Beauty journalists are in the unique position of testing an endless array of products—from glow-boosting serums to long-lasting lipsticks—so when a product earns a coveted spot in their makeup bags, you know it’s a good product.
But holiday beauty essentials? That’s a whole new level of attention. To make it into this curated selection, these products really have to stand out. It’s not enough to simply function. These hardworking beauty buys have to be able to tame frizz, banish humidity, and ensure melt-proof formulas that last all day.
We’re curious and asked 5 beauty journalists which beauty essentials they actually take with them on the plane. From hair-protecting masks to multitasking makeup – here are the vacation beauty essentials you should know about…
Perdita Nouril, beauty editor at Women’s Health
“This little magic pot is a must-have for the holidays. The creamy balm is enriched with red camellia oil, making it incredibly moisturizing but most importantly, non-sticky. Thanks to its versatile formula, it can be easily swiped over the lips or dabbed onto cheeks and eyelids for a polished, casual holiday look.”
Chanel N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
“There’s so much to love about this brilliant 2-in-1 compact. The creamy bronzer blends seamlessly into the skin to reveal a beautifully natural and fresh glow. And best of all, it easily survives a day in the heat, sea or pool. Want to jazz it up a bit? The gold shimmer can be applied (over the bronzer) to the cheekbones, rubbed into the eyelids or dabbed into your cupid’s bow. It shimmers and catches the light, but in a grown-up way, ie I don’t look like I raided my kid’s glitter box.”
REESON Highlighter Duo
Chloe Burcham, freelance beauty editor
“Although it may seem counterintuitive to some, a truly natural-looking fake face tan is an absolute must for me when on holiday. This way, I can confidently go makeup-free for the entire holiday while slathering my skin with SPF50 without worrying about looking like a ghost. There are many formulas that I love, but the Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum is also packed with skincare, so you get a double dose of glow – plus the colour looks really natural.”
Bare By Vogue – Face Tanning Serum, Medium
“If you’re blonde, you’ve probably heard the warnings to wash your hair after swimming to avoid the dreaded green tint in your highlights. Well, after a holiday in Sri Lanka, I became that person – and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a green tint. It was a full head of lime green hair. Every time I even smelled chlorine, I would start the frantic, meticulous process of washing my hair. Then I discovered Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap. It’s specially designed to protect your hair from chlorine, sea water and UV rays. I now apply it thickly before jumping in the pool. This way I can actually enjoy swimming without having to worry about ruining my expensive salon dye.”
Philip Kingsley Swim Cap
Alex Friend, senior beauty editor at Red Magazine
“Like any good beauty editor, I take my sun protection seriously, but I was as baffled as anyone by how difficult it is to reapply during the day. This wearable powder has a flattering soft-matte finish that’s as good as any setting powder, but it also protects skin from UV rays. I wouldn’t rely on it as my sole source of protection, but if I’m wearing makeup on vacation, it’s an overdose, then I use it during the day when I’m out and about. If I’m not wearing makeup, I often apply it over my regular sunscreen to minimize shine. A real game-changer on vacation.”
Supergoop (Re)setting 100% mineral powder SPF 30
Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director at Refinery 29
“When I’m abroad and it’s hot, the thought of turning on a hairdryer or straighteners makes me break out in a sweat, so I always let my hair air dry. Hershesons’ Almost Everything Cream makes this a breeze. It melts into my thick, wavy hair without making it greasy and provides just the right amount of hold. My hair is always soft, shiny and smooth when I use it and I never have to worry about frizz or flyaways. I’d say it’s like magic, but that’s all down to the highly effective ingredients. Think moisturising glycerin and panthenol (aka vitamin B5) and hydrolysed wheat protein which deeply hydrates. At £14, it’s a lot cheaper than other, well-known salon brands (and if you ask me, it’s infinitely better).”
Hershesons Almost Everything Cream
Humeara Mohamed, freelance beauty journalist
“I rarely have the luxury of a checked bag when I’m on vacation, so I often have to cram my cosmetics into this tiny plastic bag. This means my carefully crafted formulas have to multitask, which is why I love the Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner. It detangles and conditions (a must when you’re dealing with sea, sand, and chlorine) while protecting from the sun and heat. But the best part is how my hair looks and feels. My hair is straight on top and wavy at the ends, and this really brings out the most beautiful natural texture. It gives me enough confidence to forego all heat tools! When I’m not battling for hydration, I like to pair it with the Ouai Wave Spray and then let my hair dry naturally.”
Sun Bum Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner 118ml
Ouai Ouai Hair Oil
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