Summer Holiday Essentials: The Ultimate Skincare & Travel Packing List

Whether you're planning a weekend city break, a beach escape, or a long-haul adventure, packing the right skincare can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. 

From staying hydrated in the heat to ensuring you have enough SPF on hand, a little preparation goes a long way. Use this holiday packing guide to build the perfect travel-friendly skincare routine.

Your Pre-Holiday Skin Prep Checklist  

Before you start packing, take a little time to prepare your skin for the days ahead.

Exfoliate  

Exfoliating helps buff away dry, rough skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed before you head on holiday. Use Body Smooth Refreshing Polish for your body, and Face Smooth Nourishing Polish to gently refine and brighten your complexion.

Hydrate 

Sunshine, sea water, air conditioning, and long journeys can make skin feel dry. In the days before your holiday, keep skin hydrated by applying Body Love Firming Buttercream daily and giving extra attention to areas that are prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and shins. For your face, Skin Feast Nourishing Moisturiser locks in lasting hydration, leaving skin feeling soft and supple. 

Protect 

Don't wait until you arrive to think about sun protection. Make sure you have enough SPF packed for your entire trip and remember to check expiry dates before you travel. 

Our bestselling SPFs to pack: Sun Day Dewy Facial SPF for your face and Great Barrier Sun Lotion for your body - between them, you'll have everything you need to stay protected from the moment you set off. 

Not sure which SPF is right for you? Discover our full SPF range and find the perfect match for your skin type.  

What To Pack 

Travel Sets 

Travelling is the perfect opportunity to streamline your routine. Travel-sized collections make it easy to maintain your essentials without overpacking your suitcase – no messy decanting into pots and bottles required. 

Carry-On Collection: Designed to take the guesswork out of holiday packing, the Carry-On Collection includes Mini Hydrating Cleanser, Mini Skin Feast, Mini Sun Day, and Summer Spritz. 
And perhaps most importantly, Summer Spritz is currently only available as part of this collection. It’s the exclusive way to get your hands on this limited-edition refreshing mist while stocks last. 

Skincare Discovery Kit: Available in three tailored collections (Hydrate, Balance, and Nourish) so you can choose the routine best suited to your skin's needs while you're away. 

Hair Care Discovery Kit: Includes Mini Nourishing Hair Cleanser, Mini Clarifying Hair Wash, Mini Hair Feast, and Mini Hair Smooth to keep hair cleansed, hydrated, and styled wherever your travels take you. 

Mini Body Cleanser Collection: Mini versions of your favourite body cleansers, perfect for saving suitcase space without compromising on the scents and formulas you love. 

Beauty & Body Essentials 

Finishing Touch Setting Spray: Available in a travel-friendly 30ml size, ideal for refreshing your makeup on the go. 

Keep It Clean Hand Sanitiser: A convenient essential for hand luggage, handbags, or beach bags. 

Nail Nectar: This nourishing manicure oil helps keep nails and cuticles looking healthy and conditioned, especially useful when sun, swimming, and frequent hand washing can leave them dry. 

Sun Stick: A handbag-friendly SPF top-up, easy to reach for throughout the day whether you're sightseeing or poolside. 

Lip Shade Nourishing SPF 50 Balm: Protects delicate lip skin while keeping lips feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. 

Lift & Sculpt Colour Palette: Bronzer, blush, and highlighter in one ready-made palette for an easy holiday glow. 

Butter Tint Lip & Cheek Balm: A multipurpose flush of colour for lips, cheeks, and eyes, with added SPF defence. 

Tamanu Balm All-In-One Skin Saviour: Available in a handy 20ml size, this versatile balm soothes bug bites, hydrates dry elbows and lips, and calms skin after sun exposure. The one product you'll keep reaching for all holiday. 

Body Love Firming Buttercream: Replenishes moisture after long days in the sun, sea, or pool. 

Sun Soothe Cooling After Sun Lotion: Infused with aloe vera and cooling menthol, it helps soothe and refresh skin after a day outdoors. 

Instant Glow Leg Perfecting Serum: Apply in the evening for beautifully illuminated skin. Great for maintaining your glow if you wear self-tan. 

Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence: A great beach bag addition for a quick burst of hydration throughout the day. 

Your In-Flight Skincare Routine 

Flights can leave skin feeling dehydrated, so a few simple steps can help replenish moisture and keep skin looking fresh from take-off to landing. 

Before Boarding 

Start with cleansed, hydrated skin and apply a generous layer of moisturiser. If you're travelling during the day, don't forget SPF. UV rays are actually stronger at altitude, so protection before you board is just as important as on the ground. 

During Your Flight 

Stay hydrated, and use Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence whenever skin feels dry. Our travel-sized collections make it easy to keep your skincare favourites close at hand throughout your journey. For an extra boost of hydration, pack a Hydrogel Face Mask and Hydrogel Eye Masks in your hand luggage, perfect for reviving tired-looking skin mid-flight. 

After Landing 

Cleanse if needed, replenish hydration, and apply SPF if you're heading straight outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What skincare should I pack for a holiday? 
A travel-sized skincare collection is one of the easiest ways to maintain your routine while you're away. Compact, cabin-friendly, and perfectly portioned, collections such as our Skincare Discovery Kits and Carry-On Collection help you keep skin cleansed, hydrated, and protected without the need for bulky bottles or decanting products into smaller containers. 

What are the most important holiday skincare essentials? 
Daily SPF, hydration, and gentle cleansing form the foundation of any holiday skincare routine. Travel-sized products make it easier to maintain these essentials while you're away, while Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence is perfect for refreshing skin throughout the day whenever it needs a boost of hydration. 

Should I exfoliate before going on holiday? 
Exfoliating before your trip can help remove dry, rough skin and leave it feeling smooth and refreshed. Follow with plenty of hydration to help maintain soft, supple-looking skin. 

How can I keep my skin hydrated while travelling? 
Travelling, air conditioning, and warm weather can all contribute to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water, using a moisturiser regularly, and refreshing skin with a hydrating mist can help maintain moisture levels. 

What toiletries can I take in my hand luggage? 
Most airlines require liquids, creams, gels, and sprays to be 100ml or under and stored in a clear, resealable bag. Always check the latest guidance from your airline before travelling. 

Are travel-size skincare products worth it? 
Travel-sized products are a convenient way to maintain your routine while travelling, helping save space in your luggage and making it easier to pack skincare essentials in your carry-on. 

Should I wear SPF every day on holiday? 
Yes. SPF should be applied daily and reapplied as directed, particularly after swimming, sweating, or spending extended periods outdoors. 

What SPF should I use on holiday? 
The best SPF for you depends on your skin type, destination, and planned activities. Always follow product directions and ensure you're applying enough product for adequate protection. 

Can you still tan while wearing SPF? 
Yes. SPF helps protect skin from UV damage, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. Wearing SPF remains an important part of any sun-safe routine. 

How often should I reapply SPF? 
Follow the directions on your chosen SPF product. In general, SPF should be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.