While we love a summer holiday, we can’t pretend we’re a dab hand at packing – especially when it comes to our beauty essentials. No matter how far in advance we’ve booked our trip, we’ll always find ourselves fussing and flapping over our make-up and skincare products with only hours to go.
But that’s where Boots come in. We've teamed up with the high street hero to shine a spotlight on some of the best hot-weather beauty products to add to your suitcase this summer. The best part? If you’re flying, you can purchase full-sized products online at Boots.com and then have them delivered to a Boots store at your departing airport- meaning no faffing about with clear plastic bags at security. Be sure to allow at least five days for delivery, though. But if you do prefer to travel light? Don’t forget you can also decant full size products into the travel sized bottles available at Boots.com.
Without further ado, scroll on for our edit of the best summer travel essentials and holiday beauty products Boots has to offer, from waterproof make-up to SPFs and more – and all with great savings.
Waterproof mascara
Boots are brimming with excellent waterproof mascaras that won’t smudge in humid weather or after a particularly vigorous aqua aerobics session. The No7 Intense Volume Waterproof Mascara, £9.95, is a great option for those who love a dramatic lash to frame their eyes. Begin by massaging the wand at the base of the lashes for a beautiful, face-framing look. The Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara, £11.99, is also great for those who like a more natural lash during the day and something more full-on in the evening. It’s buildable and we can attest to the fact that it doesn’t budge**.**
SPF foundation
While having an SPF in your foundation isn’t enough (you’ll need to use your standalone SPF too) it is a great way to ensure extra protection from the sun. If your complexion errs more on the dry side then consider IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50, £36.50 – it’s a cult favourite for a reason and is brimming with nourishing and protective ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Oiler skin? Give the Garnier Oil-Free Perfecting Care All-in-1 BB Cream SPF25, £9.99, a go. It makes light work of mattifying excess shine. Apply with a damp beauty blender for the most flawless finish.
Waterproof eyeliner
Nothing says day-to-night quite like the addition of a feline flick. Look at waterproof options to ensure you’ll never have to deal with pesky panda eyes. The Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl Waterproof Eye Liner & Sharpener, £6.99 is ideal for those who love a smudged-out smokey eye, plus it comes with a sharpener which is always handy while travelling. If you prefer a liquid liner then the Revolution Waterproof Renaissance Eyeliner, £5 will stay put come rain or shine. It’s easy to use and also incredibly long wearing making it a great option for even the oiliest of lids.
Protective hair mist
It comes as no surprise that UV rays have the potential to damage hair. While we’d always recommend covering up with a hat to avoid brittle strands, a UV hair mist will form an extra layer of protection. Our non-negotiable? They can’t be greasy. The Charles Worthington Sunshine UV Protection Leave-In Spray Takeaway, £2.99 is dinky enough to add to your carry-on luggage. Bursting with moisturising moringa seed extract, it helps to protect hair from harmful sun exposure on the beach or after a swim. There’s also the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, £15 which is specifically formulated for dry hair. Described as ‘a mist of many wonders,’ it’s infused with featherlight oils to nourish and protect. The excellent reviews don’t lie.
Aftersun
A soothing aftersun is a holiday necessity. Soltan Soothe & Cool Aftersun Mist, £5 is a total treat. Just a spritz will soothe and refresh skin thanks to the infusion of aloe vera while the nozzle makes light work of reaching tricky to get to places – ideal if you’re a solo traveller. For a richer, more luxurious formula try the Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer, £28 – it’s favourite among beauty editors due to its velvety texture that provides a beautiful sheen to sun-kissed limbs. It’s never sticky.
Now, thanks to Boots, we’re packed and ready to go. Get us to that sunshine - pronto.