Some of you may have read that I recently set out on a safari to the great plains of The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, Africa. This was twinned with a tropical trip to the nearby beach island of Zanzibar.
So what kept me looking and feeling luxuriously chic on my travels? Here’s my list of holiday hair and beauty must-haves:
Scrub Away
Exfoliate before you set off on your journey to help prep and prime your skin with the perfect base for tanning. The Seacret Pomegranate Salt & Oil Scrub (www.seacretspa.com) gently works to stimulate cell renewal using the therapeutic powers of the Dead Sea’s 26 natural minerals. The Yon-Ka Exfoliating Foaming Shower Gel (www.yonka.com) has bamboo and jojoba pearls to get your skin soft and silky. It’s the ideal hybrid formula to take away with you on travels.
Cover Up
It’s always important to wear sun protection on your face and exposed parts, no matter what day or time of the year, or where you are. When on holiday, you will need some more defence. Try high factor formulas such as Strivectin-SH Age Protect SPF30 (www.strivectin.com). Born from skin cancer prevention research, it strengthens the skin barrier to further protect against aging sun damage. This sheer light formula applies easily and has a strong shield against burning UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Or try Jason C-Effects Anti-Wrinkle Day Lotion SPF30 Sunscreen (www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk) – a deeply hydrating lotion that is potent in vitamin c to protect, boost and brighten your complexion.
Remember delicate areas too, such as the ears and lips. Try Jack Black intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25 (www.boots.com), which has natural mint and shea butter to revive chapped, dry lips and help combat sun and wind.
To be inspired by the Brazilian beach lifestyle, liberally apply Sol Janeiro Starfruit Sunscreen Body Lotion (www.brummellsoflondon.com). The high protection, water resistant SPF30 formula sinks in beautifully, has a non-greasy texture and is paraben-free.
Cool Down
After being exposed to the elements, soothe skin with a good after sun lotion. Institut Esthederm Tan Enhancing Lotion (www.esthederm.com) is a suitable all-rounder. Not only a special sunburn SOS milk that rehydrates, it also prolongs the life of your tan. Barefaced Beauty For extra cover and a flawless face, try mineral make-up. Use powders with naturally derived ingredients to help your skin breathe when it’s hot and sticky. bareMinerals has an excellent spectrum of shades with natural undertones. I love the Matte SPF15 Foundation (www.bareminerals.co.uk). Gently buff on to diminish fine lines and reduce the size of pores.
Another great formula is terre d’Oc Mineral Foundation (www.pravera.co.uk/terre-doc), which has been inspired by the women of Mali who use pulla, a concentration of multi-toned ochre pigments to highlight and enhance their complexions. They’re named after mountains too (think Kilimanjaro and Atlas). Mineral powders usually contain titanium oxide, which is a natural shield against UV rays.
For serious staying power, try Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (www.narscosmetics.co.uk) – an oil-free translucent veil with SPF30 that also helps reduce the signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Travel Tress Goddess
Banish bad hair days when away with ultra hydrating, nourishing shampoos and conditioners and UV protective stylers. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist (www.paul-mitchell.co.uk) gives thirsty hair the moisture it craves and triples up as a refreshing skin booster and make-up fixer. Also try intense hair therapy with Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Hair Conditioning Concentrate (www.kiehls.co.uk), which helps fight on frizz, soothe the scalp and add lustrious shine. Bumble & Bumble Deeep (www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk) is a one-a-week protein feast to repair sun-damaged and under-nourished locks.