Well it definitely ain't feeling like summertime here, so a couple of weeks ago, me and Joe escaped the freezing cold climes of the North and headed off to catch some rays in the Canary Islands.
Firstly, going on holiday in March threw me completely; the idea of having a holiday so early on in the year just felt damn wrong, but it was actually just the ticket. We spent the week chillin' out max, eating great food and suppin' on cocktails poolside. Also, I drank my weight in Watermelon Margaritas (best drink EVER, definitely one to try and recreate).
Hot and sunny weather means a whole different kind of beauty routine to the norm, so here are my top five holiday hero products to help keep you looking cool in the heat.
Sun Protection: Institut Esthederm Sun Intolerent High Protection Body Spray
My skin and the sun really aren't the best of friends. I love the sun but the sun don't love me. I suffered terribly with infected prickly heat when I was younger, thanks to my very weird skin (I had bad eczema as a child, and my skin became really un-absorbent and I get blocked pores very easily). I still suffered badly with prickly heat through my late teens and early twenties, trying every product I could get my hands on to help sun intolerant skin like mine survive in the heat. A few products have eased my troubles short-term, but none quite like the Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray by the French brand Institut Estherderm. This has literally changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic but it really has. Even up to a couple of years ago, I would get prickly heat as soon as it got 20 degrees+, coming out in an awful rash despite slathering on what I thought would help prevent it. I used to feel terribly self conscious about this and had covered it up wearing long-sleeved tops. Just plain awful. I discovered this bad lad whilst checking out Lisa Eldridge's (girl crush) favourite sunscreens video, where she mentions IE. She explained their sun care range was great for people with problem skin, so I hopped on down to my local Space NK where a sales advisor pointed me in the direction of Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray. I used this first in California in September and then again in the Canaries, and boy does that stuff work. No sign of the nasty prickly heat rash, so I actually managed to enjoy these holidays properly. Pricey yes, but totally, totally worth it.
Hair Care: Lush Shampoo Bar
No one wants to be lugging around a big old bottle of shampoo on holiday. Even miniature shampoos don't quite tick the box for me. Enter Lush Shampoo Bar in Godiva. This jasmine and nut-oil packed gem of a product is easy to sling in your washbag for your holiday, and very long-lasting. I washed my hair everyday and the bar didn't even seem to lose it's size and shape at all. How incredible? It lathers up well and leaves your hair feeling clean and light. And as with all Lush products, you can imagine this smells pretty great. My advice? Pair your bar with the great little tin that Lush stocks to keep it dry and last even longer.
The tropical blush: Benefit Coralista
Sunshine for me equals sun-kissed skin and a bit of shimmer for the ultimate holiday make-up look. Now as I don't tan at ALL, Coralista is the perfect flush of colour to help me cheat that healthy holiday glow. The warm coral tone lifts the whole look of your face instantly. This will be my go-to summer blush.
The perfect lightweight base: Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour CC Cream
Full coverage foundation in the sun is a massive no no. You want to keep your look fresh and simple, so when Lily mentioned Bourjois' CC Cream I knew this could be just the thing to keep my skin looking shipshape in the sun without having to pile on a heavier base. Available in four shades, the lightweight formula blends easily into the skin with fingers, and as you'd expect a CC cream to, it corrects any pigmentation/redness issues in the skin for a light and fairly long-lasting make-up base. A winner all round in my book.
Post-Holiday Hero: John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Hair Elixir*
The hot sun and all that swimming can leave your hair feeling a little dry, and when I got home, I lathered on John Frieda's Nourishing Hair Elixir. I've used a few hair oils before, but this is lovely and lightweight, and where other oils have made my hair feel greasy, this didn't at all. The Frizz Ease range caters more for curly and frizz-prone hair, but this was perfect for me to return my hair to it's smooth and glossy state.
What are your holiday hero products?
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