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8 of the best products for holiday-ready hair and skin
Written byAmy Bonifas
Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs
From sun-proof hydration to frizz-taming finishers, we’ve curated the ultimate edit of skin and hair-loving must-haves to help you look and feel your best on holiday
Our top picks
Improves skin elasticity
Aveeno
Aveeno Skin Renewal Firming Lotion 300ml
Free Biotin when you spend £20
£14.99
Protects against UVA and UVB
Dr. PawPaw
Dr. PawPaw Lip Balm SPF Repair and Protect 8ml
Free Biotin when you spend £20
£3.31
£4.95
Vegan-friendly
Naturtint
Naturtint 'Curly' Curl Definer Oil Repair 50ml
3 For 2 Mix & Match
£19.99
Whether you’re jetting off far, far away or planning the ultimate staycation, these products are essential for staying protected, hydrated and dialling up your natural glow.
Most of us like to strip back our beauty rituals while away, plus luggage limitations can mean hardworking, multi-tasking products really come into their own. From the hair oil that doubles as a skin moisturiser to the protective balm for sumptuous lips, here are eight must-haves to pop in your suitcase.
Skin saviours for your holiday
Weleda’s Skin Food range is a cult classic, hailed for its super hydrating power, and this new ultra-light dry oil absorbs quickly into parched skin, making it even easier to reap the moisturising benefits. You can use this on your face and body for an instant glow on the go. Plus, it contains enriching oils like gorgeous-smelling rosemary and pansy to help your tan pop for longer.
Use it for post-beach dry skin: when you’re fresh out of the shower, spray all over for well-hydrated, shimmering skin all evening long.
Exfoliating your skin before and during your holiday helps create the perfect canvas for a more even, longer-lasting tan. This sunshine-scented scrub blends sugar crystals with indulgent shea butter and a cocktail of skin-softening oils to gently polish away dry, flaky patches while deeply hydrating. And the notes of coconut and pineapple will instantly transport you to pina coladas on the beach.
Best for a pre-beach exfoliation: or a mid-holiday refresh. Gently buff onto damp skin in the shower to sweep away dryness and reveal holiday-ready skin.
There are body lotions, then there are clinically-proven firming lotions, and this one is great for giving you a little extra confidence on holiday. Blending oats for deep hydration with PHA (polyhydroxy acids – a chemical exfoliant) and blackberry leaf extract, this saviour will leave your skin feeling bouncier and more sculpted.
Best for tired or dull skin: it’s ideal for post-sun skin care. Just remember this contains an alpha hydroxy, which can make your skin more sensitive, so save this one for when the sun dips and don’t forget to layer on the SPF in the morning.
Lips are often the first to burn, and the last thing you want on day two of your trip is sun-scorched skin. This clear, lightweight balm delivers high-factor SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays, while keeping lips soft and hydrated. Powered by the nutrient-rich pawpaw fruit, it soothes dry or chapped skin and also works as a moisture top-up for cuticles or dry patches.
Best for keeping in your bag: we all know the person who always forgets to protect their lips. Keep one in your beach bag or pocket for easy reapplication – rain or shine.
Hair heroes for holiday
Who says you have to leave your hair growth goals at home? With rosemary oil trending on TikTok, this travel-size trending oil delivers and is packed with rosemary, almond and sunflower oils, which support natural growth and help to refresh sun-drenched or chlorinated locks. It’s a two-in-one winner: use it to tame frizz and hydrate sun-parched skin. Oh, and it also doubles as a skin oil, with rosemary1 linked to better hydration.
Best for sea worshippers: your hair goes through a lot on holiday, and this strengthening elixir can help, especially if you have finer hair. It’s the perfect post-pool hair pick-me-up that helps fight dryness from salt and chlorine. Add a little to damp or dry hair or massage into sun-kissed skin and chill while it gets to work.
Like you, your hair tends to get thirstier in the heat, and swimming in chlorine or salt water can strip it of its natural hydration. Enter the ultra-moisturising ingredients in this deep treatment mask – shea butter is hailed for its intensely hydrating magic, while argan oil helps to seal in moisture and calm frazzled frizz.
Best for naturally curly and wavy hair: embracing your hair’s natural texture while away. Designed for naturally curly and wavy hair, this mask also takes care of your scalp, leaving your hair in great shape without the need for heat styling (and who can be bothered with that on holiday?).
If you’re already a fan of the Curly Girl Method (curl-loving products minus the harsh stuff), you’ll love this powerhouse oil even more. With a mix of nine nourishing oils, including delicious-smelling argan and jojoba, it smooths frizz and adds radiance without weighing strands down. It’s ideal for working through your hair after sunny days to create soft, defined beach waves.
Best for curly or coily hair styles: hair in need of a boost of definition and moisture? Comb through freshly washed hair with your fingers and let your locks air dry, or scrunch into dry curls between washes to bring the bounce back. A few drops go a long way, so it’s the perfect compact carry-on.
A heat protector, volume booster and leave-in treatment all in one – this styling spray is a suitcase no-brainer. Formulated with pea sprout extract2 and red clover3 – ingredients known for supporting hair density and natural hair growth journey – it helps reduce excessive hair shedding and improves texture and shine over time.
Even better, it shields your strands from UV rays, heat styling and pollution, so your hair stays protected and glossy whether you’re on a city break or beach escape.
Best for a hair lift: flat or fine hair that could do with a little extra oomph. Spritz onto damp hair and leave to air dry or give yourself an upside-down blow-dry before dinner for even more lift.
The final say
Holidays are the perfect excuse to simplify your routine and rely on a few hardworking essentials, giving you more time and energy for all the things you love doing while away.
Our edit proves you don’t need to take your entire toiletry collection away with you – a smart selection of multi-tasking moisturisers, hair masks, scrubs and restorative oils will keep you feeling your most glowy self – even after you get back. Next up: check out 9 of the best products for post-holiday hair and skin.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Montenegro L, Pasquinucci L, Zappalà A, Chiechio S, Turnaturi R, Parenti C. Rosemary Essential Oil-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: In Vivo Topical Activity from Gel Vehicles. Pharmaceutics [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2019 Feb 11];9(4):48. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29065483
2. Grothe T, Wandrey F, Schuerch C. Short communication: Clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss. Phytotherapy Research. 2019 Nov 3;34(2):428–31.
3. Lipovac M, Chedraui P, Gruenhut C, Gocan A, Kurz C, Neuber B, et al. Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women. Obstetrics and Gynecology International. 2011;2011:1–6.
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