High Street Sun Protection

Unlike my holidays last year I had a smaller range of sun protection to take with to Menorca and put to the test, including two products that were new to me and from less fancy brands. The first is from Soleil Suncare*, Tesco's own brand. I tested out the SPF30 which is an affordable £3.50 and can be thrown into the shopping basket with your milk and eggs.

This isn't a 'luxurious' formula and reminds me of your old and traditional types but it was inoffensive and did the job intended. Despite it's smaller price point it's still dermatologically tested and contains vitamin E, omega oil and green tea to moisturise the skin. More importantly it protects as you want and I didn't burn at all whilst using this. Because of it's slightly thicker formula I preferred to use on my legs, especially if I'd shaved them in the morning. There is a slight white cast that you need to ensure you rub in thoroughly but I can't complain. Ben also used this and I might suggest that this is one you can push into the hands of your gentleman friends who aren't too worried about what products they're using and save the fancy stuff for yourself.

Reimann P20 Once a Day Sun Protection Spray* is an old and familiar favourite that I enjoyed using last year, particularly as it's spray allows you to apply to your back if you haven't a friend to hand. It's major selling point is it's water resistant claims and that it protects for up to 10 hours. I'm always cautious about these claims but it is reassuring if you end up falling asleep in the sun or are spending the day walking around unexpected without a top up to hand. My only complain about this product, aside from a high price point is that it does stain clothing. I had a couple of white items on holiday that unfortunately will not make an appearance on my next holiday,

Of course it's important not to give some extra attention to the face when in the sun, and despite wearing a hat most of the time I wanted to ensure I was covered. On my recent trip I used Solero Facial Anti-Ageing Suncream* in SPF 30. Solero is the suncare brand from Lloyds Pharmacy which has been created to protect against Infrared-A(IR-A), a third of the sun's damaging rays which cause both short and long term damage yet often omitted from other brands products.

Whilst I have used Lloyds Pharmacy products before with success I was slightly dubious about how I would find their suncream. I used this in place of a morning moisturiser and it is certainly thicker than some products and a little heavier on application but it sinks into skin nicely and I was happy with it's appearance. The biggest concern with SPF is always that it can lead to breakouts, especially if it's not washed properly. Despite it being that time of the month during my trip, and when I'm most prone to hormonal breakouts I didn't experience one and this was a week I wasn't double cleansing or acid toning... and yes if I'm honest I'm sure there was a night or two I just reached for a face wipe.

Usually I would leave behind any sun care preferring not to use up valuable luggage allowance but this time I have packed away ready to use on my trip to Italy next month. Happy with the results I'm in no need to replace with alternatives and it's great to know that if I were invited on a last minute trip (if only!) then I could easily nip to my local high street and find products just as good as the more well known or fancier brands.

What sun care do you like to use on holiday?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

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

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

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