How can I care for my skin & hair on holiday?
There are two types of people in a heatwave:
The ones who thrive in the sun, hair beachy and skin glowing.
And the rest of us, red, sweaty, prickly, slightly irritable, and desperately trying to avoid looking like a melting ice lolly by 10am.
As much as I love the holidays, hot weather can bring a whole load of beauty bother with it: Sunburn, spots, bites, frizzy hair, makeup sliding off, and that joyful “prickly heat has made me claw at my own arms” feeling.
So, how do we care for our skin (and our sanity) during a heatwave or sunny getaway?
Here’s my tried-and-tested guide for staying cool, calm and confident. From SPF to aftersun, hair care to bug protection and all without packing half your bathroom cabinet.
☀️ First things first – Sun Protection That Doesn’t Drive You Mad
My kids? Absolute drama queens when it comes to suncream.
The full-body scream, roll, and protest routine is real, unless it’s the Tropic Sun Stick. It’s swipe and go of Factor 50 on the face, ears and neck, doesn’t sting, and has magically ended the SPF strops.
For me, I’m super sensitive. Prickly heat gets me every time with itchy bumps and red patches on my back, arms and chest, and some weird lumps that come up on my fingers and hands. It’s not pretty, and most suncreams make it worse.
The only products I’ve found that let my skin breathe is Tropics Skin Shade Sun Cream, and I love the SPF30 or 50. Many of my customers are obsessed with the Tinted Skin Shade for the face because its perfect if you want a bit of glow without foundation. It’s makeup and sun protection in one, and doesn’t melt off by lunchtime because its waterproof and sweatproof!
Side note that’s worth mentioning: There are so many nasties in suncream that are bad for humans and the marine life so it’s a nice bonus that the mineral sunscreen feels so much better but it’s also healthier for you and safer for the sea animals.
Cooling down – Heatwave hydration heroes
If you’re like me, you start (id love to say glowing) sweating the second the temperature goes above 22°C. Enter Morning Mist. This toner spray is everything in hot weather. I’ve used it mid-flight, on the beach, even while waiting in long airport queues. If you can keep it in the fridge, even better!
Spritz it on to calm the skin, hydrate, or just feel like a functioning human again. The aloe vera in it is a dream.
Whilst we are on that hydrated feeling, get your water down your neck as much as you can! We don’t want any fainty moments from getting dehydrated.
Keep your hair hydrated too
Beach hair might look effortless, but the knots and dryness say otherwise. That’s why I’m obsessed with Tropic’s new Beach Waves products. It is designed for salty, sunny, holiday hair. The mist hydrates, smells dreamy, and makes styling feel easy even when the humidity says otherwise. I love that fresh hair wash at the end of the day and nobody wants to get a hairdryer out so beach waves are perfect!
Bites, Burns and Bedtime Rescue
Last year in France I got bitten so much and it was hell. Picture me walking round a French supermarket looking for Citronella essential oils in order to make a non-toxic bug repellent. I knew full well it was to risky adding any sprays or creams to my delicate skin. I had a new bottle of a Tropic body oil back at the van and concocted a plan to make my own. It smelled divine and kept the bugs away for the rest of the trip. But if you’re a magnet for mosquitoes or your kid gets sunburnt despite your best efforts, Tamanu Balm is your hero. I’ve used it for bites, heat rash, sunburn, and random skin irritation, it just calms everything down and the healing ingredients get to work straight away. Its called “magic cream” in our house
My packing list essentials
If you’re heading off or just trying to survive a UK heatwave, here’s what I never travel without:
- Skin Shade SPF 30/50 (for face and body)
- Tinted Skin Shade (for fuss-free glow + SPF)
- Sun Stick (kid-approved)
- Morning Mist Toner (instant cool-down)
- Beach Waves Hair Mist
- Tamanu Balm (the ultimate all-rounder)
- Body Oil + citronella drops
- Finishing Touch Setting Spray (if I must wear makeup, it’s not sliding off)
Holiday beauty should be about feeling good, not fighting your face all day.
The truth is, the best routine for hot weather is simple, breathable, hydrating, and kind to your skin, your time, and your confidence.
And as always, I’m not here to tell you what’s perfect, I’m here to remind you that your beauty routine can feel rebellious, empowering, and easy. Even in a heatwave.
Want help choosing your summer skin kit or holiday hero products?
Drop me a message, and I’ll help you pack like a rebel.
From Amy, with SPF and sweaty honesty 💋
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