The Ultimate Low Maintenance Pre-holiday Beauty Prep Routine
Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Amy
If you want to feel your best on holiday without spending a fortune or hours in front of the mirror, this low-maintenance routine is for you! From smoother skin to healthier hair and long-lasting nails, these simple but effective pre-holiday beauty prep steps will help you look and feel amazing—so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
6 Months to Go!
Laser Hair Removal
If you’re tired of shaving and waxing before every beach day, now is the perfect time to start IPL hair removal. I began using the Philips Lumea 8000 on my legs, underarms, and bikini line in January. It’s now mid-May, and while I’m not completely hair-free yet, this has been the best beauty investment I’ve ever made. The thought of going on holiday without worrying about stubble, shaving rashes, or ingrown hairs is so worth it!
If you’re considering an at-home IPL device, I highly recommend the Philips Lumea 8000 (RRP £509.99, but I snagged it for £250 in the Boots Black Friday sale—plus £50 worth of Advantage points!). It’s definitely worth waiting for a sale if you’re interested. I’ve included the best deal I could find at the time of writing below
2 Months to Go: Hands & Feet
Nail Strengthening Routine
If you want strong, healthy nails before your holiday, start treating them now—especially if you’re planning a gel manicure or at-home polish.
My go-to nail savers:
- CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner (£10.95): I apply this every night, and it has completely transformed my nails. It hydrates and strengthens, leaving them naturally glossy and smooth.
- Leighton Denny Renovate Nail Repair Cream (£12.60): This deeply nourishes dry, brittle nails and smooths ridges. It even comes with a two-sided buffer to gently refine the surface.
Need more nail care tips? Check out my Ultimate Nail Care Routine post!
Foot Prep: No More Hiding in Socks!
After a winter in thick socks, feet need some extra TLC before sandal season.
Quick Foot Revival Routine:
- Exfoliate: Use a foot file to remove hard, dry skin.
- Moisturise: Apply Flexitol Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream (£7.69) before bed. It’s packed with vitamin E and 10% urea, making a huge difference overnight! Even one application makes my feet look and feel so much better—though if you start early, you’ll have super-soft feet by summer!
1 Month to Go: Skin & Hair Care Boost
Exfoliate and Moisturise
Exfoliate & Hydrate for Silky Smooth Skin
A combination of dry brushing, body scrubs, and exfoliating moisturisers will get rid of dull winter skin and leave you feeling glowier than ever.
Step 1: Dry Brushing
While the science is still out on whether dry brushing actually helps with lymphatic drainage or cellulite, I can confirm one thing—it’s a fantastic exfoliator. I do it once a week before showering, and it makes my skin feel softer and smoother.
Step 2: Body Scrubs
The Beauty Pie Soul Providers Re-energizing Dry Oil Sugar Scrub (£16 for members) is my absolute favourite. It smells amazing, leaves skin feeling super soft, and even provides light hydration—so you can skip moisturiser afterwards.
💡 Note: This scrub isn’t pregnancy-safe due to essential oils.
Step 3: Exfoliating Body Moisturisers
If you prefer a one-step exfoliation and hydration solution, try:
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream (£13.50): Great for sensitive skin.
- Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion (£19): More intensive—perfect for smoothing keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin” on arms and legs).
I’ve used both for years, and they’re the only products that have actually made a difference to bumpy, rough skin. The only con? The smell isn’t great—but if you apply at night and shower in the morning, you’ll barely notice it.
Deep Hydration for a Summer Glow
After exfoliation, hydration is key. These are some of my lightweight but ultra-moisturising favourites:
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil (£22): Smells like a summer holiday in a bottle and adds a gorgeous glow.
- This Works Perfect Legs Body Butter (£28): Rich yet fast-absorbing.
- Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Oil Spray (£8.99): Non-sticky and so quick and easy to use.
Check out my Body Skincare Routine post for more tips and product recommendations!
Hair Care: Strengthen & Protect
Between sun, sea, and chlorine, holidays can wreak havoc on hair. The best way to prevent damage? Strengthen your hair before you go!
Weekly Hair Mask Treatment
I’ve been using the Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask (£28) once a week, and my hair loves it. It’s deeply hydrating but lightweight, so it won’t leave hair feeling heavy or greasy.
Leave-In Protection
A UV-protective treatment is essential for shielding hair from sun damage. My holy grail?
- Michael Van Clarke LifeSaver UV Leave-In Styling Treatment (£29.50, 500ml) – silicone-free, strengthens hair, and lasts for months. I will never be without this product and am a huge fan of the whole Michael Van Clarke haircare range.
2 Weeks to Go: Final Touches
Skincare Routine Refresh
Now’s the time to simplify your skincare routine to keep your skin bright and hydrated before the trip. Focus on:
✅ Gentle exfoliation (2-3x per week)
✅ Hydrating serums & moisturisers
✅ SPF every day (non-negotiable!)
Need a routine? My Daily Morning Skincare Routine would be a good place to start!
Teeth Whitening
This definitely isn’t an essential but shiny white teeth look so good with a tan! I have been a big fan of Spotlight Oral Care products for a while now. They are an Irish company which was founded by two dentists. Their Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips cost £44.95 for a 14-day course. It also comes with a free Whitening toothpaste! They are fantastic for sensitive teeth, causing no sensitivity but still delivering results. Use for 2 weeks before your holiday for a gleaming smile.
The Day Before: Final Beauty Prep!
DIY Gel-Like Nails (Without the Salon!)
No time for a salon visit? The Essie Gel Couture range is worth looking at. It lasts up to 7 days chip-free (longer with darker shades) and removes easily with regular polish remover—so no tedious soaking!
Self-tan
Most of us feel a little more confident on the beach with a tan but self-tanning before a holiday can be risky. No one wants streaks or weird patchiness in the sun! My current favourite:
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam (£26):
✅ Medium shade = natural-looking tan
✅ Smells like tropical mango & guava
✅ Develops in 2 hours (but I leave it overnight for a deeper glow)
For face tanning, I use Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (£21.95)—just mix a few drops into your moisturiser 2-3 times per week for a subtle, even tan.
Want more fake tan recommendations? Check out my Best Fake Tan Products article!
Before you board that plane, check out some of my other posts to get you vacation ready:
- Packing Checklist for Beach Vacation
- Chic & Comfy Airport Outfits
- 7 Easy Beach Hairstyles
- Beach Nail Ideas
Which of these beauty prep tips do you already do before a holiday? Let me know in the comments! 👇
