Although the wind sweeping through Oxford may not look hopeful, the temperatures are starting to turn and summer is peeping from around the corner. Whether you’re soon beginning your year abroad or going on holiday to celebrate the end of exams, it is likely that your destination will be warm, bright, and generally better than England on a good day. Whenever I travel to a place with a significantly different climate to that of the UK, I like to take this into account when packing my makeup, as there is nothing worse than streaky foundation and panda eyes in holiday photos!
Having survived lengthy stints in both India and Spain without notable cosmetic disaster, here are a few of my essentials for summer travel:
1. Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation
I’ve only just got my hands on this relatively new product. Both the name and the shade range are completely different in Europe, though, so be warned! I had been searching for a product that felt very light on the skin but still provided adequate coverage, and this performs beautifully. The foundation blends easily and genuinely achieves a ‘my skin but better’ look while not feeling as heavy as a regular base.
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
This is not just for dry skin, but for anyone who wants the ‘staying power’ of a primer without the sticky, tacky feeling of a silicone product. A little goes a long way, and it prevents creasing in your foundation while increasing its wear-time – win! Definitely worth the investment.
3. L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Waterproof Mascara
The brush on this mascara is absolutely perfect for lifting, separating and curling lashes, and the formula doesn’t dry out your lashes at all.
Tip: to make the removal easier, use normal mascara for the first coat, then use waterproof mascara on top. Your lashes will be protected from water and humidity but the first coat of normal mascara will stop them from drying out and can be removed much faster!
4. Mac Studio Correct and Conceal Duo
If you have any kind of hyperpigmentation or discolouration, the idea of wearing a separate colour corrector under your concealer in summer is hardly appealing. I personally couldn’t wait to ditch my heavy Pro-Longwear concealer as the weather improved, but didn’t want my dark undereye circles to be on display. This product is absolutely fantastic; you only need the tiniest amount so it will last for ages. It blends seamlessly into the skin, correcting the darker areas so they don’t look ashy. No additional concealer on top is needed: amazing!
5. Rimmel Brow This Way Styling Gel
There is such an enormous range of brow gels available since they recently exploded onto the market, but for a budget option the Rimmel offering is great. The brush is a little awkward to use at first, but the product holds really well. It is easy to remove and doesn’t collapse in humid environments.
6. No7 Perfect Light Loose Powder
If you dislike loose powders and are blessed with a shine-free face, this powder is not for you. Even though I have dry skin, I find I have to set my makeup with a powder to stop it sliding down my face, and this has proven to be my favourite. Sweep it on under your eyes and across your T-zone, and you should be shine-free without the dreaded cakey finish.
7. MAC Prep + Prime Lip
Lots of us suffer from very dry lips in the summer and sometimes regular lip-balm just doesn’t cut it. This goes on before lipstick and really does a lot to increase colour wear time. It again, lasts for a long time and is compact and easy to carry around in your purse.
8. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+
All I need to say about this fixing spray is that when I used it for the first time over my regular makeup, I went to the gym and nothing moved. Witchcraft. It also provides a lovely refreshing feeling over parched skin and, when sprayed onto brushes, intensifies eyeshadow and prevents fallout.
9. Gerard Cosmetics 1995 Lipstick
I don’t normally buy into incredibly hyped American products, but the shade of this lipstick is just so perfect that I’m glad I made an exception this time! This supremely on-trend mauve-brown colour will flatter almost anyone, but it’s particularly amazing if you have olive or brown skin.
10. Lush Roots Scalp Treatment
Some of us still get dry scalps even in the summer, and there is nothing more refreshing than the feel and scent of mint when it’s sweltering outside! Hair masks are great because they don’t weigh your hair down after you wash them out, unlike many deep conditioners, and any incentive to give yourself a scalp massage is always good!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of summer-friendly products, and it is always fun to get out there and try things for yourself! There is nothing better than hard-working products that stay in place and leave you to concentrate on the most important thing: having a wonderful summer!
