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Lorraine’s PA, Gillian Brett and Beauty Assistant, Joely Walker are heading on a long-haul trip to Thailand for some island hopping around the southern beaches.
They’ve got a hectic itinerary so they need to be strategic packers to cover all bases; sunbathing in Kho Phi Phi (the idyllic setting where The Beach was filmed), partying at Koh Phangan’s infamous Full Moon party, and having some down time in Koh Tao.
Luckily they’re both beauty fanatics and know the very best products to take with them.
These are the beauty essentials that they wouldn’t board the plane without...
Bare Minerals Locked & Coated Mascara, £12
This nifty wand turns any mascara into waterproof form and doubles up as a clear, lengthening mascara if you just want a boost. It will remove easily with your regular cleanser too.
Benefit Sunbeam Complexion Highlighter, £19.50
Dab on your cheeks, above your brow for a glowing complexion or mix a little with your body moisturiser for a subtle shimmer for your legs.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sun Lotion SPF30, £14.99
We can’t get enough of the smell of this SPF, which makes applying it enjoyable rather than a chore. And, of course, it ticks off all the UV protecting bases.
Bioderma Sebium Micellar Water, £7.99
Prone to breakouts on holiday? Use this water-based cleansing water with a cotton pad day and night to remove all product build-up; it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while the sebium-correcting (oil-balancing) ingredient Fluidactiv works to calm down inflammation and prevent blemishes
Worried about your suitcase weight limit? Decant your favourites into these mini and travel-friendly bottles.
Or if you’re already through passport control, pick up a clear travel set from Boots for £5.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, £21.50
We praise this iconic product for giving our hair that brilliant lived-in, beachy, surfer’s style even if we’ve never stepped foot on a board (and without the salt damage from sea water).
Comes in a smaller travel size too.
These sheer lipsticks give a natural looking balmy finish, so they work for poolside or cocktails. Plus they come in a great range of tropical colours – we especially love the bright pink shade for a day at the beach
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, £28
Clinique’s SPF 30, colour correcting cream gives enough coverage for day and night. But the really great thing? Unlike foundation, it adapts easily to your skin tone meaning when you’re one week into your holiday it’ll adjust to your new, more bronzed shade.
One of, if not the most important products to pack is a high factor, long lasting face SPF (we always recommend at least 30 for long-haul travel). The sun’s rays can be lethal in Thailand, even on cloudy days, and if you don’t take proper care you risk burning, pigmentation, early age spots and not to mention the risks for your health. Enjoy the sun safely with this non-comedogenic (non pore-blocking) SPF.
JOICO Smooth Cure Shampoo and Conditioner, £12.95
Tried and tested, this combo will make even the frizziest of hair stay smooth and glossed for around 2-3 days. Take that humidity.
Kerastase Soleil Micro-Voile Protecteur, £16.07
Think as it as SPF for your hair. It stops your colour fading/whitening whilst protecting against UV, salt and chlorine damage. Throw in your beach bag so you can top up throughout the day.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume, £15.50
Use this balm for everything. Insect bites, cuts, sunburn, cuticles, lip balm – it’ll calm them all down and has an addictively refreshing texture.
Liberty Mabelle Print Tana Lawn Weekend Wash Bag, £60
First things first, a wash bag with ample space to store all travel essentials (and a few less essentials that are just too good to leave behind). This Liberty print one does just the trick, its waterproof, has three compartments and a clip so you can hang it in the shower. Plus, the flowery print is very on theme.
MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation Plus, £21.50
For day, night and all the hours in-between this compact will be your go-to for avoiding shiny photo-face. Keep close to hand and use it over your SPF or make-up base as a touch up.
Muslin cloth, Aurelia Monday to Sunday Bamboo Muslins, £18 for seven
When you’re constantly applying SPF and exposing your skin to sun/sea/chlorine/cocktails it can go into panic mode. Use these organic muslin cloths with your cleanser to gently buff away dry, dead skin to reveal your healthier, brighter, clearer skin underneath. The buffing action prevents peeling too.
Nails Inc Spring Summer 13 Collection, £22
Mix and match or just choose one shade, whatever your preference these travel-friendly minis are perfect summer hues and take up hardly any room.
Tip: The heat can cause nail polish to go on too thick and feel tacky, try running the bottle under cold water before applying and use a quick dry top coat like Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat, £10.95, to avoid this
Beauty Director, Sophie Beresiner won’t fly anywhere without this; a little bottle of aromatherapy scents for an instant calm-me-down. Great if you’re afraid of long-haul flying, just dab on your neck, temples and ear lobes and breathe in the soothing scents.
Thalgo Hydra Soothing Lotion, £25.50
Our go-to after sun that calms and cools irritated skin whilst boosting your tan at the same time.
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