What should you do pre-travel, which products should you pack and when should you use them? Read our expert’s advice to look truly fabulous on holiday
Whether you’re flying business, first or private plane, or turning right into economy, you’ll want to look and feel great at your destination, from luxury beachside villa or yacht to city break. Rosie shares her indispensable advice on taking care of your skin and body before your trip, in-flight and at your destination plus how to help skin recover back home. You’ll impress at the departure lounge through to long after your tan fades.
What can I do to prepare my skin in the weeks before my trip?
Try Heliocare Ultra D Capsules. These capsules can be taken first thing in the morning and then repeated four to hours later during periods of high-risk sun exposure. If you are very sensitive to the sun and burn easily, I recommend that you start taking the Ultra D up to two weeks prior to going on holiday.
Ideally, I’d suggest you also have a course of HydraFacials too, once a week leading up to the holiday. Or just one will give you an amazing glow when you leave and for the first couple of days. (And don’t forget your décolleté and hands – ask to have your treatment extended to cover these areas too, if possible).
If you would like a longer term alternative to waxing or shaving, which is pain-free and even improves the skin, consider Soprano ICE for permanent, long-term laser hair removal. Have your treatments 48 hours prior to sun exposure and ideally two to three weeks prior to your holiday to ensure best results.
Many of us are in pretty good shape but have little pockets of fat we’d like to get rid of but haven’t managed to through good diet and exercise – around our middles, for example, which is challenging when you’re wearing shorts or a bikini. Try CoolTherapy fat reduction six weeks before your holiday or, even better, start a course of three treatments three months before.
For fabulously smooth, toned and even skin on your body – perfect pre-tan – try Vi Derm body scrub and lotion twice a week for silky, radiant skin. Stop using these products a week before sun exposure as their active ingredients are amazing pre-holiday, just not suitable for when your skin is in the sun for prolonged periods.
What about in the days before I go away?
Make time for a few final preparations – most can be done quickly at home or in a salon.
Self tan – I use St Tropez Gradual Tinted Body Lotion for a natural, healthy-looking tan. Or try trusted Condé Nast Traveller’s top spray tans in London, several of which are also recommended in Sheer Luxe’s top tanning list.
For your neck and décolleté, try these little miracle workers. Endocare Tensage Ampoules boost the elasticity and firmness of your skin and improve overall tone and texture.
I love to have pretty hands and feet. With CND Shellac Manicure and Pedicure I don’t have to worry about drying time as the UVA lamps set the gel in 2 minutes. And the big plus is that your polish will last for the whole of your holiday and endure those long sunset walks along the beach! You could also read Harpers Bazaar’s recommendations for the best manicures in London.
LVL Enhance Lashes by Nouveau have recently become a holiday essential of mine. LVL straightens your natural eyelashes at the root creating the effect of longer, lifted lashes. I also have an eyelash tint alongside my lift – the combination of the two allows me not to worry about mascara for a month. It’s amazing!
How do I look after my skin in-flight?
It’s essential to keep hydrated so minimise your alcohol intake.
Facial spritz helps to freshen and hydrate your skin – I use Avène Thermal Spring Water.
I also like to take the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque aboard as this product doesn’t require removal so you can apply and leave the mask and leave it on to do its work without getting messy.
Before I leave the flight, I use the Intraceuticals Essential 3 Step Pack. This comes in a neat little bag, with three travel-size products, including Rejuvenate Daily Serum, Hydration Gel and Moisture Binding Cream.
Last, but certainly not least, I do a quick application of Heliocare Sun Touch SPF, to protect my skin when I go out into daylight. It feels gorgeous which is an added incentive to apply SPF.
What should I do upon arrival at my destination?
We adore Timeless Truth Collagen Mask – clients use them in the clinic and they’re such a treat as their ingredients nourish and help repair skin whilst also reducing signs of tiredness and dehydration. Brilliant after the rigours of air travel.
How should I care for my skin while I’m away?
Vitamin C and SPF are the two most important products in your skincare regime so make sure your products include these. In my toiletry bag I always have:
a lip balm with SPF to protect and keep lips comfortable, like Rodial’s
Facial SPF: try Heliocare Sun Touch, Gel Light or XF, all of which are SPF 50, depending on what finish you would like. Heliocare offer a wide range of sun protection
an oil-free powder SPF: Heliocare Oil-Free Compact SPF 50 has good coverage and it’s small so it fits into your day bag with ease and is ideal to top up during the day
Body SPF: I use Heliocare Advanced Spray SPF 50 as it’s great and easy to apply, non-greasy and moisturising. The only thing disadvantage is that you’ll find everybody wants to borrow it so beware!!
What should I do after sun exposure?
I apply Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel. If you’re in a hot climate, keep it in the fridge as it feels lovely and cool on the skin. This hydrating, oil-free calming serum helps to sooth and relieve irritated skin. Good for post-sun exposure, sunburn, heat rash and bites.
This is another good time to relax with a Timeless Truth Collagen Mask. Also keep these in the fridge. Hydrating, soothing and anti-ageing.
I also like to use a body lotion: Palmers Coconut Oil Body Lotion really does keeps the moisture locked in all day. A fabulous, affordable daily moisturiser for holidays.
And for a natural (and very economical) skin saver, take plain and simple aloe vera gel with you for sunburn, to soothe and cool the skin.
What about looking after my hair?
I love using a hair mask when I am on holiday and Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak is ideal to restore that moisture after the sun, chlorine, sea water and repetitive hair washes have stripped locks!
Keep any frizz at bay with a serum which really helps – I love OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil.
What about self tan?
If you’d like to avoid sun exposure but still give skin a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow, try some good quality self tans and find one which suits your skin tone and is pleasantly fragranced. Space NK has some great brands – look at Tan Luxe’s illuminating self tan drops, Vita Liberata or Institut Esthederm.
What should I do for my skin after I return home?
HydraHeal is fabulous or Intraceuticals Infusion to restore, repair and rejuvenate, boosting your post-holiday glow.
Wishing you an amazing time, wherever you’re travelling to next!
Have a wonderful trip and if you’d like to talk to me or the rest of the team, do get in touch by email or call us on 020 7486 3849.
