Your essential 10-step pre-holiday beauty checklist


Beauty
29/06/2020
Planning a holiday? It might be worth planning your pre-travel grooming, too. Our handy timeline will help you get ready in advance, so you can relax and feel your best!

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The lead-up to a holiday often feels like it drags on forever; then suddenly it’s the day before and you haven’t even packed, let alone been to the hairdressers to get your roots done, right?

So this year, follow our handy beauty timeline to get organised in advance and avoid that last-minute panic, so you can simply focus on switching off....

One month before:

1. Colour your hair

If you’re already in the habit of colouring your hair regularly, time your next treatment well in advance of your trip. Sun can fade and lighten your hair, particularly in the first few days after applying colour, so a last-minute dye job could end up being a waste of cash.
You could even consider going a shade darker than usual – given that it will lighten in the sun anyway – and then, if needed, simply touch up your roots before you go. Now is also a good time for an intensive moisturising treatment to protect your hair from the drying effects of the sun.

2. Visit the dentist

It’s worth having a check-up before you fly, particularly if you wear dentures. If yours do need adjusting, new ones can take up to a month to get used to, so give yourself enough time to get comfortable ahead of your trip.
One of the joys of travelling abroad is the opportunity to try the local cuisine, so don’t forget to pack your Fixodent so you can try all that yummy foreign food with confidence, no matter how crunchy it is!

Two weeks before:

1. Start exfoliating

Skin that hasn’t seen the light of day, let alone sunlight, can often look far from its best. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells to leave skin looking smoother, fresher and prepared to hit the poolside. Moisturisers, serums and fake tan also work best on exfoliated skin.
Begin your exfoliating regime now so that skin is in tip-top condition by the time you reach the beach. You can either use an exfoliating brush or glove in the shower with your usual soap or body wash, or buy an exfoliating scrub. Aim to do it at least twice a week, or more if your skin isn’t sensitive.

2. Sort your products

Avoid a last-minute dash to stock up on sun protection, insect repellent and all the other travel essentials by taking stock now of what you have and what you need. Don’t be tempted to rely on that half bottle of sunscreen left over from last year as it can lose potency over time, so play it safe and buy a new bottle.
Think about your post-holiday needs too. Sun-exposed skin can be drier than usual, so consider a face or body oil instead of your usual moisturiser. Tanned skin may only need a tinted moisturiser rather than full foundation, plus it looks great against bold colours, so why not treat yourself to a bold coral or pink lipstick to wear on and after your trip?

One week before:

1. Get a haircut

While it should be coloured in advance, hair should be cut closer to your trip, so that any split ends that are vulnerable to sun damage can be snipped off. Depending on how much sun, sea and chlorinated pool water it’s exposed to, you might need another trim on your return too.

2. Tint your eyelashes

Even waterproof mascara can result in the dreaded panda eyes after a dip in the pool. So why not give your lashes a break too, and go without? Try an eyelash tint instead, which allows you to enjoy darker lashes for up to four weeks without products – or the worry of smudging.

3. Sort your eyebrows

Well-defined eyebrows can give your whole face a lift, so consider having them threaded into shape and tinted before you go. Just like your hair, the sun can bleach brows as well, so a tint can give you the colour you crave for a couple of weeks without carting products with you.

The day before:

1. Time to de-fuzz?

If you prefer smoother legs on holiday, save the shaving to as close to your departure as you can to minimise the need to do it again as soon as you’re on your travels. Try an extra moisturising razor, like Venus Extra Smooth Rose Gold Razor that has a lubrastrip for an extra dose of protection against drying heat.
Alternatively, book in for a salon wax for long-lasting smoothness, without the need to take a razor with you.

2. Get a mani/pedi

A pedicure will really set off sandals and take care of any cracked heels before you slip on those flip-flops. Bright nails also look great with a tan, but opt for long-lasting gel nails instead of painting them yourself. They’ll be dry before you leave the salon, so there’s no need to hang around, and you can crack on with packing without the risk of smudging.

3. Use moisturising masks

Sun exposure can dry out both your skin and hair, so get some extra hydration by using a nourishing face mask while packing. A hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment will help keep your tresses in top condition, too. Pantene’s Repair & Protect Intensive Mask is ideal to lock in plenty of moisture before the sun can strike.

How far in advance do you prep for your hols?
Let us know in the comments section below.