By Helen Taylor
You’ve been toning up and getting into shape for months, ready to flaunt your bikini body on the beach. So, now your vacation is just around the corner, it’s time to consider planning your holiday beauty routine.
As great as the long hot days are, they can really take their toll on your hair and skin, so it’s important to maintain good beauty habits while you’re away to ensure that you’ll look thoroughly gorgeous when you come back.
Here’s our guide to looking great both on and off the beach.
Fake it First
Before you get to your sun-soaked holiday destination, you’ll need to be suitably tanned, so head to the shops and get your hands on a bottle of fake tan that will leave your skin looking beach-ready in no time. Here’s how to apply your product for a perfect, even, natural-looking result:
Thorough exfoliation is key to creating the right base, and it’s best done the night before.
Allow 24 hours between waxing and tanning to avoid those annoying dark dots that emerge as a result of the product building up in open follicles.
Be really generous with your moisturiser and make sure that it’s fragrance and colour free. Put plenty on your knees, elbows and wrists.
Grab a pair of latex gloves, squeeze a dollop of fake tan on to your hand and then work quickly and methodically, covering every inch of your skin evenly. Don’t forget to include your armpits, toes and the backs of your ankles.
Heavenly Hair
Before you depart, visit your hairdresser for a good trim. It’s best to remove any dry, split ends before you hit the beach to ensure your hair remains in tip-top condition.
When you’re relaxing by the pool, slather a leave-in conditioner onto your hair. This will help to protect against damage from the sun and will leave your locks looking thoroughly shiny, as the heat makes the product even more effective.
Always rinse your tresses with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool. Both salt and chlorine dry hair out.
Keep hair up and covered as much as possible in the daytime.
Treat your locks to a few drops of a leave-in conditioning hair oil before bed.
Sumptuous Skin
Don’t forget to cleanse, tone and moisturise. Keeping up with those beauty rituals will keep your skin looking hydrated and flawless.
Regularly apply and re-apply sunscreen. Ensuring that your entire body is protected against damaging UV rays is a must. Use a high factor, and remember to re-apply after swimming. Don’t forget to protect your lips too; use a nourishing balm that contains a sun-block.
Keep thoroughly hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day, more if you’re out in the hot sun for long periods of time.
Wear a large hat on the beach. Not only will you look chic, you’ll also be protecting the delicate skin on your face too.
Always apply after-sun lotion. A long day on the beach calls for plenty of after-sun when you get back to the hotel.
Minimal Make-Up
Keep make-up light in the day by swapping a full-coverage foundation with a tinted moisturiser. Cover imperfections with a little concealer.
Wear one coat of quality water-proof mascara on your top lashes for definition. Better still, arrange a trip to your beauty salon for an eyelash and eyebrow tint before you jet off.
Sweep a peachy coloured blush over your cheeks for a flattering look. Peach tones look fabulous with bronzed skin and are a much better alternative to pink hues which only serve to add more redness to already flushed cheeks.
