Holiday season might be slowing down for many, but after a long summer of travelling, and with a busy autumn with more trips to come – I thought I’d give a little insight into all my travel must-haves; how I like to prepare, my go-to beauty routine for skin and body, packing tips, my carry-on essentials, and last but not least – how I like to maintain it all whilst on holiday!
#1
PRE-HOLIDAY ROUTINE
It’s all about preparation when it comes to your skin and body. It’s what actually happens before travelling, that really makes all the difference (and what ultimately makes you feel a lot better about yourself when you’re away!). Here are some of my favourite go-to routines pre-vacay; a combination of old classics and some of my latest beauty and wellness discoveries…
AM & PM BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
Ensuring I have a solid skincare routine for both day and night is always super important (not just before a holiday). However I do make sure I´m feeding my skin with extra moisture in the weeks leading up to travelling; as not only is the actual flying (especially long-haul) incredibly dehydrating for your skin, but intense sun exposure and changing climates – can really create a parched and stripped complexion. So lots of moisturising products to hydrate!
I´m a self-confessed beauty junkie, and my day-to-day routine is not necessarily a straight-forward one; I like to switch products around a lot (all depending on how my skin feels at the time) and have several steps I have to complete both AM and PM. To sum it up? It (always) includes cleansing, toning, adding layers of moisture (serum & moisturisers), face massage and SPF (with weekly face masks and dry brushing). Some of my current favourites include…
La Mer Cleansing Micellar Water, Brilliance Brightening Essence & Renewal Oil / Aveda Facial Dry Brush / Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Spray / Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules / Zelens Z-Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser / Darphin Facial Sonic Cleansing and Massaging Face Brush / Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser / Goldaden MD Fresh-a-Peel / Institut Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser / Creme de la Mer Perfecting Treatment / SkinOwl Eye Gel / Dr Dennis Gross Dark Spot Defense SPF 50 / Susanne Kaufmann Rose Oil / Origins Matcha Madness Powder Face Mask / NIOD Photography Fluid
FACE PLACE
One of my guilty pleasures, is getting a facial on a monthly basis. And one which has firmly become my all time favourite one so far, is the Face Place Signature Facial at Rosewood Hotel. Without a shadow of doubt, this is the most incredible and result driven facial I have come across; you literally leave glowing, and the results lasts for ages. I struggle with slight pigmentation and an uneven skin tone, and with this facial, I feel like I don’t even need make-up to cover it up…
The signature treatment combines deep pore cleansing with Yukka Root, Vitamin C and Zinc – key ingredients which penetrate the skin with galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone, regenerated skin cells, firmness, and a clearer, lifted complexion. In other words, the ideal facial to start off with before a holiday, to really help smooth, add that dewy glow and create a healthy complexion for your vacation…
Face Place at Rosewood Spa London
SKINADE
I shared my experience with Skinade in this post a while back, and I´m just as obsessed now. If you don’t recall; Skinade is basically a drink – for your skin. It works from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface, boosting natural levels of hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It´s become a pretty regular staple in my daily routine, and something I definitely try to have before any travels (and even during) to boost my collagen, skin texture and tone. Love it.
Skinade 30-day Holiday Edition Supply
BODY BRUSHING & EPSOM SALT BATHS
Body brushing is such an easy and effective thing to add into your morning routine; helping combat cellulite, increase your circulation and boost your lymphatic drainage system. Invest in a good dry brush, start from the bottom of your feet, and work your way up each leg (in long brush strokes), continue onto each arm (always working up towards your heart), then onto the stomach, neck, back… It will leave you a bit red and possibly tender the first few times, but after a few weeks of adding this into your morning routine, it will quickly become part of your daily rituals.
Having Epsom Salt baths is ideal to do all year around, preferably 1/2 times a week – to really help re-plenish your body with magnesium, as well as to help smooth and detoxify. The latter of which is super beneficial pre-holiday, when you want to look your best! I usually have one every night in the week leading up to my travels. I pop 1 mug of natural epsom salts (I bulk buy mine from Amazon) in a very hot bath, and soak in it between 20-40 minutes. Trust me, this really works.
BODYFX WITH DR. DAVID JACK
For that added boost and pre-prepartion for your holiday, I´m a big fan of Dr. David Jack´s treatments – especially BodyFx (also known as one of Kim Kardashian´s favourites!) – which is targeted for lax body texture and that dreaded cellulite… What I particularly love about BodyFx, is that it´s a non invasive treatment and requires zero down time (it literally takes less than 20 minutes each time). It uses Radiofrequency energy to heat the deep tissues of stubborn areas of fat to break down the fat cells and restructure the deep collagen fibres supporting the skin, reducing the appearance of any lumps and bumps – whilst firming and smoothing the skin texture. As with everything, multiple session and a consistent programme is recommended, and although the result varies; the real effects start taking place 8-12 weeks after the initial treatment programme.
To be honest, I didn’t really expect to see such great results, but after starting it a few months ago – my skin feels so much smoother, firmer and tighter. So if you have any holidays planned, or you want to kickstart the process during winter, for the spring season – this treatment is a well-worth investment if you struggle with any stubborn, excess skin or cellulite. Alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, this is a winning combo.
Prices start from £100 per session – contact Dr. David Jack for further information.
WEEKLY HAIR MASKS
Every Sunday, I have my little ritual with a facial and conditioning hair mask. After shampooing, I towel dry my hair and lather in either an oil or a creamy mask, cover with a towel and leave on a for a few hours (or overnight, if my hair really needs it).
This weekly ritual really makes such a difference to the condition and feel of my tresses, and I would never be without it! I´m currently loving these ones…
Wella System Professional Repair Liquid Hair / Phytospecific Baobab Oil / Kerastasé Masque UV Défense Active / Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Cream
BOOTCAMP PILATES
Upping up my workout pre-holiday is a kind of a given; who doesn’t want to look and feel their best in a swimsuit? And one of the things I find give the greatest (and quickest) result, is Reformer Pilates. A combination of strengthening, toning and lengthening – it really is one of the best (and most enjoyable) workouts out there. I´ve tried several different studios, but the one I keep coming back to – is Bootcamp Pilates in London.
It does what it says on the tin, and unlike many other studios, it’s a more affordable option (but still as effective).
Book your Bootcamp Pilates class here.
#2
PACKING TIPS
I’ ve been known to leave packing to the very last minute far too many times than I’d like to admit, the reason being that I usually work better under pressure (not always ideal)… However, having started travelling more frequently this past year; I’ve definetly come into a more organised routine, creating stand fast routines and essentials when it comes to packing (making the whole process much more easy and enjoyable). Here are some of my go-to tips for packing…
1. Invest in a good quality suitcase. Ideally one which is lightweight, yet spacious and practical. I’m currently loving Tripp suitcases – which encompasses all of that in one.
2. Don’t leave the packing to the very last minute. Trust me – it will only make you more stressed out in the end. Start thinking about packing even a week in advance, slowly collating outfits, electronics, books, beauty products that you know you want to bring with you… So when it actually comes to the time of packing, most of it’ s already been gathered together!
3. Create a master packing list. Once travelling becomes more of a regular occurrence, it’s useful to have a list containing all the core (and pretty obvious) necessities such as toiletries, underwear, clothing (divided into categories), headphones, accessories, reading material, adaptors, currency… A broad overview, making sure you have all your core basics covered.
4. Pack versatile clothing. Ideally for dual, or triple-purpose. In other words, pack the pieces in your wardrobe that you tend to wear over and over again, and that you know are easy to style up, or down with.
5. Choose a color scheme for your clothing. Or at least some kind of consistency when it comes to styles and colours; meaning it will make it so much easier to create versatile and different looks throughout your holiday.
6. Roll your clothes instead of folding. Firstly, it gives you so much more space in your suitcase, and it also creates less creases on your clothes. Win win!
Tripp Suitcase / Solillas Round Towel / Kate Spade Straw Hat / Havainas Sandals / PilyQ Bikini
7. Check the weather. Seems pretty obvious, right? But you just never know (and even though it says it will sunny, I would always pack an umbrella anyway).
8. After you’re “done” packing, go back and take 2-3 items out. It’s so easy to overpack, and it’s nothing worse then having an overloaded suitcase going out; much more fun saving space for some new bits to bring back with you!
9. Keep your shoes in a cloth bag. Unless you want your suitcase to smell, wrap those boots, trainers and sandals up!
10. Use the space in your shoes and backs for for socks, sunglasses or other toiletries. It’s all about maximising the space in your suitcase. So if you have space in your shoes or empty bags, make sure to fill them up!
Stow Travel Pouch
#3
CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS
My carry-on essentials are especially important when it comes to long haul flights. There is nothing worse being stuck on a flight for 10+ hours without some home comforts and personal amenities. Some of my must-have carry-on essentials include lots of reading materials with my magazines and books, a decent pair of headphones, an oversized scarf (in case it gets chilly), my own herbal tea bags (in case they run out or don’t have any), some healthy snacks (I love almonds), and a bag full of my favourite beauty products to cleanse, hydrate and moisturise.
Bringing those personal things in your carry-on makes travelling that so much more enjoyable, and also keeps you occupied when you’re 30,000 feet overground and there´s no good movies to watch. Juts whip out your face mask and catch up on some reading instead!
Frends Headphones / Yes To Cucumber Facial Wipes / Rituals Travel Miracle Wipes / Aesop Hand Balm / Neal´s Yard Calming Temple Lavender Salve / Aerin Rose Oil / Kahina Toning Mist / Neom De-Stress On The Go Mist / The White Company Wake Up Pulse Point Oil / QMS Medicosmetics Activator Mask / La Roche-Posay Make Up Remover / Pukka Herbal Tea
Being disconnected up in the air, is such a blessing in disguise – and a great opportunity to really have a proper time-out, without any distraction. I really cherish this time so much, and as well as reading all the books and magazines which are piled up by my bedside table at home; I like to use this time to meditate, reflect and catch up on my sleep.
Tripp Suitcase / Gucci Scarf / Gretchen Rubin: The Happiness Project / Dr. Arlene K. Ungler: Calm / kikki.K: Mindfulness Journal / PORTER Magazine
#4
ON HOLIDAY
Sure, preparation is everything – but it’s important not to let everything go just because you’re on holiday! Maintaining a solid beauty routine is so important; after all that work you don’t want to come back with damaged and brittle hair, and a dehydrated complexion. If you want to continue your workout routine and healthy eating whilst away, that is totally up to you; but definitely don’t forego your beauty routine! Here is what I always prioritise whilst on holiday…
HAIR CARE
Your hair takes such a battering in the sun; hence why having a hat on my head is always a must, to protect the colour and condition of my tresses. I also like to maintain lots of moisture with conditioning haircare products, masks and SPF.
These are my current go-to´s…
Kerastase Bain Apres-Soleil Shampoo, Soleil Baume Beaute Riviera CC Creme, Masque UV Défense Active / Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
SPF ALL DAY, EVERY DAY
It goes without saying – SPF should be your number one priority when it comes to your holiday skincare routine. And not just applying it that once first thing in the morning; but continuing to re-apply every hour (all depending on how much you’re swimming and perspiring). I always have minimum of 30 on my body and always factor 50 for my face.
Here are the ones I am bringing with me on my next holiday…
Rituals SPF 30 Body Spray, SPF 50 Face Cream, SPF 30 Face Cream / Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF 30 / Mary Kay After-Sun Replenishing Gel / La Mer The After Sun Enhancer
NATURAL MAKE-UP
Being on holiday is a great excuse for giving your skin some rest and not wearing any make-up whatsoever. Your skin also gets so clogged up with all the SPF, salt water, chlorine and weather changes – so the best thing is to stay as natural as possible when you can.
But when you feel like making more of an effort come nighttime – I have a few personal favourites to enhance that natural, sun-kissed glow…
Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation / Perricone MD No Eyeshadow Eyeshadow, No Lipstick Lipstick, No Foundation Foundation, No Concealer Concealer / Aveda Mineral Loose Powder
WORKOUT
I rarely travel anywhere without my resistance band, for easy, on-the-go workouts from the comfort of just about anywhere! It doesn’t weigh anything and it´s so versatile; from toning your thighs, bum, arms, stretching… You name it.
Not quite sure what to do with it? Hop on over to good´old YouTube for workout ideas!
Adidas By Stella McCartney Knitted Running Trainers / No Ka’Oi Multi Colour Block Ola Sports Bra / Resistance Band
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my tips and tricks for travelling. Please feel to share you any of your own go-to tips! As always, I love to hear from you.
Great post, thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Hannah :)
Loved this article, so useful – thanks Anneli :)
Author
Thanks so much Katherine! :)
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Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing and the inspiration Anneli!
Love,
T.
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Pleasure! :)
Love this :)
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Thanks :)