The flights are booked, the outfits are planned and the out-of-office is set. But before you head off, it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure your beauty bag is as holiday-ready as you are. Whether you are soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean or escaping for a staycation closer to home, packing the right holiday beauty essentials can make a huge difference to how your skin, lashes, lips and hair feel throughout your trip.

As a beauty therapist based in London, I see so many clients come back from their holidays with sun-damaged skin, dry hair and tired lashes — and most of the time it comes down to not having the right products with them. So here is my personal holiday toiletries checklist, covering everything you need to stay glowy and protected from day one.

01 — Sun Protection

SPF

If there is one thing you absolutely cannot leave behind, it is your SPF. Sun protection is the single most important thing you can do for your skin, not just on holiday but every single day. UV rays are present even on cloudy days, so even if you are just popping out for a quick walk, reapply throughout the day and don't forget your neck, chest and the backs of your hands. Look for a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30, and ideally SPF 50 for prolonged sun exposure. Your future skin will be so grateful.

02 — Body Care

A Glowy Body Moisturiser

There is nothing quite like that sun-kissed, lit-from-within glow you get on holiday — and a good glowy body moisturiser is what keeps it looking its best. Apply morning and evening to keep skin feeling soft, hydrated and radiant throughout your trip. Look for formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or natural oils to really lock in that moisture, especially after time spent in the sea or the pool.

03 — Lash & Brow Care

Lash & Brow Conditioning Serum

This one surprises a lot of people but it is one of the most important things to pack. Sun, heat, salt water and chlorine can all take a real toll on your lashes and brows, leaving them feeling dry and brittle. A good conditioning serum helps keep them nourished, healthy and strong throughout your holiday. Apply each evening as part of your nighttime routine and let it work while you sleep.

04 — Lip Care

A Lip SPF

Your lips are one of the most forgotten areas when it comes to sun protection and yet they are incredibly vulnerable to UV damage. A lip SPF is one of those holiday beauty essentials that takes up almost no space in your bag but makes a huge difference. Look for a tinted option if you want a little colour, or a clear formula for everyday wear. Reapply regularly, especially after eating, drinking or swimming.

05 — Hair Care

Leave-In Hair Conditioner

Sun, salt water and chlorine are genuinely not your hair's friends. If you spend a lot of time in the sea or the pool without protecting your hair first, you may come home to find it feeling dry, brittle and lacklustre. A leave-in conditioner is an absolute non-negotiable in my holiday beauty bag. Apply it before heading out into the sun, after swimming and again in the evening to keep your strands nourished and protected throughout your trip.

06 — Skin Recovery

Hydrating Face & Eye Masks

After a long day in the sun, your skin craves moisture more than anything else. Hydrating face and eye masks are your post-beach skin saviours — pop one on in the evening, let your skin drink it all in and wake up the next morning feeling completely refreshed. Sheet masks are ideal for holidays as they are lightweight, travel-friendly and usually under the liquid limit for hand luggage.

Save this post before you start packing and share it with a friend who always forgets their SPF! And if you have any questions about which products might work best for your skin type, feel free to get in touch — I am always happy to help.