12 Top Picks to Pack for Beach-Ready Hair, Skin and Body
*PR: Features gifted items.
Sian Victoria © - Holiday beauty essentials, Grounded, Coola, Environ Skincare & Kevin Murphy
Holiday Beauty Guide: Must-Have Items for Skin, Hair and Body
Preparing for a beach getaway can be a fun experience! However, having the right beauty essentials on hand is a must for making the most of your time in the sun, to keep your skin, hair, and body looking great and protected.
The sun, sea, and sand can really take a toll on you, so it’s all about packing smart. This guide has all the basics you need for your beauty kit to tackle whatever comes your way with confidence. From keeping your skin hydrated to protecting yourself from the sun, these must-haves will help you enjoy your trip while looking radiant and healthy. Plus, at the end of this post, I’ll share some of my favourite products I’m bringing along!
1. Sunscreen Essentials
When you're getting ready for a beach getaway, having a good sunscreen is a must-have in your beauty kit. It’s a must-have to shield your skin from those harsh UV rays, especially if you're going to be outdoors for a while. Pick a sunscreen that covers all your bases and shields you from both UVA and UVB rays, and aim for at least SPF 30.
Lighter, non-greasy formulas or sprays are great since they won't feel heavy on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, like me, consider using mineral-based sunscreens, which are popular choices containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re gentler and won't irritate you as much.
If you're planning on hitting the water, definitely grab a water-resistant sunscreen to keep your skin protected while you swim. Remember to slather it on generously at least 20 minutes before you head out into the sun so it can soak in properly. It’s also smart to carry a small bottle with you for touch-ups throughout the day to keep your skin safe.
2. After-Sun Care
After a long day in the sun, your skin really needs some TLC to bounce back and rehydrate. Look for after-sun products that have calming stuff like aloe vera or chamomile to help with any redness and cool you down. These kinds of lotions can also put back the moisture your skin lost from being out in the sun, so it’ll feel soft and nourished again.
Plus, products with antioxidants like vitamin E can help fix up any damage done by those pesky UV rays. For an extra treat, grab a soothing gel or lotion that smells refreshing to make your post-sun routine feel even better.
3. Hydrating Hair Mist
A hydrating hair mist is a must-have for your beach bag, making it super easy to keep your hair fresh and nourished all day long. When you’re splashing around in saltwater and soaking up the sun, your hair can lose its natural moisture and end up feeling dry. A good mist with ingredients like argan oil, coconut water, or aloe vera can bring back that hydration and add some softness.
Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that work well on both wet and dry hair, so your locks stay smooth and easy to manage without feeling heavy. Some mists even have UV protection to help guard against sun damage.
Just a quick spritz while you’re out at the beach can bring your hair back to life and leave it smelling great, too. Whether you’re styling your hair after a swim or fighting off some frizz from the wind, a hydrating mist is a versatile way to keep your hair healthy and shiny all holiday long.
4. Moisturising Body Lotion
Spending time outdoors can really dry out your skin, making it feel rough and parched. A good body lotion packed with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, or hyaluronic acid can do wonders to restore and lock in moisture. Look for lightweight formulas that absorb quickly and don’t leave you feeling sticky, especially when it’s warm out.
Some lotions even have soothing properties, which are great if your skin feels tight or sensitive from the sun. For extra convenience, grab ones with a pump or in a travel-friendly size, so it’s easy to apply on the go. And if you can find a lotion with a light, fresh scent, that’s just the cherry on top; your skin will feel amazing all day long!
Sian Victoria © - Grounded coffee scrub, Coola Sunscreen spray, Environ Skincare body oil
5. Lip Balm with SPF
Your lips can get super dry when you’re out in the sun, so it’s ideal to keep them protected and moisturised. A good lip balm with SPF does the trick by protecting against harmful UV rays and preventing that annoying cracking or peeling.
Check out products that have hydrating formulas like shea butter, which is loaded with vitamins A, E, and F, for deep moisture; beeswax, which thickens and locks in moisture while soothing inflammation; and coconut oil, known for its hydration, antimicrobial properties, and pleasant aroma, keeping lips soft and smooth.
If you like a bit of colour, there are tinted lip options that provide protection and a nice touch of hue. Prefer to keep it simple? Clear balms work great, too! They’re compact and easy to carry around for quick touch-ups during the day.
For added convenience, go for a wind-up stick or squeeze tube to avoid a mess while you’re out. Some balms even have water-resistant features, making them perfect for a beach day. With so many choices out there, you’re bound to find a lip balm that fits your style and keeps your lips safe!
6. Facial Cleanser
Cleansing your face after a day at the beach is worthwhile for getting rid of all the gunk and keeping your skin feeling fresh. With all that sunscreen, sweat, and sand, your pores can get clogged, so it’s a good idea to pick a cleanser that does the job without being too harsh.
Go for something gentle and hydrating, maybe with calming ingredients like chamomile or glycerin to keep your skin balanced. If your skin tends to get sensitive really easily, like mine, look for fragrance-free options to avoid any irritation.
For oily or combination skin, a sulphate-free gel cleanser is the way to go for taking off excess oil without drying you out. If you have dry skin, creamy or balm cleansers are perfect since they add extra moisture while cleaning.
Plus, travel-sized cleansers are awesome for packing light! Use lukewarm water to wash your face to keep from drying it out, and don’t forget to follow up with your favourite moisturiser to lock in that hydration. With the right products suited to your skin type, your skin will feel clean, soft, and ready for whatever fun comes next!
7. Exfoliating Scrub
Exfoliating your skin while you’re at the beach is a great way to keep it soft and glowing. A good scrub can get rid of all the stuff that builds up from sunscreen, sweat, and sand, making your skin feel fresh again. Look for scrubs made with natural, biodegradable exfoliants like finely ground sugar, crushed walnut shells, or jojoba beads to avoid those pesky microplastics that harm the planet.
Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or honey can help nourish your skin while exfoliating, so it doesn’t dry out. If you have sensitive skin, pick scrubs with gentler ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile extract to keep irritation at bay. It’s important to exfoliate gently to avoid overdoing it, especially if your skin’s been soaking up the sun.
Lots of scrubs also come in travel-friendly packaging, so they’re easy to pack in your toiletry bag. Choosing an exfoliator that suits your skin type can really help with achieving that smooth texture and radiant look after your holiday.
8. Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara is great for keeping your lashes looking awesome, even when you’re around water or dealing with humidity. Look for a smudge-proof formula that can handle sweat and seawater without smearing or flaking. A lot of waterproof mascaras not only add volume and length but also feel light, so your lashes won’t weigh you down all day. Some of them even have beneficial ingredients, such as vitamin E or argan oil, which is a great way to keep your lashes looking healthy.
If you want a more natural look, go for mascaras that you can layer up for more drama without clumping. Just make sure to grab an oil-based makeup remover for easy cleanup at the end of the day. These mascaras are compact and easy to take along, making them a must-have for your travel beauty bag, especially when you need reliable performance in sunny weather. Just a few swipes, and your eyes will look sharper and refreshed, perfect for that vacation vibe!
9. Beach-Ready Nail Polish
Choosing the right nail polish for your holiday can really amp up your beach look with a pop of colour. Go for bright shades like coral, turquoise, or sunny yellow to capture that fun summer vibe, or stick with soft pastels and metallics for a more laid-back but classy feel.
If you want your polish to last, look for gel formulas or ones made to resist chipping so your nails stay fresh, even after hanging out in the sand or getting splashed by the waves. To make your nails really shine, use a base coat to prevent any staining and wrap it up with a shiny top coat for that extra sparkle and durability.
Quick-dry options are perfect for those last-minute touch-ups while you’re on the go. It’s also smart to pack a small nail file and some polish remover wipes to fix any little accidents. With the right polish and a little prep, your nails can be a stylish part of your beach vibe, making you feel totally put together for your holiday fun.
Sian Victoria © - Coola makeup setting spray, & SPF lip balm
10. Cooling Face Mist
A cooling face mist is a great addition to your beauty stash, giving you a quick refresh on those hot days. These mists usually have hydrating stuff like hyaluronic acid or calming ingredients like chamomile, which help make your skin feel better when it's hot or tight from the sun.
It’s best to go for alcohol-free options to keep your skin nice and hydrated, no matter your skin type. Some even have antioxidants to protect your skin from the environment while making it feel fresh. A personal favourite of mine is thermal spring water, as it offers numerous skin benefits and feels beautifully light on the skin.
Plus, grab a travel-sized bottle that fits perfectly in your beach bag or carry-on. For an extra cool effect, pop it in the fridge or a cooler bag before using it. A light spritz on your face and neck does the trick to refresh and hydrate your skin; it's definitely a must-have for your beach trip!
11. Tangle-Free Hair Brush
Keeping your hair tangle-free while at the beach can be a breeze if you've got the right brush. Look for one with soft, flexible bristles that can tackle knots without yanking on your hair. Detangling brushes are a lifesaver for wet hair, especially after a swim when it's more likely to get tangled up.
Go for brushes that are comfy to hold and compact enough to fit in your beach bag. Some even have anti-static features to help cut down on frizz from humidity and wind. Whether you're getting rid of sea salt or smoothing your hair after a day in the sun, a good brush makes everything quick and easy. For extra care, using a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray can help your hair glide through effortlessly and reduce hair breakage.
12. Travel-Size Toiletries
Packing travel-size toiletries is a practical way to streamline your luggage without sacrificing your daily routine. Opt for compact versions of your favourite products, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, ensuring they meet airline regulations if you’re flying.
For skincare, mini cleansers, toners, and moisturisers are ideal, allowing you to maintain your regimen while saving space. Look for refillable containers to customise your selection and reduce waste, particularly if you prefer specific formulas.
Travel-friendly hair care, such as mini dry shampoo or styling products, can help you freshen up quickly after a day at the beach. Don’t overlook bodycare essentials like hand sanitiser, deodorant, and toothpaste, which are often available in smaller sizes for convenience.
To keep everything organised, use a clear, zippered pouch, making it easy to locate items and comply with security checks. Compact toiletries offer both practicality and ease, ensuring your beauty routine stays intact while you enjoy your time away.
Sian Victoria © - Grounded mango crush hair mask & Kevin Murphy texturising hairspray
Top Picks: Holiday Skincare & Haircare Toiletries to Pack
Summer has come and gone here in Britain, but the sun is shining somewhere in the world. If you're fortunate enough to be going on a late September or winter holiday, this post is tailored for you, especially if you're seeking some beauty inspiration for your travels.
In recent weeks, I’ve received a fantastic array of beauty products in my blogger mail, which have really made me crave a holiday. So, I decided to compile a holiday beauty guide featuring hair, face, and body products that are perfect for use while you’re away, as well as to help you prep your skin and hair before you jet off. Don’t forget that, depending on where you go, you’ll need to customise your skincare routine for different climates.
Exfoliate: Coffee Scrub
When preparing for a holiday, my first priority is achieving silky, soft skin. For this, I love using a body scrub with thick granules, like the Grounded Coffee Scrub, to effectively remove dead skin cells, especially in dry spots like elbows, knees, and feet.
The Grounded mango & papaya bodycare scrub is infused with coffee, sea salt, coconut oil, vitamin E, and brown sugar. It has a delightful tropical scent and leaves your skin feeling beautifully soft when you use it in circular motions all over. However, it can get a bit messy, so make sure to rinse away any residue to avoid inconveniencing the hotel staff.
Tip: To save space in your suitcase, leave the shaving foam at home and use conditioner instead. It works wonders for achieving silky-soft legs!
Moisturise: Environ Body
To nourish and soothe dry, sun-damaged skin, I recommend using Environ Skincare Body A, C, & E oil. This lightweight oil contains rosemary extracts and high levels of vitamin A.
Apply it to damp skin for even distribution all over your body. Once your skin has absorbed the vitamins, follow up with Environ Body Profile toning gel to improve and condition the appearance of uneven skin.
Protect: COOLA Sunscreen Spray
One of the most essential beauty products to have while on holiday is a high SPF sunscreen; never go without it! COOLA Sunscreen Spray contains over 70% certified organic ingredients and is infused with antioxidants. It features a delightful tropical scent with fragrances such as mango and piña colada.
The SPF 30/50 spray is water-resistant for up to 40/80 minutes. All COOLA products are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores, and they are hypoallergenic. Additionally, these products are free from petroleum, parabens, PABA, and phthalates. The sunscreen sprays include active ingredients like strawberry, algae, aloe, and cucumber to nourish, repair, and hydrate dry and damaged skin.
Sunscreen isn’t just for holidays; even in winter, it’s worth wearing SPF to protect your skin when the sun is out. As someone who loves to travel, I haven't always made sunscreen a priority. However, two years ago, I received a significant wake-up call when my nan was diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer on her nose. Thankfully, she has fully recovered, but her experience encouraged me to use a daily SPF and to reapply it more frequently during my holidays.
COOLA’s sunscreen sprays are enriched with age-defying antioxidants, vitamins, natural phyto-protectors, and nutrients to promote beautiful, healthy skin. I appreciate how environmentally friendly the COOLA brand is. They use only natural and organic ingredients, and their cans are easy to recycle, containing no harmful chemical compounds. The spray provides advanced broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without the mess of traditional applications.
COOLA SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray
Once I’m satisfied with my makeup, I spritz COOLA Makeup Setting Spray to finish and set my look, preventing a makeup meltdown. It’s weightless and matte, helping to prevent my skin from looking oily over time while also making pores, fine lines, and wrinkles look less noticeable.
This spray contains over 70% certified organic ingredients, including cucumber and aloe vera extracts. It calms and refreshes the skin, and also features hyaluronic acid to soften, tone, and rehydrate. Most importantly, it contains SPF 30, providing added protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, making it an essential part of my makeup routine.
COOLA SPF 15 Liplux
For those who know me personally, it's no secret that I'm obsessed with applying lip balm. I can’t stand having dry lips, so I constantly apply lip balm to keep them soft and moisturised.
COOLA Liplux is a fantastic addition to my lip balm collection. It offers SPF 15 protection, naturally shielding my lips from sun damage with its organic ingredients. Plus, it has a lovely peppermint and vanilla flavour that feels great on the lips!
Grounded Hydrating Hair Mask
Beach holidays can leave your hair dry and unmanageable due to humidity, chlorine, and constant dampness. To combat this, the Grounded Mango Crush Hair Mask is a great addition to your holiday hair care routine.
This hair mask doesn’t have any sulfates or parabens, and it’s cruelty-free. It contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and coffee oil, making it smell like a tropical dream. It comes in a convenient pouch that won't take up much space in your suitcase. Just put the mask on towel-dried hair and let it sit for 30 minutes or longer for the best results. It will leave your hair feeling nourished, silky, and manageable.
Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Texturising Hairspray
I love to get natural beach-waved hair during my holidays; the messy bedhead surfer chick look is my favourite. The last thing I want to do while away is curl my hair with heated styling tools and expose my delicate, thinning hair to more unnecessary heat.
Instead, I simply spritz sea salt spray, scrunch my hair, and then use a texturising spray like Kevin Murphy’s Bedroom Hair to hold the waves and add shine. This spray is lightweight, so it won’t weigh my hair down, and it brushes out easily. Plus, it’s cruelty-free!
To conclude
Packing smart for a beach trip makes it so much easier to relax and stick to your self-care routine. Bring along some handy, travel-sized beauty products so you can keep your skin and hair moisturised and protected while you enjoy your time in the sun. Each item should help tackle the effects of sun, sand, and sea while keeping your routine simple and efficient.
Choose products that fit your needs, and go for compact or multi-use options to save some space in your cabin bag or suitcase. Keeping up with your skincare and haircare while on vacation can help you come back feeling refreshed and glowing. With a little prep, you can just kick back and make awesome memories, knowing you’ve got all the essentials covered.
