray and soothing mist in one product that provides up to 16 hour wear time and keeps your makeup looking fresh throughout the day as well as helping to control shine, which is especially useful on holiday. The formula is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Coconut Water and Aloe Vera Extract and is suitable for all skin types. During the warmer months, I like to pop mine in the fridge and use it throughout the day to soothe and cool down the skin.

I try not to take too many makeup brushes with me when I am travelling, and so having a handy little product like the IT Cosmetics It's Your Brush Love Instant Brush Cleaner* (£11.00 for 30ml) is a must! This is a one-step solution that cleanses your brushes to help them last longer but also to help you apply your makeup more flawlessly. You simply spritz the Cleaner onto your makeup brush bristles, wipe them, and then leave them to dry whilst you go about your day, so that you can return to clean, fresh-smelling brushes ready for going out out! 

Last, but of course not least, I wanted to include some of the new Summer shades from NailKind* All You Need Is Fun collection (£9.50 each for 8ml). There are three brand new shades including Ibiza Sunset, a vibrant orange, Play Date, a strawberry milkshake pink and Flip Flop, a light tangerine shade. NailKind has a vegan formula and contains up to 85% bio-sourced ingredients. If like me, you like to switch up your nail colour frequently, then these summery shades are a must-have. The formula is quick-drying and kind to your nails, and most importantly, it lasts for a good amount of time without chipping! NailKind have so many beautiful nail polish shades, so you are bound to find one or ten that you love!

All the Loves,
Kathryn xxx