Summer is officially here and I’m already thinking of our family trip to Noosa. What to pack, what to ditch and what I can’t live without. Holiday packing brings out the ruthless editor in me. It’s a time of reckoning to see what products and beauty essentials make the cut.
by Bahar Etminan, Rescu. Editor and Founder
I’m a bit more organised this year and I’ve been thinking of my essential holiday beauty kit and thought I’d share it with you:
Hair
Snag free hair elastics are invention of the gods. Seriously, who wants to break their perfectly boho beach waves with a nasty elastic banks that causes damage? Not me! I’m a huge fan of Scunci hair products and their multi coloured No Damage hair elastics are a hair’s best friend. RRP $7.95 from www.scunci.com.au. On the subject of no snagging and hair damage, get acquainted with Tangle Teezer Aqua Splash detangling hairbrush. The only tool you will need all summer. Take it anywhere, light weight and cool design. Perfect for the boys, the kids and you. A simply superlative and award winning beauty invention.
Image: Tangle Teezer Aqua Splash in Blue Lagoon, RRP $32.95, stockist: www.phoenixinternationale.com.au
Don’t have time to hit a local salon between your dip in the ocean and cocktails poolside? Don’t fret, this is the season where boho trumps polished any day. O&M Style Guru, RRP $26.95 from www.adorebeauty.com.au is all you need to achieve a whole lot of sexy summer looks without having to pack 101 different products. Define curls, slick back hair, boho waves or frizz taming, this multi-benefit wonder styler is just fantastic. Split ends be gone. I use a hair treatment as a leave in conditioner when facing sun, surf and salt. Every morning, before we hit the beach, I take a good handful of rich conditioning treatment such as Bhave Leave In Creme, RRP $44.95 www.bhavehair.com and take it from root to tips, tie back with clip or elastic and do my morning walk, eat breakfast and hit the water. This treatment is in my hair for a few hours and acts as a great barrier to the elements. Simply shampoo out and start again!
Skin
Forget foundation. It’s time to embrace BB cream and all it’s multi-benefit glory. Spf 30+ check, tinted moisturiser, check, light reflecting particles for the illusion of perfection, you bet! What’s not to love? Day, noon and night pick your fave version and enjoy the freedom. Maybelline has just launched a great BB cream and is available in three shades. Great value and perfect for the beach bag and even carry on luggage.
Miranda Kerr is on to something. The uber-model and hot mamma extraordinaire is always fresh faced and dewy. Her secret? Kora Organics Balancing Rose Mist. Hey, if it’s good enough for Miranda, it’s good enough for my holiday bag and best of all it’s in recycled plastic packaging so light and easy to carry to the beach and in your bag.
Image: Balancing Rose Mist, 65 mL / 2.19 fl.oz. RRP: $39.95, stockist: www.koraorganics.com
Hydrating Face Masks are an essential NOT a luxury. You think you should skip the trimmings on a holiday right? Wrong. Skin is under full time assault and this is no time to pair back. I always, always pack a face mask and on days where I have over done it in the elements, I use it instead of a night cream. Kheils Overnight Mask, RRP $48 from www.kiehls.com.au is a winner. Super hydrating, replenishes thirsty skin and keeps your skin in top shape no matter where you are.
Make Up
Multi-purpose palettes are a girls best friend. These hybrid powder compacts can serve as bronzer, blush, highlighter, eyeshadow and even eyeliner. My all time favourite is Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, RRP $85 from www.bobbibrown.com.au Now available in multiple shades of gorgeous. Collectible and lasts a lifetime (ok well, lasts all year!).
Forget packing a thousand lipsticks and sticky gloss, take it easy for a few weeks and try stains and balms. If you haven’t yet developed an obsession with Clinique Chubby Sticks, RRP $35 from www.clinique.com.au now’s a good time as any. Versatile, fuss free and available in a range of stunning summer brights, these travel friendly lipstick/balm in a roll up chubby pencil are the bomb.
Waterproof Mascara obviously is a can’t live without summer essential. Haven’t worked out which one is best? I’ve tried and tested quite a few over the years and have to say Chanel still tick all the boxes in this hard to please category. Great formulations that are streak free and lovely.
Image: Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, RRP $52 from major department stores and selected pharmacies
