Looking groomed / chic on holiday

[WipsGlitter]

Any tips?

Back from a staycation and all photos of me dreadful - over weight, my hair goes all mad looking (normally looks good as I use a babyliss bh but don't have the time on hols), makeup a bit wonky etc.

Off to France in a few weeks, am planning a stylish capsule wardrobe, got new sunnies that can double as a hair band (I suit my hair off my face) Main issue is suncream making me look greasy and affecting make up. Was planning getting a spray tan before we go.

Am picturing myself chic and happy but facing reality of sweaty, stressed and greasy!! With random sunburn bits where I've missed with the sunblock!!

[pasturesgreen]

As a face sunscreen I can recommend Vichy Mattifying Face Fluid. I looked horrendously greasy in any other suncream, but this has saved my life!

Then a touch of mineral foundation and all greasiness should be a thing of the past.

Waterproof mascara.

A nice simple pair of leather sandals, good handbag.

Enjoy your holiday!

[ZaZathecat]

Have eyelashes dyed and don't bother with makeup? I usually take some makeup but never end up putting any on what with suncream, swimming etc. So this works better for me.

[MrsBosh]

Yes I agree a spot of makeup can make you feel a bit more polished so when it doesn't sit right it's frustrating.

We went to France last year and fancying giving my skin a break from makeup I took NOTHING. Of course my skin chose that week to break out and look awful and I felt so unconfident.

Could you try a few different suncreams to find one that doesn't feel as greasy? For my face I use Avene Optimale Hydrance with SPF.

What about tying your hair back with a big claw clip or something to help it feel less 'mad'?

Put your suncream on everywhere when you're naked in the morning and you'll be less likely to miss spots under straps etc.

What about getting one of those handheld fans? They always look pretty cooling.

Have a great time, OP

[WipsGlitter]

I'm going to get my eyelashes dyed. Thank you for the facial sunscreen - will definitely have a look, also saw a Clinique one recommended as being non greasy.

Have lovely Boden sandals and nice bags.

Getting gel toes done too.

[Longislandicetee]

I tend to go very minimal on makeup on holiday. Daytime look is waterproof mascara, Nars long wear eyeliner (nothing shifts that!), and Mac tinted lip balm for the day. In the evening, I use tinted moisturiser and change to lip gloss but that's it. Always have toes and finger nails painted and I tend to reapply every couple of days.

I tend to wear my hair either in a loose bun or chignon. I also have a couple of floppy hats that I occasionally wear.

Clothes - ditch anything that looks old, faded or ratty, especially bikinis. If it's going to be hot, stick to cotton as that's much cooler and you're less likely to look a sweaty mess. There's a lot to be said for lovely day time cover up. This is my current favourite.

Accessories- I go to Accessorize and pick up lots of cheap jewelry for my holiday. During the day, I will wear a long necklace and bangles. Looks very chic with bikini and doesn't matter if I get sun cream and chlorine on them. This necklace looked great. I swap accessories in the evening. I wore these Michael Kors sandals a lot on my last holiday, in the evening but wore havianas during the day.

[happystory]

Am currently by a pool in the Med very cool lady in pale blue floaty denim shirt over bikini, brown leather sandals, hair up, sunnies. Sarongs don't seem to look good on anyone. Also the younger women have straw trilbies which look very nice.

[happystory]

Agree about the accessories

[WipsGlitter]

I can't do accessories!! Hate wearing bracelets and necklaces.

I have a straw hat that even my chic friend admired! Not sure how to pack it though!

[DeadGood]

If your suitcase Is big enough for the hat's brim to fit inside, it's easy to pack. Put small items in the head part, and pack everything else around it if that makes sense. I do this all the time.

I'd say: dresses look smarter than the sort of separates one wears in hot places. The spray tan is a great idea as are the nails. I'd go the whole hog and get my eyelashes done (ie extensions) if it's an option - my lashes never look great dyed, no impact. For me, the combination of spray tanned face and lash extensions meant that I wore no other makeup on a recent holiday. And I'm usually a full face kind of person.

[DeadGood]

"very cool lady in pale blue floaty denim shirt over bikini, brown leather sandals, hair up, sunnies."

This sounds good to me too. OP, covering up always better than relying solely on sunscreen. I also retire to the cool haven of indoors at the hottest part of the day for lunch, a nap, a book. Would fry otherwise. I wear a hat, sunglasses, cover up with a floaty shirt or linen scarf, and use a bit of sunscreen - but not loads, and I hate reapplying. So covering up rather than hoping for the best is the way I do it!

[WipsGlitter]

Adds floaty shirt to wish list!

[NellyMelly]

Clinique city block or no7 boots face suncream. Clinique isn't greasy at all and you won't notice you are wearing it. I have the no7 cream as well and will use it by the pool but not in the water. For waterproof brands have a look in a french pharmacy for a cream that's isn't heavy and not a white cream but with a tint that matches your tone. Take a light fabric wrap, hat and a kaftan for by the pool. I have some nice ones from H&M. For the top of the ams I wear a fabric or silk wrap. Keeps the sun off as well.

[WipsGlitter]

I got a kaftan in h&m yesterday - £7!! Bargain!

And a lovely blue sleeveless top in monsoon. Just tried on a sundress I have from there but have never worn - fits and looks lovely. Skims the curves!!

[NellyMelly]

That's great WipsGlitter :) I got two lovely long skirts in monsoon, one from East and one from fat face (ahh on the name) All feel great in the heat. I'll look at their dresses - thanks for the tip.

[Laquila]

Sounds like you're pretty much sorted, OP! Some good advice here - I'd recommend Ultrasun fanily formula for beach days or when you're not covered up - it comes in SPF30 and 50 and once applied, is good for about 6 hours. Also love Clibique City Block and Superdrug Facial SPF30 (neither of these are once-a-day though).

I'm a fan of sticking to a colour palette on hols, so for example take denim shorts, navy/white/yellow tops, tan leather accessories and a blue striped bikini (not necessarily but you get the idea). A classy beach bag that you actually like using makes a difference - Sainsburys have some surprisngly nice ones.

It's a shame you don't like bracelets and necklaces as they can make all the difference! Not even one big chunky bracelet?!...

[WipsGlitter]

I got a beach bag from sainsburys a few weeks ago. Cream and yellow with rope handles.

Not even a chunky bracelet I'm afraid. I just find jewellery really annoying and end up taking it off.