The flights have been booked for months and the itinerary is all mapped out… This summer, we’re heading off. And planning the trip is part of the journey. What do we love? Taking the opportunity to treat ourselves to a few carefully chosen beauty products. The Oh My Cream team shares the favourite cosmetics coming along for the ride!

Beauty tips from the Oh My Cream team:

• Switch your shower gel to a gentle, sulphate-free formula that’s kinder to your skin.

• Moisturise your skin thoroughly before you leave for a better-looking tan, or to make applying self-tanner easier if you’re one of those people who hardly tan at all! Body Butter by Susanne Kaufmann is ideal for this step.

• If you bought a slimming treatment in spring, finish it over the summer by using it as an evening body treatment.

Exfoliation for dry skin: Moroccan Rose Body Scrub by Ren Skincare, Linda’s essential

As summer approaches, I always prepare my skin for the sun. I start with a body scrub to remove dead skin cells. I pack the Moroccan Rose Body Scrub by Ren Skincare, which leaves my skin feeling renewed while adding a moisturising layer. That matters because well-moisturised skin is the key to a radiant, even tan. I never forget to apply SPF whenever I’m in the sun, and then it’s hello, silky, sun-kissed legs!

The streak-free self-tanner: Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse by St Tropez, Johanna’s essential

Holidays take some real preparation: choosing a suitcase, deciding what to pack and getting my skin ready! For me, that includes one essential step: applying self-tanner. After trying various formulas from beauty shops (whose smell my partner didn’t approve of), I finally found the perfect formula from St Tropez. Two days before I leave, I exfoliate, then put on my Application Mitt by St Tropez to apply my self-tanning mousse. Just like that, I have sun-kissed legs on the beach from day one of my holiday!

Beauty tips from the Oh My Cream team:

• Don’t skimp on how much product you apply: the stated SPF can’t be guaranteed with just a pea-sized amount.

• Choose a “smart” sunscreen that protects while addressing another skin concern, such as blemishes, dark spots or firmness.

• Double cleanse in the evening to remove sunscreen filters, which can be quite stubborn. It’s a good way to help avoid irritation and little spots.

High protection against dark spots: Photo Regul Face Cream by Esthederm, Cécile’s essential

For the past three years, I’ve had dark spots on my face—my worst nightmare… So this product has become a holiday-bag essential. It lets me come home with a light tan while also targeting dark spots. It helps even out my complexion by preventing pigmented areas from getting darker in the sun. I’m still careful, though, and keep wearing a hat and sunglasses!

Sun protection for sensitive skin: Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 by Dermalogica, Juliette’s essential

In the sun, everyone else seems to have lovely skin… while mine acts up! I often get blemishes or even allergic reactions on my décolletage, and I recently realised chemical filters might be to blame. So last year I tried Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 by Dermalogica, made with 100% mineral filters and no fragrance. Bingo: my skin no longer reacts in the sun (and thanks to its formula, I can even apply it around my eyes, which is handy when I take off my oversized sunglasses)!

The mattifying protective fluid: Oil Free Mat SPF 30 by Dermalogica, Fleur’s essential

For five summers now, this has been the only cream I use as facial sunscreen. I’m hooked on its lemony scent, which reminds me so much of holidays, its non-greasy texture that doesn’t clog pores, and its tiny size that makes it easy to take anywhere. Its skincare benefits also mean I can return in September with a clear complexion and no little spots. I love it!

The protective tanning oil: Sun Oil for Moderate to Strong Sun by Esthederm, Margaux’s essential

I have very fair skin that turns red, and it takes me ages to tan… so for me, a holiday beauty bag means SPF! I started my quest for the right SPF a long time ago. When Esthederm launched its oil, I initially thought it wasn’t for me: oils are for people with very dark skin who can slather on monoi oil! I was wrong! The Esthederm one is amazing: it really does protect even the fairest skin. And above all, it really boosts your tan. Last summer, I tried other sunscreens bought at the pharmacy and was disappointed… I didn’t get the same subtly golden result at all. The formula clearly stimulates melanin production, and it’s free from parabens and silicones. This summer, I’m sticking with it!

Beauty tips from the Oh My Cream team:

• Have fun with make-up products and colours you wouldn’t normally wear: bold lips, colourful eyeliner… Easier to pull off on holiday than at the office!

• Mix and match your nail polish: forget matching fingers and toes!

• Treat yourself to a highlighter to enhance your tan, such as Master Mixer by RMS Beauty, which flatters every skin tone.

The travel-friendly palette: Pop Collection Palette by RMS Beauty, Marion’s essential

This palette has everything you need to enhance a tan. In summer, I prefer to skip my usual liquid foundation, and I don’t really get on with bronzing powder either. My routine? I use tinted cream textures that melt into the skin, applying them with my fingers and leaving the make-up brushes behind for a really natural result. This palette contains all the essentials: blusher (which doubles as lipstick), highlighter and a shea-rich lip balm. All I need to add is a lovely golden eyeshadow (such as Cream EyeShadows in Solar by RMS Beauty, another favourite of mine), and my summer make-up bag is ready!

The standout manicure: Juicy nail polish by Kure Bazaar, Pauline’s essential

For me, make-up goes right to my fingertips! I’m a fan of nail polish and hand care: to me, they provide that final touch of elegance… Before going away, I can never resist buying a new little bottle of colour. Last summer, I treated myself to Juicy, a vibrant, bright orange-coral. I wore it so much… I’m buying it again this year!

With that, we wish you a wonderful summer! Come and see us when you’re back for an autumn skin consultation!