Achieving a 'Bond-girl goddess' look on holiday can be challenging, with common concerns including frizzy hair and skin breakouts. Beauty editors have compiled 18 tips to help travelers maintain their appearance and protect their skin while on vacation.
Skincare and Sun Protection
Proper cleansing is paramount, especially when layering sunscreen and dealing with perspiration. Powder cleansers, such as Anua Rice + Ceramide Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder or DHC Face Wash Powder, are recommended for their exfoliating benefits and portability. For those prone to sun protection-induced acne, Murad Superactive Moisturizer SPF 50: Mattifying Oil + Pore Control is suggested as an alternative to conventional sunscreens. It is also advised to avoid wearing perfume in the sun to prevent skin irritation, stinging, and hyperpigmentation.
To maintain a sun-kissed glow without prolonged sun exposure, self-tan products like St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse or Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops can be used. For scalp protection against sunburn, a mist like Boots Soltan Clear & Cool Protect Suncare Mist SPF 50+ can be applied to the hairline without making hair greasy. In case of sunburn, ibuprofen is recommended to reduce pain and swelling, while petroleum jelly products should be avoided as they can trap heat and increase infection risk.
Haircare and Styling
Managing hair in humid conditions and salty water requires specific strategies. To combat frizz, Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave-in Conditioner are recommended. For those with fine hair who wash their hair frequently on holiday, a microfibre towel like the Rehab Microfibre Hair Towel can help minimize breakage. When dealing with knotty beach hair, a detangling brush and a good conditioner, such as Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Deep Conditioner, are advised. For a more polished look, slicking hair back, potentially while using a deep-conditioning treatment like Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment or Kérastase Soleil Masque Après-Soleil, is an option. Spiral hair scrunchies are suggested to avoid hair dents.
Additional Travel Beauty Tips
To ensure a more comfortable travel experience, noise-cancelling earbuds like Ozlo Sleepbuds are recommended for better sleep. Alternatively, a small travel pillow can serve as a sleep aid. For hygiene and convenience, portable, expandable natural sponges, such as Gainwell Compressed Facial Sponges, can be useful for face washing. It is also advised to remove nail varnish before departure, as bug spray can turn polish yellow. A Kiko French Manicure White Pencil can be used to create a French manicure effect.
For insect bites, pre-emptive antihistamines can prevent severe reactions, and a device like the Heat It Smart Bite & Sting Relief Lightning Healer, which uses heat to relieve itching, is also suggested. When packing toiletries, travelers should be mindful of liquid limits for carry-on luggage, as allowances vary between airports. An exfoliating glove can help ensure an even tan fade and prevent uneven skin texture. Stick moisturizers, like RoC Hydra+ Hyaluronic Serum Stick, offer convenient on-the-go hydration.