We've all done it. You pack a makeup bag full of products "just in case", only to end up using the same few favourites every day.
Whether you're heading abroad, planning a UK staycation or squeezing everything into hand luggage, holiday makeup should feel easy. Lightweight, versatile products that take you from breakfast by the pool to dinner in the evening without filling half your suitcase.
If you're wondering what actually deserves a place in your holiday makeup bag, start with these five essentials.
Bronzing Drops are one of those products you'll find yourself reaching for every day. They instantly add warmth and a healthy-looking glow without feeling heavy, making them perfect for everything from sightseeing to sunset dinners.
Blend one or two drops onto the high points of your face for a naturally sun-kissed look, or mix them into your moisturiser for an easy all-over glow. They're also great for adding a little warmth to your shoulders and collarbones when you're wearing summer dresses or strappy tops.
Collection tip: Start with one drop and build your glow gradually. A little goes a long way.
When suitcase space is limited, multi-use products become your best friend.
Blurring Blush Stick adds a fresh flush of colour to your cheeks and doubles up as a lip colour too, making it easy to create a coordinated holiday look with just one product. The creamy formula blends effortlessly using your fingertips, so you don't need to pack extra brushes either.
It's perfect for quick touch-ups before lunch, dinner or an evening stroll, so you can freshen up your makeup with just one product.
Collection tip: Using the same shade on your cheeks and lips instantly pulls your whole look together.
Holiday plans don't always leave much time for makeup touch-ups, which is why a tubing mascara deserves a place in your makeup bag.
It creates lifted, defined lashes that help resist smudging and flaking throughout the day, whether you're exploring a new city, relaxing by the pool or heading out for dinner. When the day is over, it removes easily with warm water, so there's no need for harsh rubbing.
Simple, reliable and easy to wear wherever your holiday takes you.
Collection tip: One coat is perfect for daytime, while a second coat adds extra definition for evenings out.
Some days you want a little more definition without carrying a full contour kit.
The Bronze Stick makes it easy to add warmth wherever the sun naturally catches your face. Glide it across your cheekbones, temples and jawline, then blend with your fingertips for soft, natural-looking definition that never feels overdone.
It takes up hardly any room in your makeup bag but can completely transform your look from day to night.
Collection tip: Blend upwards towards your temples for a softer, naturally lifted finish.
Lip balm is easy to remember. SPF for your lips isn't always.
Lip Oil keeps lips feeling soft, hydrated, and glossy, while SPF 50 helps protect them on long days in the sunshine. Wear it on its own for a naturally enhanced look or layer it over your favourite lip colour for extra shine.
It's the product you'll probably end up pulling out of your bag more than anything else.
Collection tip: Keep it in your beach bag or handbag so it's always within easy reach for quick top-ups throughout the day.
THE FINISHED
LOOK
Packing for holiday doesn't mean taking your entire makeup collection with you. A handful of versatile favourites can create fresh daytime makeup, easy evening looks and everything in between while leaving plenty of room in your suitcase. By choosing products that work harder, layer easily and fit naturally into your routine, you'll spend less time deciding what to wear and more time enjoying your holiday.
