Beach Bag Essentials

Is there anything more exciting than having a holiday to look forward to? Planning your outfits, researching day trips and daydreaming about being away from the rain. As a complete skincare junkie (and if you're reading this blog, I know you are too!), I also like to plan my skincare products to make sure I can keep cool, protected and hydrated in the sun. Read on for our skincare essentials for your beach bag and hand luggage this summer

First and foremost, being in the sun is all about keeping skin protected from harmful UV rays, so expect an SPF-heavy list here. But we will also be packing cooling, soothing and refreshing products to soothe skin after a day in the sun.

SPF for face

For the face, my go-to SPF is Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 32. I have fallen hard for this sunscreen. It's the only one that doesn't clog my pores and doesn't leave my blemish-prone skin feeling suffocated. It's a delight to apply, meaning I actually enjoy topping up by the pool or on the beach when I'm makeup free.

A real bonus for me is the oil-free formula isn't at all chalky or too mattifying, it still leaves skin with a nice glow without being too heavy. The only downside is I can't apply this on top of makeup.But that's where Mesoestetic comes in

SPF for top ups

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Antiaging Facial Sun Mist SPF 50+ is a non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and very high sun protection mist for the face. The fresh, ultra-light texture doesn't leave an oily residue and can be re-applied throughout the day, even on top of makeup.This. Is. A. Game. Changer. We recently wrote about the importance of re-applying SPF, but if you are wearing makeup it can be difficult to find the right formula that's easily applied without disrupting your flawless foundation.

The mist is light and refreshing and the innovative Mesoprotech formula protects skin against UVA, UVB, infrared radiation (IR) and visible light (HEV).

SPF for body

Another winner from Mesoestetic, this time for the body. It can be easy to focus all your attention on protecting your face from harmful UV rays, and just using any old supermarket SPF for your body. Remember that skin is our largest organ and it's so important to protect it from head to toe.

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Sun Protective Body Lotion feels like you're applying a luxurious moisturiser, with the added bonus of incredible sun protection. The creamy and silky emulsion provides good spreadability and is quickly absorbed for high sun protection. It's also formulated with Vitamin E for an antioxidant and protective action against free radical damage.

SPF for lips

Did you know that the areas most often missed when applying SPF are the eyelids, ears, backs of the knees, scalp and lips.

A must-have in my beach bag is a lip SPF. During the day I like to use Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF 30, which is perfect for re-applying throughout a hot day on the beach.

In the evening, all dressed up and ready for some delicious food in the evening sun, I like to use Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35 in Rose or Champagne for a natural tint of colour with the added benefit of SPF 35 protection.

Cooling mist

If you like to go exploring on holiday you'll be hopping on and off buses, walking to landmarks in the heat and probably getting rather sweaty in the process. I love to take a cooling spray mist that I can keep in the fridge back at the hotel and take with me during the day for a refreshing mist between sightseeing.

I love the La Roche-Posay Serozinc Spray, which soothes, mattifies and refreshes skin. It's perfect for to oily and blemish-prone skin thanks to active ingredient, Zinc Sulphate, which helps to heal compromised skin and calm inflammation associated redness.

Post-sun skin saviour

When you get back to the hotel, you're all showered and having a few nibbles before heading out to dinner, you notice a little post-sun redness. You need to reach for SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque.

This highly concentrated blend of botanical extracts, calming dipeptide and hyaluronic acid works to soothe and calm skin reactivity. The intensive mask has an instant cooling effect on the skin, providing comfort and restoring radiance and smoothness to sensitive, dehydrated skin.

Not sure where to start when it comes to skincare? Speak to our skincare experts on 0113 282 7744, shop online or take our online skin test to receive personalised product recommendations direct to your inbox!

Written for you by: Alex, Face the Future

Image source: freepik.com