The Only Beauty Products You Need To Take On Holiday This Summer

Travel light - and smart - on your next getaway and pack our must-have essentials to keep you looking gorgeous from the beach to the bar...

Photo of holiday beauty model
Photo of holiday beauty model

Travel light - and smart - on your next getaway and pack our must-have essentials to keep you looking gorgeous from the beach to the bar...

Jetting off this summer and looking for those travel essentials? These must have holiday beauty products are all you need to make sure you look gorgeous on your getaway. From multi-tasking moisturisers, to travel beauty kits and those clever serums that transform frizzy hair on humid days, these smart buys will make light work of packing for your holiday this summer.

Update your beauty bag with a whole host of specifically-designed products that will become fundamental to your routine. Smart swaps will make holiday life so simple: Invest in a BB Cream and leave your moisturiser and foundation at home, or lighten up your make-up bag and opt for a palette rather than individual pieces. These must have holiday beauty products will become staples in your every day routine and make holidays a breeze.

Must have holiday beauty products

Must have holiday beauty products

Photo of holiday beauty model

From new inventions to cult classics, our beauty editor has the know-how to help you pack this season's hottest must have holiday beauty products to help your vacation go smoothly. Start your wish list now and fill your shopping cart with these travel essentials...

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight, £21.50

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight, £21.50

Photo of the Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight

If your hair turns from a bouncy blow-dry to a poodle perm at the first whiff of humidity, you need to invest in the new Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight.

This product doesn't promise to give a no-effort frizz-free style, but what it does do is amazing. Cutting drying time in half, this clever cream relaxes and smooths the hair to make light work of blow drying your locks into a perfect 'do - even anyone who has never learnt to blow dry at home will be pleased with the end results.

Simply comb through sections of your hair, grab a round barrel brush and a dryer and get to work. Once you've used this product for five days in a row, your style will hold for three days straight - even in the most humid weather.

Rimmel London Mattifying BB Cream, from £4.50

Rimmel London Mattifying BB Cream, from £4.50

Photo of the Rimmel London Mattifying BB Cream

Forget foundation: A BB cream is all you need for the summer months. And an absolute must for hot holidays abroad? A shine-busting version to help create perfect holiday skin. Rimmel's Mattifying BB Cream is our top pick for light and easy application and a natural-looking finish that lasts.

Use this BB cream as your holiday moisturiser, SPF, primer and foundation. You won't even need to finish off with a light dusting of powder thanks to the matte effect liquid that instantly minimises the look of pores for a flawless finish.

Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50, £70

Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50, £70

Photo of the Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50

This is our new favourite SPF. Not only does the Eve Lom Daily Protection give the highest possible protection against UVA and UVB rays, but it also hydrates and cares for your skin at the same time.

We've replaced our daily moisturiser with this SPF and now we'll be replacing our face sunscreen with it too. Eve Lom's SPF is suitable for all skin types and works against the free radicals harming your skin on that city break as well.

Tom Ford Eye and Cheek Palette, £68

Tom Ford Eye and Cheek Palette, £68

Photo of the Tom Ford Eye and Cheek Palette

Don't leave home without a palette! A good version will cover most of your make-up needs, leaving you room in the suitcase for other vital must-haves.

The new Tom Ford Eye and Cheek Palette has been designed with summer in mind and is the perfect piece to take away. Featuring everything you need to create a sultry seasonal look, from shimmering gold eyeshadow to a hot coral blusher, you need to snap this up now as it's limited edition and too good to miss.

We can't wait to get this slick gold and white case out and become the envy of our fellow holidaymakers this summer.

Eyeco Sports Waterproof Mascara, £18

Eyeco Sports Waterproof Mascara, £18

Photo of the Eyeco Sports Waterproof Mascara

A waterproof mascara is a must for hot weather holidays and we can't get enough of this Eyeco version. Specially formulated to withstand a whole gym session, you know that this is going to do wonders for your peepers at the beach.

Guaranteed to last for a whopping 12 hours, this mascara promises to be 100% waterproof and smudge proof, so you can go from the pool to the bar without a second thought. Lashes are lengthened, separated and coated in the blackest black to open up your eyes and hide the holiday hangovers.

Lancome Soleil Bronzer After Sun Milk, £24

Lancome Soleil Bronzer After Sun Milk, £24

Photo of the Lancome Soleil Bronzer After Sun Milk

Whether you over do it on the beach or not, a caring post-sun lotion is a must. Not only will Lancome Soleil Bronzer After Sun Milk rehydrate parched skin to leave you seriously soft and silky, it will also help to prolong your tan and add radiance.

The delicious scent of monoi oil is worth the price tag alone, but this soothing oil-infused milk will become your new summer skin saviour, we promise.

YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Rose Pastelle, £25

YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Rose Pastelle, £25

Photo of the YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain

Don't let your glamour guard drop when you're relaxing poolside - keep up appearances with a YSL Glossy Stain. A seriously long-lasting mix between a lipstick and a gloss, sweep over your pout in the morning for day-long colour and shine.

There's no glitter or sparkle, just pure pigment to highlight your best feature. We choose Rose Pastelle for holidays in the sun and to add a hint of colour in the day, or to complement a sexy smokey eye at night.

Nails Inc Downtown Gel Effect Polish, £12.46

Nails Inc Downtown Gel Effect Polish, £12.46

Photo of the Nails Inc Downtown Gel Effect Polish

For perfectly groomed nails that last the length of your getaway, gel manicures are the only answer. If you haven't got time to get to the salon, then get the look at home with the Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish.

Nails Inc use 'Plasticizer Technology' to give professional results every time, even for the most amateur manicurist. An extra wide brush and super-smooth formula makes for easy application, so you can take this away with you and get pampering by the pool.

Complement your tan with this neon pink version, Downtown.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, £21

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, £21

Photo of the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

No tan is complete until it's shimmering with a hint of gold. Treat your skin to a new post-shower, pre-bar ritual and coat your arms and legs in the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

A dry oil infused with six precious oils, discover how velvety soft your skin can be and how flawless you can look. Try combing through the hair to nourish and add a glossy finish to your style, or apply over imperfections and watch them disappear.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap, £10.50

Philip Kingsley Swimcap, £10.50

Photo of the Philip Kingsley Swimcap

Don't forget to protect you hair, in the same way you would protect your skin. The sun, the pool and salty sea water can all damage your hair - and no one wants to return home with a great tan and terrible tresses.

Apply Philip Kingsley's Swimcap to hair each morning and rest assured your locks are protected against UV rays, chlorine and salt water. This product was originally designed for Olympic swimmers, so you know you're in good hands.

Deborah Lippmann The Stripper To Go, £10

Deborah Lippmann The Stripper To Go, £10

Photo of the Deborah Lippmann Stripper To Go

Keep on top of your manicures with these handy nail polish remover wipes by Deborah Lippmann.

Each packet contains an easy-to-use finger mitt for quick removal. One packet will do all ten nails, meaning you can travel really light with one or two sachets. Infused with lavender and aloe to condition nails, this formula is award-winning and will take off every scrap of polish, every time.

Clinique Body Cream SPF40, £20

Clinique Body Cream SPF40, £20

Photo of the Clinique Body Cream SPF40

Don't forget protection! With so much buzz around whether sun creams actually work, it's worth investing in a good quality sunscreen to see you through your holiday. Clinique Body Cream SPF40 is good enough to use every day, not just when you hit the beach. Antioxidants and 'solar smart technology' protect and nourish the skin, shielding you from the harmful (read: ageing) effects of the sun.

Plus, this cream is oil free and water (or sweat) resistant so won't transfer onto clothes or sink into your hairline.

Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF50, £60

Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF50, £60

Photo of the Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF50

Think ahead and pack portable makeup pieces that won't spill or be too heavy to carry around all day.

Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF50 is an innovative powder that not only stops unsightly shine but also tops up your SPF as well. In an easy-to-carry brush that won't spill, extract too much product or leave any residue, this is a must for beach holidays, city breaks and nights out.

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26

Photo of the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base

Trying to travel light? Then multi-tasking products are a must. Make sure you pack this Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in your make-up bag this summer, to enhance your natural tan.

Apply all over for skin that literally glows with a healthy-looking radiance, or dab over your blusher for light-reflecting, razor-sharp cheekbones. Thanks to the moisturising and colour-correcting katafray bark extract, this is a handy little must-have to keep in your beach bag for perfect summer skin.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, £21.50

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, £21.50

Photo of the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is the professional's go-to product for creating beachy waves for a reason. Keep this bottle handy to spritz through damp hair post-wash to carry on your beach goddess look into the evening.

If you find your head gets overheated on holiday, spray this onto your roots: The salt will soak up any sweat and leave you cool - and give great volume and body as an added bonus.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, £28

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, £28

Photo of the Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

Once your natural tan gets underway, you can just use a hint of bronzer to highlight and contour, rather than to add colour.

Choose a matte, single-hue version, such as the Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder to give the most natural-looking finish. Sweep over the top of your forehead and round to your cheeks in large 'C' shapes and brush lightly down the nose and on the chin for a subtle sunkissed glow.

Show Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect, £35

Show Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect, £35

Photo of the Show Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect

If you can't bear to leave the straighteners at home, then make sure you invest in a good heat protection spray ahead of your getaway. Show Beauty Sheer Thermal Protect is a wise choice for hair that is getting a double whammy of heat exposure from a tropical climate and styling tools.

As well as protecting and conditioning your tresses with added proteins and antioxidants, this must-have spray also helps your style to hold its shape - an essential in hot and balmy weather.

Estee Lauder Take It Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes, £22

Estee Lauder Take It Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes, £22

Photo of the Estee Lauder Take It Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes

Speed up your beauty routine, plus save money and packing space with these Estee Lauder Take It Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes. Kinder to skin than a cheap facial wipe and just as effective as your regular make-up remover, these are a holiday must-buy.

Keep them in your hand luggage and freshen up on the plane - remember, dehydrated skin and day-old make-up is not a good look for day one of the holiday.

Benefit Lollibalm, £14.50

Benefit Lollibalm, £14.50

Photo of the Benefit Lollibalm

Don't forgo looking great in place of caring for your skin - especially your pout. Add colour as you hydrate with the Benefit Lollibalm: A flirty hint of sheer pink hue, layer up when the sun goes down to create a hot hit of colour.

If you love your lipstick too much, just pop this balm over the top to give a glossy shine and more intense colour.

Balenciaga Rosabotanica, from £56

Balenciaga Rosabotanica, from £56

Photo of the Balenciaga Rosabotanica

Choose a light and floral scent for summer to carry with you wherever you go. Balenciaga Rosabotanica is the ultimate mix of girly rose and citrus, mixed with grown-up spices and woody root notes.

A refreshing and light perfume that's pleasing to spray onto hot skin, this should be your new signature scent.

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.