Summer Suitcase Must Haves

Following on from my last post – What's in my Suitcase & Packing Tips – I thought I would share a few of the must-have holiday products that I purchase before I travel. From skin care and hair care to bikinis and the comfiest sandals, these are the essentials that always make it into my suitcase!

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil 100ml £21.50
This protects your hair and hair colour from UVA/UVB damage and can be used as heat protector when styling. Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil protect against free radicals and the shea butter helps to detangle. It also smells like summer!

Moroccanoil Frizz Control 100ml for 19.45
Nobody wants to look like Monica from Friends when she goes on holiday. (Remember The One in Barbados?!) This eliminates the frizz caused by humidity and controls static. It also has weather resistant properties and will keep hair manageable as you move from humid heat to equally damaging air con.

Swimwear that makes you feel confident
You can read more about why Victoria's Secret swimwear is top of my list here.

Comfortable Sandals
UGG/ Sketchers are ideal, basically anything with padding if you are going to be doing a lot of walking.

Travel size samples
Save up the mini-versions of your favourite skincare over the year and off you go!

Suncream
Organic Green People's Scent Free Sun Lotion is suitable for all skin types, has UVA and UVB protection, is water repellent, really moisturising and rich in natural antioxidants, such as avocado, chamomile and green tea, which protects the skin whilst in the sun. It doesn't contain any parabens, alcohol, lanolin – all the ingredients we like to avoid where possible, an as added Bonus, Green People will donate 30p from your purchase to the Marine Conservation Society.
200ml, £18.95 from www.greenpeople.co.uk

If you're like me and want to get holiday bits sorted ASAP, www.feelunique.com has a range of beauty and skincare products, including those mentioned above. UGG has a sale on at the moment, so if you are in the market for a new pair of sandals, that's worth a look too. www.ugg.co.uk

I Heart Victoria's Secret Swimwear!

When I go to the States, I stock up on bikinis at Victoria's Secret. Why? Because by wearing them, I am hoping to turn into Gisele Bundchen or Adriana Lima. One can dream... Actually, it's because of their fantastic prints, durability, comfort and 'staying on-ness'! They aren't a cheap option, ranging from £18-£23 and that's just for the top. However, like Jen and I say, you usually get what you pay for and I think they are worth every penny.

They have a huge range of colours and styles – I am especially fond of the tassel front tops. (Memo to self....time to buy some more!) If you don't mind paying the tax, order straight from the U.S. website, or better still, find an American friend to visit for you. Checking out the London store is probably more convenient but be warned, like most international companies, you get much more for your money when buying the products in the country that the company originated. So obviously, in this case, booking a holiday in America is the most cost effective choice, right?!

Check out the full range at www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear