Who doesn’t love a good get a away? As most big city dwellers I took some time this summer to head out of the big city and into some of the best beach and scenic spots in the world – the South Island of New Zealand.
Having to pack light when jumping from spot to spot, camping or staying in small accommodations is a must, but can be a tad difficult (especially if you’re like and me and what the kids call ‘high maintenance’).
It’s nice to be low maintenance for a while though, and with that here are my staples for traveling light, but doing it right (ha).
A good quality hat.
Obviously hats in summer, especially if you’re in NZ, are very important for sun protection. Plus they are more accepted as a staple wardrobe piece year round these days. Instead of just a generic sport’s hat, a lot of indie and boutique brands are producing some very cook headwear. I love this Empire Of Genius cap and the gorgeous, quality stitching adds some glam to my beachwear.
A decent fake tan.
When going on vacation wanting that sun-kissed glow is a must for me. Before I go I spend a few days building up a good fake tan which will hopefully act as a base for the tan I hope to get. As I’ve gotten older I’ve stopped wanting to tan natural because it can be so damaging so I’ve started using a fake tan for the majority of my tan!
Tropic Tan is an excellent fake tan choice for anyone who wants a gorgeous, natural-looking glow without compromising their skin’s health. What sets it apart is its hydration-first formula. Hyaluronic Acid, and Aloe Vera that draws moisture deep into the skin, plumps, soothes, and locks in colour so your tan lasts longer — because hydrated skin holds while dry skin sheds. The lightweight whipped mousse dries in 60 seconds, applies streak-free, and its red-base formula develops into a rich, deep brown glow that neutralises green undertones
After sun face mask
After a day at the beach, the Osmosis Skincare Summer Cooling Enzyme Mask is the perfect skin recovery treatment. Its lactic acid gently removes the dead, sun-damaged skin cells left behind by UV exposure, while its cooling effect soothes that tight, hot feeling from a day in the sun. Packed with watermelon fruit extract for antioxidant protection and hydration, plus niacinamide to combat post-sun pigmentation and breakouts, it works hard to undo the damage a beach day can cause.
Some quick after beach body care
The Avène Eau Thermale (Thermal Spring Water) is one of skincare’s most iconic and dermatologist-trusted products facial mist spray made from pure thermal spring water sourced directly from a spring in Avène, France. Perfect for cooling down after a long, hot day.
The Avène Cicalfate+ is essentially a skin SOS product that belongs in every medicine cabinet and travel bag. Whether you’re dealing with sunburn, insect bites, windburn, chafing, minor cuts from adventures, or skin that’s just been stressed by travel, Cicalfate+ is the one product that handles it all. Its clinically proven restorative formula works in as little as 48 hours to repair the skin barrier, soothe redness and irritation, and protect against infection, making it ideal for the kind of skin chaos that holidays inevitably bring.
A quick daily routine
I’ve recently been introduced to The Breakout Hack, previously tbh skincare. And I cannot recommend it it enough. Holidays are notorious for triggering breakouts, new climates, sweaty skin, sunscreen clogging pores, and disrupted routines . Exactly why The Breakout Hack deserves a spot in your travel bag.
A multipurpose tank top
I’ m obsessed with this Loran Jane tank. It’s versatile, easy to wear as top, comfortable enough to sleep in and even swim in. Plus the soft, breathable cotton makes it fantastic to put on and go.
There you have it! Whether you’re jetting off to a sun-soaked beach or exploring a new city, the right products can make all the difference between skin that thrives on holiday and skin that suffers through it. The key is keeping your routine simple, effective, and travel-friendly. The best holiday beauty bag is one that takes up minimal space but handles everything a trip throws at your skin. Pack smart, protect your skin, and enjoy every sun-filled moment knowing you’ve got it covered.
Disclaimer: While this was gifted to the Sans Pareil Online team to review, our opinions are our own and we have not been paid or coaxed to say something either way. If you would like to have your product reviewed please contact us here.
