Makeup Essentials for a Beach Holiday

I know it is coming to the end of summer, which I cannot actually believe- where has the summer gone? But I am currently writing this post while on holiday in Sicily and I have noticed there is definitely an art to packing a makeup bag for a beach holiday! It is so easy to take more products than you will use, something I have been guilty of lots of times. But these products are essentials and will always be the first things in my makeup bag when packing.

Normally when on holiday, I like to keep things very simple. Firstly it's hot- (well hopefully it's hot) so wearing lots of makeup, to me at least, just isn't fun. You want your skin to be able to breathe and not sweat through layers of your full coverage foundation. So the first important thing to pop in your makeup bag is a good lightweight base. You want to go for a tinted moisturiser or a good CC or BB cream. I completely understand if you want a little more coverage, so try a mineral foundation which will be much lighter on your skin and it will allow it to breathe. Or try a tinted moisturiser as a base and then use concealer for extra coverage - it works really well too.  I brought my trusted Lancome Hyrda Zen Beauty Balm with me. It's got Spf 15 which is helpful when going out in the sun But this holiday I have gone makeup free most days- so I've been using this in the evenings!

It feels so light on the skin and just works to even out my complexion and keep it hydrated in the heat. It is also super easy to apply and you can blend it with your fingers which cuts down the need for lots of brushes!

You also want to think about bringing a darker shade with you. If you are going on a sunny holiday the chances are that you will go a little or maybe a lot darker than your normal foundation shade. So try and bring a darker shade to match the tan you will hopefully acquire !

Next up, Bronzer. The key to getting that gorgeous sun-kissed glow we crave all year. When on holiday I love bronzers which have more golden undertones that give a more natural 'glow' to the face. I brought two with me, firstly Benefit Dallas- I have been using and loving this all summer. And second my Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer. They both have golden tones and give the perfect sunkissed glow.

And for your lashes; Mascara. Go for a waterproof formula! Swimming and humidity can be a threat to mascara so taking a waterproof formula just saves you worrying about it running down your face! I have been loving Maybelline the Falsies 'Push up Drama' and it has been great for the evenings when I want dramatic lashes!

Don't forget, Powder. You might find that you get a little shinier when away because of the heat! You will want a good light powder, just to keep everything set in place and reduce any shine through the T-zone.

I also brought a small eyeshadow palette- the l'oreal Nudes Palatte in Rose. Choose one with a good combination of colours, that you like and you know work on you. I didn't really use it at all except for one or two evenings.

It all depends on how much makeup you want to wear when away, for this trip it wasn't really an essential in my bag. Make sure you include whatever you normally use for your brows and maybe a few lip colours.

Don't forget a good lip balm! In the heat, everything will dry out including your lips so make sure you keep them hydrated.

Those are my essentials for a beach holiday makeup bag. I find when on a beach holiday I don't really wear anything during the day and in the evening I will always keep it minimal, so a glowing base,
mascara and perhaps a brighter lip. It is so personal, if you normally love doing very dramatic looks when away make sure you bring more products!

What are your makeup bag essentials for a summer trip?

Love, Olivia xx

The Perfect Day Moisturiser for Dry Skin

The summer months are amazing, but they have one slight downside, if you can call it that. The hot weather, well warmish (if you are in the UK) can dry out your skin, which can cause all sorts of problems! I've been on the look out for a day moisturiser to help counter the extra summer dryness I have been experiencing. In walks Neils Yard Orange Flower Daily Moisture and my summer skin is sorted.

I am loving this new addition to my skincare routine. It's a lightweight formula and I was surprised at how 'runny' it is for a hydrating moisturiser- I am used to thicker creams. But this is so lovely to use for the day. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, making a nice change from other hydrating moisturisers which can sit on the skin.  The ingredients are as natural as possible, and include Aloe Vera and Neroli flower. The aloe vera ensures it is very easy for sensitive skin, helping to calm any redness as well as being super hydrating.

The Neroli flower gives the scent, it smells very like spiced orange. I always think it's a good idea to get samples of products that you want to invest in. This one especially is something I would test before you buy. I personally don't mind the scent, this is coming from someone who normally opts out of scented creams. This one is stronger than lots of other creams so make sure you like it before you buy it!

As a base for makeup it works really well. It absorbs very fast into the skin, it doesn't make it oily or greasy, so foundations work well on top of it and tend to last longer. The only thing to consider? It has no spf, so just make sure your makeup base has some sun protection, or use a separate spf if you need it.

As I am writing this from sunny Sicily so I only have my tiny travel size tube! But it normally comes in a 100ml bottle with a pump. Neals Yard also do a facial oil in the same scent which I am currently trying out too, I will let you know what I think of it very soon! 

Have you got a summer skin saviour? I would love to know! 

Love, Olivia xx