Friday, 17 July 2015

The Holiday Guide


As the weather starts to heat up, and holiday season peaks, we all desire that effortless beach look. However, effortless, isn't quite effortless. To achieve the perfect vacation beach look, keep reading...

CLOTHING:

The perfect summer look isn't complete with out a little lace or denim. This outfit combines both, for a cutesy and quite unique style too. Next's washed dungaree dress is comfortable, stylish and childish, but without looking ridiculous. I tend to pair these with a little white vest underneath, so its not too revealing (H&M). Unfortunately these dungarees have been discontinued, however Next have a similar pair here. Now here's the part that makes the outfit so special- a white lace blouse over top, and undone. Trust me it looks stunning. Brave Soul have the perfect lace blouse, sleeveless and with crochet details around the neck. You can purchase here

Fat face's patterned shorts also pair perfectly with this blouse, either tucked in or hanging out. If it gets a little chilly in the evenings, feel free to throw on a denim jacket (also from Fatface).

Asos has a very cute pairing this year of matching blazer and short combo. The material is very light weight and breathable, and worn with the H&M vest, it is a classy and sophisticated look. The mint floral pattern is perfect for summer, and ties in with the colour scheme of the other outfits. Corresponding, versatile pieces allows the opportunity to mix and match.

Personally I like to pair all these outfits with a pair of sunglasses and blue necklace to keep it interesting. Shoes wise, a pair of blue flats from H&M and Gelly shoes are perfect- comfy and correspond well with the outfits. Don't forget a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and reasonably big beach bag.

If you fancy some pictures in more detail, stay tuned for a summer look book featuring some of these pieces soon.

MAKE-UP:

Make-up, I keep very simple as through out the day you will be warm and maybe even swimming. Wear what you are comfortable with, whether that's none, a little or a full face. Personally during evenings out, I tend to wear a little more than when I am by the pool or beach.

A tinted moisturiser or just concealer a quick and simple way for coverage and glow, all at once. If you prefer foundation, mix a little of your moisturiser in with it, to keep make-up looking fresh and natural. Also bear in mind that if you are in a hot country, where you will be sweating and swimming, your make-up isn't going to last very long. Don't spend hours pin point concealing every single last imperfection- unfortunately in the heat it wont last. (For a natural base I love Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue).

To keep things simple and quick, use your bronzer to lightly powder and bronze up the skin. Apply in a 3 shaped motion around the face, on the temples of the forehead, cheekbone and under the jaw. Blend then across the cheek, forehead, nose and chin- any where the sun would naturally tan you. But, don't go overboard as it will look OTT and fake. To avoid this heavy look, use a large fluffy brush, such as the Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Cream eye shadows are key to this look- quick, easy and effective. My personal favourites come in the form of Benefit's Crease less cream shadows. Apply sheerly over the lids for a slight glow and haze. Skip liner all together and either curl the lashes and leave it like that, or apply a little mascara, Benefit's Roller Lash lasting really well in soaring temperatures. 

Brush through the brows, and apply a brow gel for a natural hold and definition, or simply leave them bare.

Finish the lips with a slick of lip balm with SPF or lipstick with similar properties. Remember that lips can get burnt too. Avoid gloss as it attracts sunlight to your lips, causing them to burn. My favourites are Chap stick (SPF 35) which really moisturises and nourishes alongside a lemon scent, and No7 Sheer Temptation lipstick in 'Lovely', a sheer tinted balm with SPF 15.

Don't forget fragrance and deodorant, small samples are perfect for this.

SKINCARE:

Speaking of sun cream- ALWAYS apply it in hot weather. My favourite is from Nivea, their moisturising sun lotion, SPF 50, is incredibly effective, but also moisturising. It is also a bargain, 200ml for around £5! Apply through out the day, to avoid burns.

When sunbathing, my best tip would be to take turns of front, back and being in the shade, between 20 minute periods, remembering to applying sun cream regularly. Whilst resting, I like to read a book, listen to music or have a brainstorming session.

The first few days before a real tan occurs, you may want to use a fake tan. Garnier's Summer Body Gradual Tanning Moisturiser in Light builds up a natural, sun kissed tan for a golden glow.

Make sure you are looking after your skin, applying after sun, and ex foliating to remove dry skin. I would also recommend a comprehensive skincare routine- the flight and different environment can cause the to break out or become very dry. Either way make sure you have something that complys with your skins needs. 

My compact kit would consist of: Benefit's Remove It Cleanser, Tea tree ex foliating pads, Body shop's seaweed treatment, Burt's Bees Blemish treatment, No7 eye gel, Chap stick and Olay Night cream. I would also pack Body Shops Tea tree primer, for the day time. 

HAIRCARE:

For a compact, low maintenance hair care routine, start with your favourite shampoo and conditioner- complete essentials. A dry oil to nourish the ends of your hair after the flight is another must have- Percy and Reed's brand new 'No oil oil' does just that. If after a couple of days, your hair looks greasy, Colab's Dry Shampoo absorbs all unwanted shine. It also acts as a really nice texturising and volumising spray. Don't forget tools- a hair dryer and brush.

RANDOM:

A few days before you pack, make a list of all the things you will need and take. This way, you can add to it before you leave and not forget anything. Also take it on holiday, so then you can double tick once you've repacked to leave. This will ensure not losing or forgetting anything.

Definitely fix a luggage tag or ribbon onto your suitcase, it makes it much easier to find at the airport. Keep your passport and other important documents on hand at all times when boarding.

When travelling, I like switching off from the world a bit. I take my Kindle, so I can have lots of books to read, a note book, for writing and thoughts. I also have a holiday journal, where I can write about what I've done and how I've felt. This is a really nice way to look back on memories.

Chargers and socket adapters are also really important. A camera is also great for capturing memories, and mosquito spray helps make those memories good!

If you are going to a festival rather than beach holiday, my guide is here. Let me know if you have any essentials you can't leave without. If you are going on holiday this year, have a good one!

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