Summer holidays are just around the corner, next week will see the last Bank Holiday of the Spring with Whitsun, and then it’s straight onto (hopefully) flaming June. This is the first post in a series of Summer holiday essentials guides, which will highlight some of the best products around for Summer 2024. Part two will follow next week.
Tricolour Straw Shopper Bag
A straw bag is the ultimate Summer essential, it matches every outfit, holds all your essential stuff safely, and is something you can turn to again and again.

The Tricolour Straw Shopper Bag from Etikora is a beautiful, eco friendly, Straw shopping bag that has been handmade by artisans. Buying this bag not only allows you to look super stylish, but it also helps to support a family in India.
YOUR Gorgeous SKIN SPF Day Cream From Dr PawPaw
Great quality, high SPF day cream that you can literally wear every day and forget about is a real Summer must have. Dr PawPaw, a brand I love and have featured on this site many times, have unveiled the YOUR gorgeous SKIN SPF day cream ready for Summer 2021. This is a 3 in 1 solution designed as a, so that it, quite literally addresses all your everyday skincare requirements.
This PEG-free and vegan formula provides long-lasting hydration thanks to a world-first ingredient – papayaluronic(tm), which combines the nourishing and soothing properties of the PAWPAW (papaya fruit) extract and 8 Hyaluronic Acids. The day cream also protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, all without leaving a white cast, and is enriched with Vitamin E to effectively restore, protect and rejuvenate dry skin.
You can find this here at LookFantastic.

BÉBÉ Fragranced Anti Mosquito 100ml From Bodyguard
When travelling further afield, mosquitoes can be a real holiday hazard, with their nasty bites that can truly cause distress, particularly if they affect children.
Bodyguard, an amazing French brand, have recently launched in the UK, and one of their key products is the BÉBÉ Fragranced Anti Mosquito spray, which not only helps to repel insects and particularly mosquitoes, but also smells divine and is suitable for both pregnant women and young children.
Bodyguard say:-
The patented BODYGUARD®BÉBÉ anti mosquito has been especially formulated so it does not alter the skin’s pH. It has a consistency like water with a reduced alcohol content and added glycerine to moisturise and strengthen the lipid film.
You can find BÉBÉ here.

ORGANii SPF 30 Sun Lotion
Having plenty of sun cream is essential in Summer, even if you are not going on holiday. A sun cream that is perfect for the whole family is not only practical, but can also be a money saver, and makes packing much easier if you are struggling with your baggage allowance.
Wearing sunscreen is a way to protect your skin from dangerous sun rays, and is also an anti ageing strategy – you should protect your skin whatever your age. Organii, another brand I often turn to, has a brilliant for all the family SPF 30 sun lotion that is also perfect for those who like their skincare to be organic.
They say:-
The medium-protection formula has a fluid consistency so there is no residue left on the skin after application, while protecting your skin from the UVA & UVB rays naturally and safely. Non-nano Zinc Oxide and non-nano Titanium Dioxide sit on top of the skin, reflecting the Sun’s rays and creating a protective barrier. Enriched with organic aloe vera, green tea leaf extract and coconut oil that will leave your skin soft and supple.
You can find the sun lotion here.

Absolute Collagen’s Marine Liquid Collagen Drink From Absolutecollagen.com
Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular as a form of skincare that can be easily added to both our diets and our day to day rountine. The Absolute Collegen’s Marine liquid drink is a really easy way to gift a product that helps us to gain glowing skin, strong joints, and vibrant hair this holiday season. The small sachet’s are easy to pack in your suitcase as they are discreet and take up hardly any room, so you can continue your Collagen routine while you enjoy your holiday.
You can find a range of Absolute Collagen’s supplements with different subscription packages
here.
Manta Mirror Healthy Hair Brush
A great hairbrush, that works well as a detangler, is essential for summer hair that can be effected by chlorine, sea water and the other summer weather elements. The Manta Mirror hair brush is gorgeous,it has its own, built in mirror and comes with a handy travel pouch to ensure it doesn’t get covered in sand when you add it to your
beach bag.
The Manta Mirror hair brush stimulates scalp circulation, promotes healthier hair growth, and gently detangles your hair without breakage. It is suitable for all hair types including
genius weft extensions as it is gentle and really helps look after your hair.
Find the Manta Mirror hair brush
here.
PAUL MITCHELL FIRM STYLE FREEZE & SHINE SUPER SPRAY
Having great looking hair, in perfect condition, is something we all want when we are on our holidays, and the PAUL MITCHELL FIRM STYLE FREEZE & SHI
NE SUPER SPRAY
, which comes in a 100ml bottle and is available at sallybeauty.co.uk, is a stress free styling spray that is easy to use and provides a quick fix for your
crowning glory.
This is a versatile styling spray that locks styles in place with a strong hold while providing a glossy finish. It has a lightweight and non-sticky formula for effortless application and is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups or travel to keep your hair flawlessly styled.
Evolve Organic Beauty AGE DEFYING HYDRATING FACE MIST
A face mist that both revives your skin and keeps it hydrated in hot weather is a handbag must have in Summer, particularly for those who travel on trains and planes, or are stuck in office buildings with skin zapping air conditioning.
British, sustainable, skin, hair and bodycare range
Evolve Organic Beauty have recently introduced a new hero product, the Age Defying hydrating face mist. This features the extremolyte stress protection molecule found in the Resurrection Plant – also known as the Rose of Jericho and also includes organic rose water. The Age Defying Hydrating Mist will hydrate, refresh and visibly rejuvenate thirsty skin with just a single spray. You can apply this at any time, as often as you like, helping tired, summer skin to look bright and revitalised.
Expressionism Eye Palette From Doll Smash
For me, the best eye make up for travel is a good mixture of neutral shades that work well with tanned skin, and can work for both day and night time. Cult make up brand Doll Smash have created what might just be the best eye palette for Summer with their Expressionism Eye Palette.
This is a limited-edition palette featuring twelve carefully curated matte and metallic shades in gold and copper that you will be able to blend, mix and match to create the perfect summer eye look. The sleek black case is utterly stylish, and has a mirror to make this very travel friendly.
You can find the Expressionism Eye Palette
here.

Balmonds Natural Skincare
The heat can make our skin feel more irritated during the Summer, with everything from sunburn to prickly heat causing a problem. Balmonds natural skincare is designed to soothe skin, particularly those that may struggle with products packed full of synthetic ingredients. It’s unscented, natural products are perfect for all skin types and are just the thing to pack in your suitcase when you are heading off.
Here are some of Balmonds key picks.
100% natural award-winning hero balm, this little pot of magic works wonders on all sorts of skin issues, but is especially handy to have around in summer. It can deal with cracked heels, rough skin, sore patches, dry nails & cuticles, and sore eyes. It’s also a fabulous natural defence against hay fever – smear a layer around nose, upper lip and eyes to catch pollen and soothe itchy sore skin.
Made with beeswax, hemp seed oil, chamomile and calendula, the balm is dermatologist- and paediatrician-approved. Suitable for all ages and skin types, including eczema-prone skin.
A lovely light lotion, made with nourishing shea butter, cooling aloe, lavender and menthol, perfect as a natural aftersun, but also brilliant for flushed, inflamed, or hot and bothered skin anywhere on the body. Great for massaging hot feet or restless legs before bed.
This versatile product makes an excellent all-purpose hair, face, hands and body wash for camping, especially when you’re wild camping or having outdoor showers as its exceptionally gentle formulation means it won’t damage wildlife! Just take one bottle with you, use it for everything.

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