SOS! Glow Up: Pre-Vacation Beauty Checklist

As the vacation season approaches, it’s the perfect time to get ready for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, cozy mountain retreat, or bustling city. Here’s your countdown beauty checklist to ensure you’re prepped and primed for a fabulous getaway. From radiant skin to perfectly packed bags, we’ve got you covered!

1. Get a Radiant Glow with a Facial

Kick off your holiday prep with a refreshing facial. A professional or DIY (check out my DIY facial post if you’re stuck for ideas) facial will cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin, leaving you with a radiant glow. Opt for a treatment that addresses your specific skin type and concerns, whether it’s dryness, dullness, or acne. 

Try to do anything detoxing a few weeks before, to avoid bringing blemishes to the surface right before your holiday.

2. Achieve a Sun-Kissed Look with Self-Tan

If you love the look of a sun-kissed tan but want to avoid harmful UV rays, self-tanner is your best friend. Apply a gradual self-tanning lotion or mousse a few days before your trip for a natural, bronzed look. Don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturize beforehand to ensure an even application and remove any dead skin cells.

3. Smooth Skin with Hair Removal

If you like smooth, hair-free skin, decide your preferred method of hair removal—waxing, shaving, or epilating—a few days before departure to allow any redness or irritation to subside. If you’re waxing, book your appointment at least 48 hours before you hit the beach to achieve the best results. 

4. Perfectly Groomed Brows

Well-groomed brows frame your face and give you a polished look. Visit a professional for threading, waxing, or tinting, or do it yourself with a good pair of tweezers and brow gel. Stick to your natural shape for a flattering, easy-to-maintain look that enhances your beauty routine. As with body hair removal, have your brows done a few days before departure to allow any redness or irritation to calm down.

5. Manicure and Pedicure Perfection

Your hands and feet deserve some love, too! Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure in vibrant holiday colors. Gel polish works great to ensure your nails stay chip-free throughout your trip. 

If you opt for traditional polish, don’t forget to pack a small bottle of your chosen shade for any touch-ups, ensuring you maintain your perfect nails.

6. Body Scrub for Silky Smooth Skin

A good body scrub will slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Use a scrub with natural ingredients like sugar or salt, and follow up with a rich buttery moisturizer. This will not only prep your skin for self-tanner but also make it look and feel amazing. 

7. Gather Your Minis and Travel Containers

Travel-size products are essential for keeping your luggage light and your skincare routine intact. Gather mini versions of your skincare, haircare, and body care products, or invest in reusable travel containers to decant your favorite products.

8. SPF for On-the-Go Protection

Remember a good SPF. Pack a travel-sized SPF for easy top-ups throughout the day. Look for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and make sure it’s suitable for your face and body. This is essential for maintaining a radiant complexion. There are now a vast array of SPF sticks available for touch ups, saving space on that 100ml liquid travel restriction. 

9. Pack A Capsule Wardrobe with Easy, Versatile Clothes

When it comes to holiday packing, less is more. Choose clothes that are lightweight, easy to wash, and quick to dry. Think flowy dresses, versatile tops, and comfortable shorts that can be dressed up or down. This way, you’ll have stylish options without the heavy bags.

Prepping for your holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With these beauty tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy your vacation looking and feeling your best. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and focus on essentials that make you feel confident and beautiful.

Ready to start your holiday prep? Share your own beauty tips in the comments below. 🏖️