After sharing a photo of the inside of my suitcase the other week, I thought I’d talk about some of the many products I took with me on holiday.
We spent a week in Majorca with temperatures of 27 to 30 degrees C. I brought enough lotions and potions to cover myself, my sister and niece.
Cleanser
I got Pixi’s Double Cleanse by Caroline Hirons in the re-issued Cult Beauty Box, just in time for my trip. It was handy to have a cream and balm cleanser in one container. I used the cream in the morning and the balm in the evening to take off my SPF. I liked the texture of both a lot. The cream is, well creamy, and the balm is nice and solid.
Vitamin C
After cleansing in the morning I applied a layer of Vitamin C serum. This powerful antioxidant is a good way to counteract the damaging effects of sun exposure. I took two from both ends of the price spectrum.
At home, I normally apply DCL’s C Scape High Potency Night Booster 30 in the evening because of its grainy texture. It contains 30% vitamin C (L ascorbic acid) and gives a sharp tingle on application.
As my skin got drier through the week, I switched to The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% vitamin C because it’s in oil form. I’m extremely curious about the new Vitamin C 30% Suspension in Silicone from The Ordinary. I suspect it stings pretty intensely. Let me know if you’ve tried it.
Facial Sunscreen
For a base layer in the morning, I applied Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50 by La Roche-Posay. It was indeed very light and a pleasure to apply.
For re-application I took Bioderma Invisible Fresh Mist SPF 50 which was a revelation. The mist is so fine you barely feel it hit your skin. This makes topping up your sunscreen an absolute breeze. I never broke out, even with my combination skin.
Body Sunscreen
I knew we’d be spending a lot of time in the swimming pool so I looked for a sunscreen that would stick. I researched a lot of high-end brands and while most say they are “water resistant”, I went for Marks and Spencer Ultra Defense SPF 50 because it’s “very water resistant”.
I bought the cream for applying in the morning and the spray version for re-application. Not glamorous, but the best for our needs.
Lip Protection
Lanolips Tinted Balm is very moisturing and contains SPF 30. I got it in Rhubarb which is a natural-looking pinky colour. Good for poolside or on the beach when you’re not not wearing lipstick.
Body Moisturisers
I took my trusty La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume as well as the E45 Intense Recovery spray in case my skin got too over-heated from the sun.
I finished with a little Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse for the oil sheen and tropical scent (which my sister is now obsessed with). I didn’t wear any of the handful of decants I took in the end.
Hair
I took travels sizes of Bumble and Bumble’s sulphate free shampoo and conditioner but the conditioner wasn’t mosituring enough after a day in the sun and pool. Luckily, I had brought along a small tube of Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask by Briogeo and that worked wonders. I honestly think my hair came home in better condition that when I went.
I’m still experimenting with styling my hair using Wave Spray by Quai, so the jury’s out on that one. I shared my sister’s great smelling Sun Care Protective Hair Veil spray by Aveda for a UV filter and covered my hair as much as possible.
At Duty Free on the return leg we tried a lot of perfumes to pass the time. Both my sister and niece have great noses. My sister spritzed Eau de Pamplemousse Rose by Hermes for the flight home while my niece said Angel Muse was her favourite. The reason being “It smells like Daddy’s Christmas cookies”.
Do you have vacation sun, skin or hair care products to recommend?
A Bottled Rose 
We’ve had a terrible summer so I can’t say I needed any of these products 😊 But I’m very curious about the spray sun lotion since I always use the SPF 50 anti Helios face lotion which you also write about.
Thankfully today is a wonderful sunny day, but hardly SPF 50 worthy.
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August has been rotten here weather-wise too but I’m trying to remind myself we had good weather in June/July.
The LaRP mist is just like a fine water spray. I have no idea how they’ve made it SPF 50 but it’s great for mess-free topping up, especially in the city.
Enjoy your sunshine today!
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Ooh, was very interested in the Ultra Light Fluid sunscreen, having bought a more heavy duty one in that range in error – it is rather claggy and I don’t think I would even use it on my face.
I spied that fox themed wash bag? I gave a friend that as a birthday present – the very same colour too! Great minds.
I have a very rudimentary regime in the sun – my bad! – but to be fair I haven’t actually lain in it lately.
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Very much you using “my bad” V!
Yes, that is a foxy washbag. I’m in good company then as you have great taste.
All the beauty bloggers swear by the LaRP Ultra Light Fluid so definitely do check it out. It’s excellent. Perhaps you could use the heavier one on your decolleté?
I know it’s the worst thing you can do but I did lay out in the sun on holiday, with my head in the shade, for a while. It’s nice having tanned legs for once.
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Blimey. I take absolutely nothing different on holiday to what I use here. Which also isn’t much. I very rarely use sunscreen, meaning just about never. Maybe a bit on the back of my neck from a bottle that’s at least three years old hidden in the bathroom. I do use a Lobello lipbalm, Factor 30 though. Sunburnt lips are so painful. I’ll use your stash if we ever go on holiday together. 😄 xxx
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I only found out recently that sunscreen deteriorates over time so you should buy fresh every year.
My stash is your stash 🙂
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I don’t use the stuff. Not worth the investment. Of course the sunscreen maffia say it deteriorates. Mine still stopped me getting a redneck whilst biking. Good as new. 😈
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Ha! I’m pleased you didn’t turn into a redneck while biking 🙂
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I’m very curious about your spray sunscreen. I looked it up and I do not see it saying anywhere that it is for face. On the other hand, it doesn’t say it is NOT for face (I mean, I didn’t find it saying anywhere “for body” 😉 ).
The only difference when I travel to sunny places is the quantity of sunscreen products I bring with me. My favorite sunscreen for body is also a spray from Kieh’s. For face I liked Shiseido products but I’m open to trying new things. Now I’m using Paula’s Choice “RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50.
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It’s such a slim canister that I can’t imagine it holding enough product for regular use on the body. Also ive only ever seen these kind of water sprays for the face. I just assumed it was a facial mist.
I’m currently using the same Paula’s Choice product and I think it’s brilliant. Such a great light consistency for everyday use.
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I love the idea of the spray mist sunscreen by LRP Tara. I must confess I also never wear sunscreen…wwhhaat..being an Aussie!..Well I only go in the sun before 10am or after 2pm in the summer, for 15 min to get my vit D, and wear hats sunnies cover up or stay in the shade. Winter a little more in the day to get a bit of UV rays.
The lanolips are Aussie brand Tara.
Your niece is cute and picked a nice perfume too.
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I wonder if hat, sunnies and cover-up are actually a better option than spf. Especially if you aren’t out in the hottest part of the day. Your moisturiser may have it in any case.
I didn’t know Lanolips was an Aussie brand! I feel so connected to Aus now I have so many lovely friends there.
My niece is my sun, moon and stars. It was beyond wonderful to spend a week with her.
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