If you’re not one for packing light when it comes to that long-awaited summer holiday it can be a struggle to decide which beauty products are worthy of making the cut in your travel make-up bag. There is often that overpowering desire to cram all of your favourite cosmetic, skincare and hair care products into your case; the reality is, however, a messy bun will probably be our favoured holiday hairstyle (sometimes it’s just too much effort trying to fight the frizz) and our make-up kept minimal. For evenings spent dining out or sipping cocktails by the beach it’s likely you’ll want to look your best; fortunately that doesn’t have to involve lugging your whole make-up collection away with you.

Travel make-up bag essentials:

– SPF Face Cream: It is vital to apply an SPF face cream to protect your skin when spending long days in the sun.
– Tinted moisturiser/ BB Cream: A great alternative to foundation (which is almost unbearable to wear in hot weather). A tinted moisturiser or BB Cream will feel light on the skin whilst still providing you with some coverage and colour.
– Concealer: For sufferers of blemishes or dark circles concealer is likely to be a ‘Holy Grail’ product.
– Powder: For those with oilier skin types powder can be a necessity. It will set any base that has been applied or can be used alone to keep oil at bay throughout the evening.
– Bronzer/Blusher: A light dusting of bronzer all over the face will enhance your natural tan and give you a sun kissed glow. If you prefer some colour on the cheeks, use a peachy coloured blush.
– Mascara: Take a mascara which provides you with great length and volume. It is easy to achieve different effects with just one mascara – one or two coats for a natural look or layered for a more dramatic effect.
– Eye-shadow palette: A small four-shadow palette made up of neutral colours such as a cream, light brown, dark brown and black is a great versatile product and compact enough to travel with. Create a sultry smoky eye or use the black shadow on the lash line in place of eye-liner.
– Lipstick/Lip-gloss: A soft pink lipstick is an easy colour to wear and perfect for the summer months. A red lipstick will add instant glamour to any look; for a more subtle red-lip use the lipstick as a stain by using your finger to apply to the lips. To give the appearance of plumper lips use a lip-gloss over the top or on its own.
– Brushes: A powder brush, blush brush and eye-shadow brush are the only essential brushes for holiday. Tinted moisturiser, BB cream and concealer can be applied using fingers for quick application.