How great is summer? The days are slower, sleep-ins longer, inbox quieter. Over the Christmas New Year haze I decamped to Port Stephens – where I grew up – to spend some time eating, swimming, drinking and hanging out with family. I've also been deep in my skin, hair and body routine because despite the slower pace, the sun and salt don't always equate to more glow (for me, anyway).

Given I've been home for two weeks, I packed basically my entire routine (no shortcuts here). And because I love sharing, I thought I'd map out everything I deemed worthy of carting three hours north. See the edit of my favourite summer holiday beauty essentials, below.

 

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water

A cult classic, this cleansing water removes SPF and heavy makeup with ease. Also perfect for lazy summer nights when a full routine feels all too much.

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser

My all-time favourite oil cleanser, this leaves my skin clean and nourished. I love using it to give myself a bit of a facial massage, too.

Rationale The Serum #2

Antioxidants are necessary year round, but even more so in summer. This is one of my ride-or-die formulas. It's packed with vitamin C, niacinamide and ceramides to target discolouration, pigmentation and loss of radiance.

Rationale The Serum #5

This acid-rich formula decongests and brightens. I find it's great at clearing away the bumpy texture that comes with constant SPF re-application.

 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

This is my most frequently purchased moisturiser. It's cheap, works for everyone and has a cushiony texture that I adore under makeup. It also prevents water loss, and soothes skin that's been underwater or in the sun.

 

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan Pigment Control SPF 50+

I have pigmentation that resurfaces every summer. I've surrendered to an extent but I do try to keep it somewhat under control. This SPF not only protects against UV rays via chemical and physical filters, but also works to prevent the formation of dark spots. I love the finish and sheen, too.

 

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant

When my face needs a deep clean, this is what I reach for. It's packed with yeast and B vitamins to rebalance sebum production, plus lactic acid to deep clean pores. I find it instantly improves the look and feel of rough, textured, congested skin.

 

Lui Body Moisturiser

This is simple but really effective. The ingredients listing is clean, there's active ingredients like squalane and niacinamide, plus it smells pretty (but it won't over-power your perfume). It sinks in quickly and leaves the skin soft. 10/10.

 

Olaplex Bonding Oil

 

I swim almost daily in summer and am rarely without a hat, so try to make a conscious effort to give back to my hair. This oil is really light but works to repair damage and protect against heat, which is why it makes my list for my summer holiday beauty essentials. I like to work it in a few hours before I swim as a bit of a treatment.

 

Oribe Bright Blonde Sun Lightening Mist

 

This is like sun-in for adults. I don't colour my hair but this helps to encourage soft highlights. It's got lemon and chamomile to subtly brighten, but also hydrators to avoid crunch. I find it adds a little texture as well.

Celine Cologne Céleste

 

This summer's scent of choice is Celine Cologne Céleste. Soapy and tender, it reminds me of being a kid.

 

CHANEL Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint

Nothing beats this skin tint. It's really fresh and dewy, but the coverage is decent. It feels cool on the skin, as well.

 

CHANEL Les Beiges Super Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid

I forgot I had this until I saw someone using it on TikTok. Now I'm obsessed. It's more shimmery than I'm used to, but a pump into my moisturiser really turns on glow.

 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This is the best event foundation ever invented. As long as you apply it to hydrated skin, it has a natural, long-lasting finish that stays perfectly in place. It also covers marks and blemishes without appearing too heavy or makeup-y.

 

Refy Brow Sculpt

 

I bought this out of curiosity but thought I might not like it. The laminated look is not for me, plus I have really long eyebrow hairs. But I've been pleasantly surprised. As long as you apply sparingly, it fluffs brows into place without any crunch or flaking. It keeps them in place all day, too.

 

Violette_Fr Bisou Blush 

Summer wouldn't be summer without faux sunburn. I am infatuated with this formula from Violette Fr's brand. The shade Ines (above) is inspired by the ruddy cheeks of her newborn daughter (heaven). It's creamy and blends with little to no effort.