Winter Sun Protection

Whilst the UK weather hasn't exactly been too kind and temperatures are certainly on the chillier side it is half term and I'm sure there are some of you heading off for some Winter sun.  Today I'm giving you the line up of sun protection I used on my trips to Dubai and Ibiza and I can even claims they're almost 'Halloween themed' due to their pumpkin colours. I'm quite sure I'm the first person to head out to the Ushuaia Beach Hotel's pool area armed with a bunch of products and their camera, I certainly gathered some strange looks rearranging the bottles around the pool.

Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Protection Spray* is the well know once a day sun protection spray which I mentioned briefly in one of my Ibiza posts. Recommended by dermatologists containing both UVA and UVB filters will provide sun protection for up to 10 hours. Of course I'd urge anyone to be cautious with these claims and whilst it's 'water resistant' do use your common sense depending on the climate you're in.

I love the spray bottle as I've mentioned in my previous post and it's non-greasy formula for when you haven't got any helpers around to help you reach those back areas. I liked this for the days in Ibiza when I went to visit my parents for a wander around the resort of just taking a walk into the town and wouldn't be conscious of reapplications.

Riemann P20 can usually be found in Duty Free too so handy to pick up at the airport rather than taking up valuable space in your case.

It's well known by now what a fan I am of La Roche Posay so it's no surprises that their Anthelios Sun Care range is a big hit with me. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort Protective Oil* is a thick consistency but not too greasy. My biggest complaint is with the nozzle of the bottle which dispenses a stream rather than Vichy's version which is in a more mangeable spray. Of course being an oil there was some greasiness to it but not unpleasantly so and it was perfect level of protection and oil for sitting in the sun.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Tinted Fluid* was my preference to the thicker Comfort SPF for the face I had also used during my holidays. The lighter fluid as it's name suggests didn't feel as suffocating on the skin.

Both La Roche-Posay products felt like they were traditional and familar products but with the added experience of a skincare line.

My favourite products were from Vichy. I loved the Vichy Ideal Soleil Suncare Oil* and it had a shimmer to it which made it perfect for Ibiza's club nights which started before the sun went down. As mentioned the spray nozzle gave a lighter application and gave me more ease of application. And for the face Vichy Ideal Soleil Tinted Velvety BB Cream* was perfect for a lunch in the sun providing a radiant coverage to sunkissed skin.

Finally is Caudalie Radiance Tinted Moisturiser* which is more of a make up product than SPF and it's a product I've still worn as recent as this month. This is generally the product I wore throughout Summer when I wanted to allow my skin to breathe but with a little more coverage than the Vichy offering. This is definitely a staple to my base draw and one I will reach for frequently even as we enter Winter.

What are your favourite sun protection products?

*This post contains press samples

Products I used up | Ibiza Edition

When I travel that means you get a bonus empties post of all the things I managed to use whilst on holiday. Here's what found it's way into the bins of Ibiza 

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
I'm a little annoyed as I have a full size of this body wash and intended to return home with this mini size empty and ready to refill for future trips but unfortunately in my haste of packing it was thrown into the bin. Moving past my frustrations this is a delicious body wash to use and kind to all due to the naturally active ingredients - its even suitable for your babies. Definitely one to try if you have skin that is a little sensitive as it doesn't contain any 'nasties'.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor
My favourite razors are the Gilette Venus & Olay type which are perfect for leg shaving, especially when doing it almost daily like I have to whilst on holiday. I could probably get a little more than a week out of one head but for ease and packing purposes it worked out for me to take one of the individually packaged heads for the week. You can read my full Gillette Venue & Olay review here.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser
I received this mini cleanser with my Tatler subscription and thought it perfect to take along as my morning cleanse whilst on holiday. I enjoyed using this although it does contain microbeads which I know can be a bone of contention for some. It lasted almost to the full 7 days I was away.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub and Body Buttercream
Body Scrub's and Body Buttercreams from Soap and Glory are favourites of mine and these picks were from the Sugar Crush Gift Set I'd received for Christmas and saved for this trip. The zesty scent was perfect for my beachy conditions and I enjoy using a body scrub on holiday to help keep the tan in tip top condition. The body butter creams are perfect to double up as foot creams too.

Riemann P20 Once a Day SPF30*
Ben & I actually purchased P20 at the airport before heading to Dubai and it worked well against their heat. Unfortunately we couldn't get the spray option and relied on the cream so I was pleased when I was sent the spray option. I travelled to Ibiza alone and the only thing I had any concerns with were how I would get sun protection on my back. This P20 spray was perfect as I was able to angle and spray and know that I was protected without having to approach a stranger and ask 'could you rub this in'. I used this particularly on the days I was going to visit my parents on another part of the island and knew we would be walking around the resort  rather than sitting round the pool all day when reapplication was possible.

The Wet Brush, Classic
I am not onto my third Wet Brush, this one being my second. After trips to Dubai and Ibiza as well as some random overnight stays it's safe to say it doesn't travel well. I love this brush but unfortunately when shoved into bags the bristles are not sturdy enough to stand up to conditions and I did notice that it wasn't performing as well towards the end of my trip so it was time to say goodbye.

And of course a trusty Toothbrush found it's way into the bin with a new one waiting at home for my return.

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
My reading habits have remained slack of late and I'm sure reading isn't the top of everyones Ibiza packing list but for me, travelling alone I wanted to ensure I had something to get my teeth into, especially as I had a two hour train journey before I even got to board a plane. I had read about Girl on the Train being the new Gone Girl (although I haven't read that either) so I thought I'd give it a try. Usually I wouldn't dream of taking a hardback on holiday with me but because I was so intrigued to read the story I purchased a copy. I enjoyed reading this and found it perfect for holidaying because of the way it was designed with easy breaks so you could pick up and put down as necessary. I'm not sure I think it's deserved the amazing reviews as it's not amazing, just good. It felt almost simplistic and I pretty much guessed who the 'guilty one' was early on. Is it worth a read, yes but is it as 'thrilling' as reviews make it? Not in my opinion.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash
I was able to get about four washes out of this body wash and like the other Sugar Crush products enjoyed doing so. More of a cream than a gel it made for quite a luxurious experience. I'd definitely purchase this in full size.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask*
Hydraluron sheek masks are my travel must have. I also use one after a flight, even if Ibiza's was a mere two hours. In this instance I used in the middle of my trip after daily exposure to the sun, the air-conditioning of my room and dehydration from heat and one or two drinks. I've said before I'm not a big fan of the serum but these masks work far better for a heavy duty hit when needed.

Tweezerman Pointed Tweezers
I much prefer using pointed tweezers than slanted, I find they are easier to use and more effective. Unfortunately these had suffered some damage so were not meeting at the ends any more. I had since replaced and threw these into my travel bags to use as necessary whilst away.

Diptyque Eau Moheli EDT
As you will see in the photo I had an accident and smashed the bottle of Diptyque's Eau Moheli somewhere in the middle of my trip. Yes there was almost tears. I have had this scent for almost two years, only bringing it out in the Summer and I really enjoy using it. For a floral scent it's surprising as usually I'm not a fan but ylang ylang and spices make for something more pleasing. I'm definitely keen to repurchase this fragrance, and in full size as I do miss it.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
Purchased for Dubai and still lasting for Ibiza I was able to use up the remaining bottle of the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner. I've mentioned OGX quite a few times now since my introduction and will definitely buy full size and try other types from the range.

What products do you find you use up on holiday?

*PR Sample

Products I used up in Ibiza

When I travel that means you get a bonus empties post of all the things I managed to use whilst on holiday. Here's what found it's way into the bins of Ibiza 

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
I'm a little annoyed as I have a full size of this body wash and intended to return home with this mini size empty and ready to refill for future trips but unfortunately in my haste of packing it was thrown into the bin. Moving past my frustrations this is a delicious body wash to use and kind to all due to the naturally active ingredients - its even suitable for your babies. Definitely one to try if you have skin that is a little sensitive as it doesn't contain any 'nasties'.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor
My favourite razors are the Gilette Venus & Olay type which are perfect for leg shaving, especially when doing it almost daily like I have to whilst on holiday. I could probably get a little more than a week out of one head but for ease and packing purposes it worked out for me to take one of the individually packaged heads for the week. You can read my full Gillette Venue & Olay review here.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser
I received this mini cleanser with my Tatler subscription and thought it perfect to take along as my morning cleanse whilst on holiday. I enjoyed using this although it does contain microbeads which I know can be a bone of contention for some. It lasted almost to the full 7 days I was away.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub and Body Buttercream
Body Scrub's and Body Buttercreams from Soap and Glory are favourites of mine and these picks were from the Sugar Crush Gift Set I'd received for Christmas and saved for this trip. The zesty scent was perfect for my beachy conditions and I enjoy using a body scrub on holiday to help keep the tan in tip top condition. The body butter creams are perfect to double up as foot creams too.

Riemann P20 Once a Day SPF30*
Ben & I actually purchased P20 at the airport before heading to Dubai and it worked well against their heat. Unfortunately we couldn't get the spray option and relied on the cream so I was pleased when I was sent the spray option. I travelled to Ibiza alone and the only thing I had any concerns with were how I would get sun protection on my back. This P20 spray was perfect as I was able to angle and spray and know that I was protected without having to approach a stranger and ask 'could you rub this in'. I used this particularly on the days I was going to visit my parents on another part of the island and knew we would be walking around the resort  rather than sitting round the pool all day when reapplication was possible.

The Wet Brush, Classic
I am not onto my third Wet Brush, this one being my second. After trips to Dubai and Ibiza as well as some random overnight stays it's safe to say it doesn't travel well. I love this brush but unfortunately when shoved into bags the bristles are not sturdy enough to stand up to conditions and I did notice that it wasn't performing as well towards the end of my trip so it was time to say goodbye.

And of course a trusty Toothbrush found it's way into the bin with a new one waiting at home for my return.

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
My reading habits have remained slack of late and I'm sure reading isn't the top of everyones Ibiza packing list but for me, travelling alone I wanted to ensure I had something to get my teeth into, especially as I had a two hour train journey before I even got to board a plane. I had read about Girl on the Train being the new Gone Girl (although I haven't read that either) so I thought I'd give it a try. Usually I wouldn't dream of taking a hardback on holiday with me but because I was so intrigued to read the story I purchased a copy. I enjoyed reading this and found it perfect for holidaying because of the way it was designed with easy breaks so you could pick up and put down as necessary. I'm not sure I think it's deserved the amazing reviews as it's not amazing, just good. It felt almost simplistic and I pretty much guessed who the 'guilty one' was early on. Is it worth a read, yes but is it as 'thrilling' as reviews make it? Not in my opinion.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash
I was able to get about four washes out of this body wash and like the other Sugar Crush products enjoyed doing so. More of a cream than a gel it made for quite a luxurious experience. I'd definitely purchase this in full size.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask*
Hydraluron sheek masks are my travel must have. I also use one after a flight, even if Ibiza's was a mere two hours. In this instance I used in the middle of my trip after daily exposure to the sun, the air-conditioning of my room and dehydration from heat and one or two drinks. I've said before I'm not a big fan of the serum but these masks work far better for a heavy duty hit when needed.

Tweezerman Pointed Tweezers
I much prefer using pointed tweezers than slanted, I find they are easier to use and more effective. Unfortunately these had suffered some damage so were not meeting at the ends any more. I had since replaced and threw these into my travel bags to use as necessary whilst away.

Diptyque Eau Moheli EDT
As you will see in the photo I had an accident and smashed the bottle of Diptyque's Eau Moheli somewhere in the middle of my trip. Yes there was almost tears. I have had this scent for almost two years, only bringing it out in the Summer and I really enjoy using it. For a floral scent it's surprising as usually I'm not a fan but ylang ylang and spices make for something more pleasing. I'm definitely keen to repurchase this fragrance, and in full size as I do miss it.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
Purchased for Dubai and still lasting for Ibiza I was able to use up the remaining bottle of the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner. I've mentioned OGX quite a few times now since my introduction and will definitely buy full size and try other types from the range.

What products do you find you use up on holiday?

*PR Sample

Essence Haul

essence make up

Playa den Bossa in Ibiza is not known as a shopping destination but I managed to track down an Essence concession in the local pharmacy on the strip. Whilst we can get Essence in the UK I've yet to visit a Wilko store and have a hands on look at the range. This was the perfect opportunity to treat myself to one or two items to try and so far I haven't been disappointed.

After tweeting for some advice the overwhelming response was their mascaras so I picked up two to try. The first i love extreme crazy volume mascara is amazing. The first day I tried it I couldn't believe how long and thick it made my lashes. I have never seen anything like it. I feel like I'm wearing false eyelashes and I'm in danger of them hitting my eyebrows as I flutter!

To give a well rounded opinion as mentioned this is a thick formula and as such it's better served when you wipe off any excess onto a tissue as things can get messy but otherwise this mascara after only a few uses is well on it's way to becoming a favourite.

With so many mascaras on offer from Essence I couldn't resist picking up a second, get BIG! lashes triple black mascara. I'd call this the younger sister of the previously mention 'i love extreme' as whilst it gives long lashes once again it's more of a softer look. This is a great day mascara for those that want to have length to their lashes but aren't interested in anything too heavy. That said I do prefer the other out of the two.

I'd had my eye on the blush up! powder blush in Heatwave for some time if only for aesthetic reasons as I just loved the colour. With one solitary compact sitting on the shelf it was meant to be. Aside from my having some difficult with opening the palette which has resulted in my nail scratching across the surface and ruining it's pristine condition this is a fantastic blush which is comparable to Tarte. Heavily pigmented this gives a a perfect flush of colour to cheeks. Matte it may be but I find it doesn't appear flat and more importantly it stays in place all day. I adopt the approach of swirling my brush amongst the palette to get the desired effect that works for me but if you're more attentive than I you might want to target the specific colours on each side. I'm definitely keen to try more blushes from Essence. 

My final pick was i love stage - eyeshadow base. Usually I use Mac's Painterly Paint Pot as a base or if I'm looking for real longevity Urban Decay's Primer Potion so I was keen to see how a cheaper product would fair. The eyeshadow base from Essence is extremely creamy and feels like concealer compared to my other options, especially as Painterly is now at the dryer end of it's life. It can feel a little greasy on the eyes but for someone with oily eyelids and at this time of year it's working well to keep eyeshadow in place. It's definitely not going to replace my other options but it's a good option to choose when looking to save a few pennies.

Having tried these four products with success I'll definitely be making sure I seek out a Wilko store to see what else is on offer. Have you tried Essence before?

In Flight Essentials | Short Haul Flights

Most of my previous flights to date have been long haul and therefore my in flight essentials have been hardier than what was needed for a two hour trip to Ibiza. That said I still wanted to have one or two items with me to ensure that I didn't look too travel wearing when I arrived at my hotel.

Avenue Thermal Water Spray*
Yes this is essentially a can of water but it's nonetheless a travel essential for me and always appears in my beach bag or as part of my sightseeing kit. For flights it's just the thing to refresh the face and combat dehydration from the cabin air. It's also handy to have on hand for sunburn and other irritations you might experience on your trip.

Soft & Gentle Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Deodorant*
This is in no way a contender for Sure Maximum Protection but it's perfectly adequate to freshen up before your land and board a sweaty coach to your destination. It was also handy to throw into my bag when I travelled to visit my parents on the Island or reach for when needed. Sometimes a spray is what you need to feel the gap when a cream would be too messy.

Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer
I travelled to the airport by train for this trip so on top of that, the flight and a coach journey a hand sanitizer was definitely required. I also knew I was in a middle seat on the plane and unsure how easy I'd be able to get in and out of my seat so wanted to ensure I could still keep my hands clean as necessary. The current flavour I'm using is Candy Apple from the Halloween range - it makes me smile every time I use it as it reminds me Apple Sourz from my youth!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour Cheek Gelee, Getaway Red
I love this Cheek Gelee from Josie Maran I often wonder why I haven't purchased more from the range. In any case this is a perfect blush for travelling as it requires no brushes and adds a flush of colour which can be needed if feeling a little peaky from travelling.

Trilogy CoQ10 Age Proof Eye Recovery Concentration*
I've become quite taken with this rollerball from Trilogy since featuring it in my Hydrating Skincare Favourites post. When I was putting together my inflight kit I knew this was perfect for travelling with me. For a two hour flight I knew I wouldn't be bothered with removing make up and applying creams and such but also that my eyes would suffer more than most. Having this rollerball to hand for reapplying when my eyes needed it ensured I didn't look like I'd spent the night in club already.


NYX Butter Lipstick, Coral Red*
Since appearing in my April Favourites I've found it hard to turn to any other lipstick lately, fearing this might actually be one I used up before the end of the year I use it so frequently. As I mentioned in that post it's the perfect red for the time of year and the formulation doesn't leave lips dry.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My Holy Grail Product and one I'm never without. A touch up of this powder and an addition of the aforementioned lipstick and cheek gelee and I was good to go on arrival. Obviously this powder was also perfect for tackling shine throughout my holiday.

Roger & Gallet Fleur d'Osmanthus Hand Balm*
I used this hand cream religiously on holiday. I don't know what was going on but whatever I seemed to do my hands were crying out for moisture. This was a fruity fragrance just perfect for a Summer holiday.

DrPawPaw Original Clear Balm*
Not only perfect for your holidays this is a product that could also come in handy during the festival season. A balm containing papaya, olive oil and Aloe Vera oil that is perfect for skin irritations such as sunburn. This tiny tube can be used to stray hairs, massage into cuticles and as a lip balm. I had it on hand mainly for it's lip balm properties but during the week I was away it was nice to have something for looking after my nails. Even better it's a UK made product.

So there's a peek at what I take on a flight with me, what are your essentials?

*PR Samples