Holiday beauty, for me, is about doing less. Less product. Less time in the mirror. Less faff.
This one closes out my holiday series — we’ve done the summer survival guide, the travelling guide, and the holiday fashion edit, and this is the wash bag bit. What actually gets used, and what I’ve stopped packing.
And honestly? Now we’re having a proper sunny summer over here, I’m finding I do most of this at home too. Same routine, just with a few more clothes on.
🌊 Holiday Hair
The salt, the sun, the pool. It’s a lot.
I’ve stopped fighting it. A little oil in the ends before I go anywhere near the water. A wide-tooth comb. And a claw clip for when I’ve given up entirely (which is usually by day two).
No heat. No fuss. Slightly wavy from the sea or my overnight plaits, and honestly the happiest my hair looks all year.
🌿 Beach Face
The trick, for me, is one or two things done properly rather than a full face melting off by lunchtime.
Tinted SPF for a bit of evenness.
A cream blush I can put on with my fingers.
Protective and moisturising lip balm.
That’s it. That’s the look. I do also have my lashes done by the wonderful Camilla Lashes so I don’t need to wear mascara in the day.
If I’m going somewhere in the evening I’ll add a little extra mascara and a proper lip. But in the day? Nothing that competes with the sun.
☀️ SPF, Face and Body
The one I actually stick to.
For face: a lightweight one that sits under everything else and doesn’t pill. I reapply at lunch and after a swim, and having a permanent handbag mini is so useful for top-ups.
For body: a high factor, everywhere, every day. I keep one in my bag and one by the door so there’s no “just going out quickly” excuse.
🌞 Fake It & Keep It
A soft gradual tan before I go, so I’m not blindingly white on day one. Nothing dramatic, just enough that I feel like myself in a bikini from the off.
Then a tan-extending body lotion for after. It buys me an extra few days of that just-back glow, no one wants to see that beautiful tan peel off.
The older I get, and the more the perimenopause makes me avoid the sun, the more I lean into the version of a tan that comes from a moisturiser rather than a sunbed.
If you missed the earlier editions — the summer survival guide, the travelling guide, and the holiday fashion edit are here to assist. That’s the full set!
💛 Small Business Shout Out – Charlotte Bezzant Jewellery
This one was nominated by one of you who wanted to shine a light on Charlotte Bezzant, a jewellery designer who makes everything herself, in silver, from her garden studio.
The pieces are beautiful. Delicate, wearable, the kind of thing you actually keep on.
But the bit I love most is the workshops. Charlotte runs weekend sessions where you make your own ring or bangle — properly hands-on, with delicious scones involved. A lovely way to spend a Saturday, and the perfect gift experience for family and friends.
Have a look, book a workshop, treat someone (or yourself).
That’s the holiday set done and dusted.
Next week we’re swerving from sandy feet to shiny shoes — the back to school guide is coming. I’ve also been doing some serious research into an appropriate first phone for Basil in his secondary school phase. Loads of opinions, loads of options, and I’ve landed somewhere I’m happy with. I’ll share the whole thing with you.
For now though — the sun’s still out. Enjoy it!
Louise x
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