To that end I have edited my travel toiletries to a bare minimum, all pre-packed ready to go.
Clockwise from top:
Elemis Frangipani Monoi body oil – this was my hands-down beauty travel essential… until Elemis discontinued it. They still do the straight forward body oil blend but this is the ‘moisture melt’ version that is solid at room temperature, thus avoiding any travel spillages. You simply pop it into a sink of hot water whilst you bathe and voila – a warm, tropically scented, nourishing body oil to slather on when you get out. In hotter climes I even use it as an overnight hair treatment.
Elemis Fresh Skin Gentle facial wash – The Fresh Skin range from Elemis (targeted at teens-twenties) is fab too. I use the daily exfoliator at home plus the facial masks (see below). This gentle daily face wash blitzes dirt/make-up but doesn’t dry my skin.
Elizabeth’s Daughter intensive moisturiser – This independent brand makes a damn fine moisturiser. A thick layer of this intensive, soothing balm overnight and my skin is plump and hydrated (I apply it in-flight too, to keep moisture levels up). I love the cocktail of super antioxidants and mix of exotically scented oils (Argan, Tahitian Monoi and Mango butter). Just shows you don’t need to be a big name to make a great product.
Percy & Reed Splendidly Silky Moisturising Shampoo – I got this sample sized shampoo with a copy of Glamour and chucked it on the ‘travel pile’. I’ve used it a few times now and even when I skip the blow-dry my somewhat-temperamental waves are frizz-free and shiny.
Eyemask and earplugs purloined from a flight. I’m a terrible sleeper when I’m not in my own bed so these are a must.
Mama Mio O-MEGA Feel Good mini kit – I was given this as a baby shower gift and have fallen in love with these two products. The Body Buff is gentle and kind (no abrasive salts for tender, post pregnancy skin) with sweet almond oil to stop it drying you out – it’s perfect for face and body. 2-in-1 products are great for travel kits. The shower cream was a life-saver post c-section. It’s a jam-packed mix of Omega 3, 6 and 9, with Arnica to heal and a bevvy of oils to cleanse and moisturise. It’s the only thing I trusted on my scar for months. These come with me everywhere I go.
Estee Lauder, Advanced Night Repair Eye – every facialist I’ve ever met has said: “If there is one product you invest in, make it an eye cream.” I wouldn’t pay £36 for a teeny tiny pot if I didn’t see results but this silky serum glides on and seems to change the texture of the skin around my eyes from crepey to smooth and bright. You get a lot of technology, research and pedigree (it’s the eye version of EL’s bestselling Advanced Night Repair Serum) for you buck here.
Jo Malone, Grapefruit Cologne – This miniature came in the Jo Malone Travel kit I used to swear by. I love the fresh, clean zing of this cologne – it has pepped me up on many a long-haul flight.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse – I really rate this French brand, inparticular this mini of their hero product, a nourishing dry body oil embued with golden flecks is perfect after a day on the beach to enhance your tanned limbs.
This Works Turbo Balm and Breathe In – The Turbo Balm is a one-pot wonder. My go-to for dry cuticles, rough heels, burns and chapped lips. The Breathe In roll-on is a mini vial of essential oils (Frankincense and Eucalyptus) that helps me zone-out as a nervous flyer or when I can’t sleep.
Elemis Fresh Skin face mask sachets – These handy sachets from Elemis come in a box of six. There are 3 hydrating, softening masks with Aloe Vera (perfect after a day in the sun) and 3 purifying and rebalancing ones – great post-flight to give you a deep clean.