If you’ve seen both parts of my little adventure to the Maldives, you’ll know that my winter sun getaway was packed with fashion, food and culture. Before I left the UK, I knew I needed to stock up on beauty buys and beach-side essentials, but I hate packing to go on holiday. Packing is literally like being forced to be organised, and I’m not organised. I tend to forget the most important things (like toothpaste and underwear) and pack such rubbish that I wonder how I’ve managed to dress myself for 25 years (or however long I’ve been dressing myself).
So this time, I had a little help from Skin Pep, Solillas, Word Duty Free, and Sun Sense.
World Duty Free Beauty suggested these uber-cute miniature DKNY apples in a special travel edition – genius for three reasons. Number one, each adorable apple is only 7ml so there is no need for awkward frisking at airport security – good news for everyone. Number two, each apple is different. You’ve got the Be Delicious EDP, the Be Delicious Fresh Blossom EDP, Be Delicious EDT and the new Golden Decicious EDP (which is scrummy). Number three, they are seriously good-looking. I’ve currently got one in my handbag, one in my car, one on my desk and one on my dressing table.
World Duty Free Beauty also sent over a Clarins Sun Essentials travel exclusive. Words literally can’t describe my love for this sun-care kit. Again, each product is either 50ml or under so if you’re only travelling with hand luggage – this kit is a must-have. It features Sun Wrinkle Control Cream and Milk Lotion Spray that are both UVA factor 50+ (that’s seriously impressive sun protection). It also includes Ultra-Hydrating After Sun Moisturiser and HydraQuench Cream – both of which are so important for your skin when spending hours and hours in direct sunlight. The HydraQuench cream was particularly soothing after a ten hour flight that sucked all the moisture out of my face.
This handy little Sunsense Lip Balm completed my facial skin care whilst in the sun. With 50+ protection, it’s enriched with vitamin E and feels super soft against your skin. It’s very gentle but offers maximum protection.
I took it everywhere with me, topping up every few hours. I’m still using it now, as ultra-moisturising protection against this freezing cold winter! It leaves my lips feeling silky smooth, and for once in my ENTIRE LIFE the cold hasn’t made my lips crack. Result or what?
These beautiful little leopard print sandals by Solillas solved my day-to-night footwear problem. Cruising from the beach to dinner is a breeze with shoes like these. They are hand-stitched using traditional methods and the soft leather construction adapts to my feet perfectly. I LOVE that each and every pair of Solillas are handmade in a family-run business in the small Menorcan town of Ferreries. That, my friends, is true quality.
Last but not least, Skinpep’s Hydra-Sun Defence saved me the effort of being completely perplexed wandering up and down the Sun Protection aisle of Boots. Claiming to match the natural colour of your skin, this sun-cream feels expensive as you layer it on – and at £34.99 a bottle I’m surprised it doesn’t have sprinklings of gold-dust in it. I don’t usually justify a price like that for 70ml, however, hear me out. Apparently average Joe sun-cream is absorbed by your skin cells, which depending on their chemicals can be damaging. What’s different about this one is that is creates a barrier on the outside of your skin rather than the inside – never entering the skin cells. Cool huh?
Have you had some winter sun this year? Or are you heading somewhere hot in the New Year?
