Pocket-sized
Heading off on holiday? What toiletries and beauty products do you need to pack? Our experts give their best advice
Preparing to holiday
“When prepping your skin before summer, home-made body scrubs are affordable, easy to make and an excellent way to energise and moisturise skin,” says Ellen Cox of Atlantic Aromatics. “Combine Epsom Salts with a cold pressed sweet almond oil, the consistency shouldn’t be too oily. Using 50ml of a carrier oil such as aloe vera gel add 5-10 drops of either lavender, geranium or frankincense, and mix well. Apply in a circular motion to dry skin and rinse off in the shower.”
Travel-sized
“With holiday season rolling around again, mainstream brands will have travel-sized haircare, shaving products, oral care and suncare widely available, which can lead us to choose convenience over quality,” says Niamh Larkin, beauty specialist at Evergreen in Mainguard St, Galway. “As tempting as it may be for saving time, space and money, our skin needs the most care during and after sun exposure – so what we take with us in our wash bag should be just as high up on the priority list as our swimwear selection.”
Pack away
“Lavender essential oil is always in my bag when travelling,” says Ellen Cox. “A drop under the pillow can help promote a really good night’s sleep.”
“Castile liquid soap makes a great travel companion as it has multiple uses and is highly concentrated so only requires a few drops for most uses,” says Niamh Larkin. “This can be used to wash face, body, hands as well as household washing like dishes, laundry and even windows – making it perfect for hotel, self-catering, camping or road trips. It can also be used for shaving, as mouthwash and even as a shampoo.
“Another great way to save cost and space is to decant your favourite shampoo, conditioner, body wash or lotion into travel-sized bottles, label them clearly and take these with you instead of their full size containers.”
Sun and your skin
“Sun lotion and aftersun should be the first thing you pack when planning a trip to the sun,” says Niamh Larkin. “The higher the SPF (sun protection factor) in the product, the longer you can stay in the sun without having to reapply, so keep this in mind when choosing yours. If you are checking a bag these two should be the full size items you bring. Do not compromise on this – the last thing you want is to spend the holiday burnt and uncomfortable.”
Ellen Cox suggests the following for sun exposed skin: “Peppermint oil is cooling on the skin, mix 2-3 drops into 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Lavender oil is soothing for sunburn, mix 2-3 drops into 1 tablespoon of gel. Lavender water can also be used for over-exposure to sun – spritz directly on to the affected area. Rosewater is great for helping to keep facial skin hydrated – simply spritz on directly.”
Those dratted insects
“Depending on your destination you may wish to bring insect repellent with you,” says Niamh Larkin. “Camping trips, lake or forest destinations or hot climates can often mean midges, mosquitos, ticks or horseflies – make sure they stay away from you with a natural bug spray or roll-on, citronella candle or incense, or even pure citronella oil. Citronella has a pungent citrus aroma which makes you invisible to insects when applied. Pure citronella oil can be added to shampoos, body lotions and sanitisers too.”
“I recommend mixing 5 drops of lavender essential oil in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel for bites and grazes,” says Ellen Cox.
Holiday essentials
“Other helpful essential oils are tea tree for its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, eucalyptus to ease congestion from sinus discomfort or hay fever, and lavender for immediate relief of burns, bites and stings,” says Niamh Larkin. “These three also keep the bugs away and don’t take up much space.”
Upset tummy
“Ginger has a long association with soothing the digestive system,” says Ellen Cox. “Inhaling ginger essential oil may help to relieve nausea, try 2 drops on a tissue and inhale for 10 minutes. Lemon essential oil has also shown similar properties. Dilute 2-3 drops of ginger oil in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and apply to the abdomen in a clockwise direction.”
Niamh Larkin’s holiday hand luggage recommendations:
Hand sanitiser – this one is fairly self-explanatory, keep one close to hand and use it often.
Spray toner – think lavender water or rose water. Great for on the plane as a light refreshing face mist, also perfect for keeping a cool complexion in the sun.
Shea butter – a great multifunctional tool to ease frizzy hair, hydrate chapped lips, moisturise your over-sanitised hands, soothe sunburnt skin, the list goes on.
Lastly, don’t forget a good book, big sunglasses and headphones. Bon Voyage!
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