In theory I am a massive fan of the English summer. Strawberries and cream, Wimbledon, the introduction of Pimms o’clock (why this hour only exists from June to late August is beyond me) all make this a very special season. Nevertheless there is nothing like the British weather for, quite literally, putting a dampener on proceedings. Try as I might to enjoy the unpredictability and approach every day as a game of meteorological roulette, I am a girl that likes a plan. For this reason I attend most outdoor events at this time of year armed with a bag full of knitwear and a vague sense of dread.
Climatic fluctuation means that I, like many of you I suspect, will be heading abroad for a good portion of the summer. Unfortunately the post-university financial situation (at the moment I am still refusing to classify myself as unemployed) does not stretch to much. South East Asia is definitely out of bounds and even a European beach holiday seems somewhat excessive. Instead Fi, Nims and I are attempting to side-step the financial cost of a holiday by offering our services as English teachers in a Spanish summer camp for two weeks. The problem is I am not the most child friendly of individuals and so hold a sneaking suspicion that whilst financial expenditure may be avoided, nervous collapse is imminent.
For the present however I am trying to push such thoughts aside (and avoid planning the stimulating English lessons I shall be providing 12 Spanish 14 year olds) by considering the problems foreign travel presents one’s make-up bag. As it turns out this is no light relief. When packing, numerous factors must be taken into consideration: changing skin tone, possibility of damage/ loss and Ryanair’s miserly luggage allowance being but a few. Also, if you are anything like me, your everyday ‘home make-up’ seems completely unsuitable for the more relaxed, beachier, generally better version of yourself that exists for these few, short weeks of the year. Suddenly foundation, liquid eyeliner and black mascara all lose their appeal. I do not care that I am the exact polar opposite of Heidi from 90210. Her naturally bronzed, dewy look is the epitome of beachy perfection and one that I am suddenly desperate to emulate, regardless of our differences.
With all this taken into consideration, I have at last reached the conclusion that it is easier to invest in a few new, choice cosmetics than try and adapt my existing ones to the job. I have managed to persuade myself that, once you have factored in depositing a few items in various European hostels and your friend borrowing/ breaking your rather expensive bronzer, this is also (some might say conveniently) the cost effective alternative. With my fretful conscience soothed with cool and logical reasoning, I embarked on a mission to find five holiday essentials that would transform me into beach belle without breaking the bank...
1. Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser (£1.99)- Not only does a (sensibly achieved) sun-tan provide the best natural foundation but my more blemish-prone friends swear that sun exposure actually helps clear up their spots. With the need for heavy coverage eliminated, the subtle colour and even-ing effects of foundation are far more comfortably achieved through tinted moisturiser. This Natural Collection one is sheer enough to provide a healthy, dewy glow to the majority of skin tones.
2. Mua Make Up Academy mascara 4 (£1.00)- As previously mentioned, heavy, black mascara in a beach situation does not sit well with me. If you share my opinion then this brown mascara will add subtle length and definition to your lashes without making you look like a misplaced Morticia. Admittedly the liquid is pretty thin so it takes a few layers to build up much thickness but at £1 who cares if it just lasts the length of the holiday?
3. Softlips Vitamin Enriched Lipbalm (£1.83)- Constant movement between hot and air-conditioned environments can leave skin dehydrated and lips dry. This undesirable condition is best avoided by having an effective lip balm within reach at all times. This Softlips one is a touch more expensive than your average but, enriched with avocado and with an unusually high SPF of 20, it should provide a bit of extra protection in sunny conditions.
4. Barry M eye pencil 19 (£2.99)- A couple of months ago I mentioned the spring/summer trend for blue eye colouring. If you haven’t yet been brave enough to give it a go then a holiday is the perfect opportunity to do so. Just a quick flick of his bright, slightly metallic, blue pencil will bring a touch of evening glamour to your eyes without drowning your face in make-up.
5. Baked Highlighter, Primark (£2.50) - Possibly my favourite of all five holiday buys due to its multi-tasking properties. It can be applied to cheekbones, eyelids and even pressed onto lips (primed with lip balm) to create a subtle golden shimmer. It also has a handy built in mirror-genius.
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