Seen as my last post mentioned products that don't really work because they are advertised by goddesses or whatever, I thought I would write about the products which I use, a normal (I guess), everyday person, which keep me healthy and happy in the sun. It seemed a good idea to write this now as it is that time of year where people are going on their holidays or at least,
preparing to go on their holidays.
1. No.7 Hair Protecting Spritz, £6.50 Boots.
I use this for my hair. When you're in the sun all day, your hair becomes really dry so this keeps it really hydrated. I spray some on before I leave the apartment and then I top it up after swimming or after about 3 hours if you're just out and about. The bottle isn't huge so it doesn't take up much room in your beach bag either!
2. Estée Lauder DayWear, £37.00
Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer
For people who don't like to go out without makeup but don't fancy having foundation dripping off their face in 30 degrees heat, this one is for you. DayWear is a facial moisturiser which works with the pigment in your skin to give your face a natural tan. For people with very dry skin (like myself) I recommend using a tiny amount of your normal moisturiser first. DayWear also has SPF15 in it but I still use a small amount of sun cream when the temperature exceeds 25 degrees. I tend to buy this in the airport as it is a lot cheaper in duty free.
3. MAC False Lashes Waterproof, £18.00
Waterproof mascara is an essential for me and a holiday necessity! Remember all the times you had black smudges after a dip in the pool? You can forget it with this little beauty. Once again, I prefer to buy this product in duty free at the airport as the price is lower.
4. Nivea Sun Protect SPF30, £3.29, Boots.
In my opinion, it is so important to protect your lips from the sun as the skin on them is so delicate. Nivea Sun Protect comes in SPF30 or 50 and is waterproof so you don't need to worry about it washing off in the sea!
5. A Hand Held Fan.
Ours is getting a bit old now but these are a life saver - especially if you get stuck on an over crowed bus while sight seeing. Small enough to fit in your bag or some even come with a string for you to wear it around your neck for instant heat relief.
6. Always Carry Water.
Whatever you do, however big or small it is, however long you plan on staying in the sun for - always take water! The last thing you want is to suffer from dehydration on your holiday. It can also be used to wash any sand off your feet or to pour on your face if you're really feeling the heat.
7. Know your sun cream.
I'm not aware that one brand is better than the other but what I do know is that they ALL have an expiry date. If you're the kind of people who only go on holiday once a year and save any sun creams that don't get used up, be careful that it's not out of date. You can check your sun cream by the little symbol on the bottle, sometimes it's a number within a circle, sometimes it's a number next to a picture of an opened tub. Don't forget to top up your sun cream regularly after intervals of two hours or after swimming.
8. Be Safe in the Sun.
Just because there's a slight breeze it doesn't mean it's less hot. The sun's rays are still strong, even if there is hazy clouds in the sky! Also, limit yourself to how long you spend in the sun. The sun is at it's hottest between 11am and 3pm. That doesn't mean you have to stay indoors for four hours but it's best to alternate between sitting in the sun and sitting in the shade. You have a whole week or two to get a tan - pace yourself!
9. Insect Repellent.
If you're venturing out into the wilderness exploring or going out at night time, invest in a repellent. Mosquitoes are at their hungriest during the hot season! I don't recommend wipes as I have been using them recently and I've been bit four times already. It's also a good idea to buy the electric plugs which keep them away from your room as the plug gives off the repellent. Try to keep your balcony door closed too, to stop them getting inside in the first place (although don't lock yourself out which is what my parents did...)
10. Learn the Emergency ServicesNumber.
For those of you who always like to be prepared for anything, learn the number for the emergency services before you go to that country. Anything can happen at any time and the last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere, unable to get help.
Most of all, remember to have fun! As important as it is to stay safe on holiday, it's also important to enjoy it. These little tips are just small things to remember to give your holiday that extra boost.
Bon Voyage!
