The Best Beach Beauty Products for Your Summer Vacation

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Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Amy

Planning a summer getaway? Keep reading for the beach beauty essentials that will keep you looking and feeling your best in the sun. I’ve just returned from my first beach holiday since having kids. With limited time to get ready, a streamlined beauty routine was essential. These are the hair, makeup and body products that kept me glowing!

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen for beach vacation

This is non-negotiable. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It is recommended to use separate products for your body and face. A facial SPF should be lightweight and without any pore-clogging ingredients. I hate the feeling of heavy products on my skin so fast-absorbing and lightweight are top of my list when searching for new products. If you want to wear makeup during the day an over-makeup SPF spray is also essential.

My favourites:

2. Hair Protection

Hair Protection for beach holiday

It’s easy to neglect your hair and scalp but so important to shield your locks from sun, chlorine and saltwater damage. The UV rays from the sun can damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. Saltwater and chlorine can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing further dehydration and frizz.

A wide-brimmed hat is essential for keeping the sun off your face, hair and scalp. You should also use hair products with UV protection. The UV Protective range from Michael Van Clarke is silicone-free and contains UV filters. It is perfect for colour-treated hair. I’m a huge fan of this range and their LifeSaver UV Leave-In Product was literally a lifesaver for my wavy, highlighted hair on my recent holiday. Many of their products also come in travel-friendly 75ml bottles!

My favourites:

3. Beach makeup essentials

Beach makeup kit

I don’t like the feeling of heavy makeup when on vacation but always feel better with a bit of mascara and some blush! The key to hot-weather makeup is to focus on lightweight, long-lasting products that enhance your natural beauty.

My beach holiday makeup bag always includes these essentials:

4. Gradual self-tanner for top-ups

Self-tan for beach holidays

Using a gradual self-tanner while on holiday is a safe and effective way to maintain a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure. Start by exfoliating your skin to create a smooth base, ensuring an even application. After showering, apply a light layer of self-tan, blending well around knees, elbows and ankles to avoid any streaks. Repeat this process every few days to build up your tan gradually, topping it up as needed to maintain your desired shade. Always remember to use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.

My favourites:

5. Body care

Beach body care

Body moisturisers and after-sun are an essential part of my vacation beauty toolkit. They help to keep the skin hydrated and can prolong your tan. Look for formulas enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to replenish and soothe sun-exposed skin.

A shimmering body oil is the ideal post-shower evening product to enhance your tan. I’ve relied on the Nuxe Multi-use Dry Oil Golden Shimmer (50ml, £22) every summer for years, and its gorgeous scent and subtle glow are unbeatable. Being a dry oil, it leaves no greasiness behind and can also be used on the face and hair.

My favourites

Whether you’re planning your next beach getaway or already packing your bags, these carefully selected products will ensure you look and feel your best in the sun. Embrace lightweight, waterproof makeup to enhance your natural beauty and maintain that coveted sun-kissed glow with gradual self-tanner and nourishing body care. Check out my pre-holiday beauty prep routine for tips on getting vacation-ready before you hit the airport! Happy travels!

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