My Recent Holiday Essentials

I know it should be all talk of pumpkins and perhaps tentatively mentioning the 'C' word (well it is two months today) but today I'm referring back to my recent travels and sharing with you some of the products that have accompanied me on my trips.

It's been rather helpful that I could go from one trip to another (with a week or twos break that is) and know exactly what worked and didn't and could almost repack whilst unpacking. The first handy must have is Arm and Hammer Advanced White Toothpaste*. As a smoker, and one taking advantage of duty free prices a whitening toothpaste is something of a necessity and this does the trick perfectly. Hailing back to the old days and containing baking soda to tackle any staining from smoking and sangria it gives my teeth a fighting chance. Do I like the taste? No, I hate it but for the days I'm on holiday it does the trick and this small 25ml tube has been used by myself and my companions on no less than four trips before finding it's way into the empties pile.

Yes there is the Gillette Snap made for travel and my favoured razor at home is the Gillette Venus & Olay but for ease I grab one or two of the Wilkinson Sword Beauty Razors which perform adequately for the days I am on holiday. I always throw a pack of these razors into my shopping trolley when wandering the aisles of Tesco as they are handy to have in a pinch. It's not the most 'caring' of razors and no way performs as smoothly as the Gillette Venus but nonetheless it is ideal for using and throwing away and I find I need no more than two during a week long trip.

I appear to get the most attention from my travel sized tube of FemFresh Daily Intimate Wash* in the shower than any other and it's not jokes might I add it's my friends asking where I found this. I received this directly from a PR but assumed that these travel sizes were readily available but as googling and my friends comments tell me that is not the case. FemFresh, get on it we want travel sizes readily available. When I first posted about FemFresh it was admittedly tentatively but since then many friends have shared their stories about how they love this product and it's a shame on their travels they either have to pack the full size or forgo for the trip. This seems a shame when, depending on your activities whether it's getting all hot and sweaty on the dancefloor or the beach you might need to give 'down there' a little special attention.

NatraSan First Aid Spray* joined me on my holidays and mum borrowed it for her week in Morocco so it's certainly collected the stamps in its passport. Mum even returned it to me saying her friend had commented on how good it was. There's nothing worse than all sorts of insects having a nibble whilst away and a quick spray from this helped aid any itching from bites so I could get to sleep at night.

I always seem to have a selection of Soap & Glory travel sizes available for travelling thanks to often adding one of their gift sets to my Christmas lists or their three for two offers. Gone are my younger opinions that using an exfoliator would scrub away my tan and I recognise that exfoliating during my trip actually aids tanning. Soap & Glory Scrub of Your Life is a great, especially if you have managed to burn and are peeling a little - even the boys picked this out of the shower too. You can't go wrong with a Soap & Glory shower gel and Foam Call does the job. It doesn't set the world alight and I'm in no rush to replace it but this tubes can just about cover a seven night trip and you can often find them on three for two like now.

A favourite duo I used on my trip was L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo was in my travel size bag and I grabbed for one of my trips as I'd said goodbye to my favourite Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo. It wasn't a considered purchase at the time, I think perhaps grabbed from a supermarket when heading out for an impromptu sleepover but whilst using on holiday I really liked the results and am keen to repurchase in full size when the need arises. As my hair is now coloured, and bleached at that, it was my first time having to pay more attention with caring for my hair. L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner certainly did that and gave such great results I could simply wash and go without having to worry about heat styling which was perfect.

I'm already a big fan of Colab Dry Shampoos and love their Extreme range and would usually purchase a travel size for my trips abroad but having picked up the newest release Colab Active Dry Shampoo with it's protection against sun damage and city pollution I gave away space in my luggage to the full sized can. Such was my love that space was found for all my trips bar Ibiza due to hand luggage restrictions - please can we have this in a mini size.

Whilst I am now blonder my roots are still brown so the usual issue of worrying about white casts is a factor and again, this does not occur with Colab Active Dry Shampoo. Whilst I might not be the most 'active' on holiday things still get a little sweaty when sitting out in the sun so this is a perfect refresher.

I often wonder if Bumble and Bumble Salt Spray actually does anything and it's not just become a product that I associate with Summer and my holidays. Of course I'm being flippant and it does do the trick. Out of the shower, a spray of this on my hair and leave it to air dry and I'm good to go with a little texture that takes me through the night.

Finally Sure Compressed Deodorant*, a travel friendly 125ml size which will last as long as a regular 250ml. Sure has Motionsense technology to work with you and your body as you move so if you're planning some heavy nights out dancing this could be perfect for you. I don't find Sure Sprays work as well for as Sure Maximum Protection I must confess but they perform perfect adequately for me and my minimal activity that occurs during a holiday.

What products will you not travel without?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Summer Travel Essentials

What's that we see in the sky? Could it be the sun? Yes the past two days have been glorious sunshine and whilst there may be rain on the horizon I thought I'd jump in quickly and share with you a few Summer essentials whether you'll be chasing the UK sun or travelling abroad like I am in two weeks time.

First up is MonuPlus Beauty Balm* which I've been enjoying on my no make up days at weekends. The MonuPlus Beauty Balm is designed to 'energise and awaken the complexion' with Orange and Neroli Essential Oils to calm redness and broken capillaries - so perfect if you've enjoyed two many margaritas and late nights on your holiday.

Applied after your moisturiser this is perfect for smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so a great addition before heading to the beach if you need a little more confidence. You can even apply a thick layer and leave for 15 minutes creating a mask that leaves skin looking it's best if you have a big night out on your holiday when you know lot's of selfies will be taken.

If you're travelling long haul on your holiday or staying in an air conditioned apartment then keeping your skin hydrated will be important. Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* is from an Australian brand using 100% natural ingredients such as Chamomile and Green Tea (to soothe and calm) and Pomegranate (to promote skin elasticity).

The perfect natural moisturiser which protects against dehydrating environmental effects it is easily absorbed in the skin and makes it the perfect addition to your in flight beauty kit.

When I am heading on holiday you could almost say I enjoy the packing and planning process more than the holiday itself. I love nothing more than putting together check lists and one of the things I always used to include was some sort of first aid kit. The reality was that beyond a few plasters and paracetamol for those hangovers the other bumph would be taking up unnecessary space.

That said I'm quite keen to make space for NatraSan First Aid Spray* in it's handy travel buddy size as I have a feeling it will come in handy. Whether you're backpacking or relaxing in a luxurious beach resort I think you'll find a use for this new first aid spray.

NatraSan First Aid Spray contains pure hypochlorous acid which is the body's own antiseptic. And what does that do? Helps our body to kill all manner of germs that can be found in planes (tray tables are apparently harbouring more bacteria than the toilets - yuk!) but its also effective against pesky bites, minor burns from that Summer BBQ.

This handy 100ml size is perfect to check the box for having something to tackle the chance of a bite but more importantly having a sanitiser on hand. Anything that says it kills 99.9999% of germs gets the thumbs up in my book. I'll be testing more thoroughly in a couple of weeks so stay tuned.

This Works is a brand that is far much more than their famous Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and recently I've had the opportunity to try out This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow*. Marketed as a 'battery pack in a bottle' this all in one serum and skin luminiser is great for those of us that find sleeping a challenge or perhaps are exhausted and sleep deprived with jet lag.

You can use This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* in place of or in addition to moisturiser so it makes a suitable companion for the Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream* or MonuPlus Beauty Balm*. If you're looking to maximise your products on holiday and find those that can achieve multiple uses then why not try adding to your foundation or as an illuminating primer step.

Perhaps you're travelling for business and need to boost your mental and physical alertness then this formula that contains Ylang Ylang ticks the box as well as balancing Geranium and revitalising Rosemary. All these ingredients are there to uplift and leave your radiant for any day ahead even if it's just battling tourists on your City Break.

Another product from the brand is This Works Skin Deep Beauty Oil* which comes in a travel friendly rollerball. Applied to pulse points as either a fragrance or mood booster, thanks to the plant oil ingredients, during your flight or simply as on the go boost of hydration to your skin this is very much a handbag essential. It's a simple way to add a little first class luxury in even the smallest economy sized seat.

Moving on to more intimate products and the travel sized Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash* which I've blogged about in it's more traditional size here. No one wants their holiday spoiled by discomfort and irritation and all that sea and sand can cause havoc. Designed especially for 'down there' it's well worth sticking to your routine if you find regular shower gels lead to issues. I traveled with Femfresh Wipes* when I went to Florida earlier in the year and they really came in handy if you found yourself in a bathroom without toilet paper - and even for any handy cleans ups from sticky ice cream .

Finally it'll be no surprise that if I'm heading to warmer climates I'll be armed with Sure Maximum Protection* my everyday must-have essential. Yes I could find a smaller, more travel friendly deodorant but I'd rather not take the chance and like to stick with what I know. I might not be the most active person on holiday (I'll be watching beach volleyball rather than participating) I still like to ensure that the walk from the hotel to that beachside cocktail bar doesn't leave me a sweaty mess.

What are your Summer Holiday essentials?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Intimate Skincare with Femfresh

Vagina. Fanny. Muff. Front Bottom. Mini.
Right now we've got that out of the way let me begin.

Last year Femfresh started appearing in blog posts and on YouTube videos and there was a lot of sniggers and references to 'down there' and of course the 'I can't believe they're sponsored by Femfresh' judgements. I say any public conversations about the more taboo or embarrassing subjects is a good thing and I appreciate it might be a little harder to discuss a feminine hygiene wash than your favourite lipstick but if it helps break that small barrier for someone then that's a good thing.

I must admit being in my late thirties and not being someone who is embarrassed about going into Tesco and buying tampons and the like I did still have a moment of embarrassment and thought 'do I really need to blog about this' when I received Femfresh Intimate Hygiene Daily Wash*.  There was also the nostalgia moment of a friend who I remember had issues with ensuring her nether regions were in tip top, fresh smelling condition and would douse herself in various Femfresh products. And yes despite my bravado it did cross my mind that I should hide this product from my cleaner so she doesn't see it sitting in my bathroom.

If you're reading this post clearly I got over all my issues and hit publish. So besides the cause of school ground sniggers and the misplaced view that you must be 'dirty' what is Femfresh Daily Wash?

Femfresh Intimate Hygiene Daily Wash is specifically formulated for your  'intimate areas' to help maintain a healthy ph-balance. Quite simply your 'intimate area' has a lower ph level than the rest of your body and requires a little extra care. You use a facial cleanser on your face right? Wouldn't dream of washing your face in Radox Shower Gels? Run out of your favourite moisturiser? You wouldn't reach for your favourite foot cream in a pinch would you? Well that logic is what should be applied to Femfresh and where it's place in your bath time routine should be.

It's quite possible you're using your favourite shower gel and lather away happily between your legs and have experienced no problems whatsoever and admittedly I'm one of those people too. Whilst I've reached for this intimate wash and used quite happily I've not noticed any difference so I think it's very much down to your personal needs and preferences, especially as it can be a bit of a faff (no pun intended!) swapping between products for different areas.

I do favour using Femfresh Daily Wash at that time of the month when things feel extra grubby and it's a time to be more gentle and imagine this would be a great product if you're of a more sensitive nature. In short you have nothing to be embarrassed about if you use Femfresh products, quite the opposite in fact.

So come on, be brave, be proud has Femfresh made a difference to your bathing routine?

*this post contains press samples

V Festival Essentials

I'm sure you thought you'd seen the last of bloggers 'festival essentials' posts but I'm afraid you'll have to put up with another from me as. This weekend sees the arrival of V Festival to my neck of the woods and whilst it may not be for the 'purists' and some deem it 'too Essex' as an Essex girl I have no problem with that.

Aside from flash tattoos, floral crowns and channeling your ultimate festival look today's there are some more practical requirements of festival attendance I'm addressing today. Feel free to blame my age!

Firstly it doesn't look like the weather is going to be to be on our side this weekend with rain predicted. The 'Parka in a Pocket' £9 from Primark is fabulous. I picked this up on a whim when I was considering going to Lovebox as I thought it was genius. Lightweight and with a hood to protect from the rain it's perfect - and the design is pretty cool too.I'll also be sure to pack this when I head to DisneyWorld in January as showers are possible.

All that dancing around is sure to leave locks looking a little lackluster so in steps Batiste and the perfect festival variant the Ella Henderson Dry Shampoo*. I know that Batiste do smaller travel friendly sizes but if you're attending with a bunch of girlfriends it might actually take up less room if you were to share one full size can. And with Ella on the bill for V Festival couldn't there be a better time to put to use? An added bonus is that this carries scents of vanilla and coconut which might be just thing after you've spent the night in a tend and your hair is in need of refresh.

femfresh pocket wipes* 

Carrying a toilet roll around Hylands Park might not work but imagine finding yourself in a portaloo without paper. Instead why not throw a pack of the femfresh Limited Edition Festival Wipes*. They'll also come in handy should you be letting your usual bathing routine slide over the weekend. Cute packaging aside they're also biodegradable so what's not to like?

Anatomicals Never Lose Your Cherry Lip Balm*

Anatomicals is a quirky brand I enjoy and have a blog post dedicated to them coming up soon. For now I'm turning my attention to the Never Lose Your Cherry Lip Balm* which will be inside my festival make up kit. As you know I would usually choose a bright red lip but with a lot of eating and drinking planned it wouldn't stand the distance and I'm going to be less interested in reapplying as the evening wears on. Instead I prefer a red tinted lip balm, I still get a hint of the colour I like but from a product that I can apply at whim without the need for a mirror or a sober hand. Also no disrespect to Anatomicals but I'd rather lose this tube of lip balm in a drunken haze and replace than my favourite Tom Ford!

Finally and back to the beginning of the post and the weather. I know rain is predicated but you can never tell so I would personally ensure I had used Riemann P20 Once a Day* so that I have covered all bases. Who wants their festival experience ruined by sunburn? Not me. Grab the spray bottle too, it absorbs easily and a few sprays and you're covered. 

What are your festival essentials?

*This post contains PR samples