The holiday beauty hotlist

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Prioritise your haircare

Sun, sea and pool chlorine can dry our hair and even change the colour of it, so it’s a good idea to have any permanent hair colouring done in advance so that it can settle before it’s exposed to sunlight. Have a trim too, to avoid split ends.

Hair expert Gina Conway has some hard rules on how to keep hair colour fresh and your tresses in perfect condition. “Sun can fade your hair by up to three shades so stay under a hat where possible. If a hat is not for you, make sure you spray a hair sunscreen on your hair. These can be a bit greasy so try Aveda’s sun care protective hair veil, which won’t weigh your hair down.

“If swimming is on the menu, you must shampoo after chlorine and saltwater. The combination of chlorine and sun will lighten your colour and make hair brassy. Also wet your hair and if you can, apply a deep penetrating conditioner before entering the pool.”

Exfoliate and hydrate, repeat

It can feel a long time since you last aired your legs and body and so in order to make a smooth transition to holiday mode, it’s a good idea to exfoliate which can buff away your dead skin cells to feel silky and smooth. After exfoliation, then hydration needs to follow.

Cheryl Smith from Village Aesthetics recommends the popular HydraFacial to prep skin before a holiday, which detoxes the skin, exfoliates and hydrates.

“It is all machine led, and involves a manual cleanse and lymphatic drainage, which removes puffiness. Then customised tips are used on the skin for different strengths of abrasion. All of the dead skin is removed and then there is a peel which uses glycolic and salicylic acid.”

An extraction process follows, and finally a booster serum is applied which can be antiageing and can help with pigmentation.

The final step is ten minutes of red LED light therapy which can help with the production of collagen, and reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The HydraFacial can also take place on the back, which exfoliates the skin and leaves it clean and clear, and helps with any breakouts.

Stock up on the SPF

Whatever your age, you need to be vigilant when it comes to protecting your skin.

Your face should have an SPF 50 on it at all times and it’s vital to protect moles as well with high factors. Pigmentation can also become an issue, so Cheryl recommends combining your SPF 50 with Vitamin C, which can lighten the skin and help with protection.

A light sun screen is best that isn’t too greasy or oily, and if you have sensitive skin then consider a mineral sun screen.

Having a spray tan will make you feel totally holiday ready and provide a good bit of colour before you get the chance to soak up the actual rays of the sun.

Nailing it

A sure sign you’re on your way to the airport is booking in your manicure and pedicure.

This should be done just a couple of days before you go, and is the perfect way of making your feet look fabulous in sandals, and by the pool. Shellac is longer lasting and will avoid chipping, which is great for a longer trip. Bright shades and colours go really well with a tan, so be bold and brave with your choices.

Exercise & have fun

Many of us want to look our best on the beach and feel body confident. If you’re looking to tone up, find an exercise you enjoy and mix up your classes.

Elsa Orler, general manager at Virgin Active Wimbledon, says: “If you enjoy exercise then you’re more likely to keep at it. You could get strong, fit and toned through Lift Club and then why not go to a boxing class or have a swim. Enhance your core strength and become more flexible through the likes of yoga and Pilates classes.”

But remember that all movement counts! “Exercise doesn’t have to be hard. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can do to improve your general health and wellbeing. Whether you are taking the dog for a walk or heading out for an evening stroll, it’s all about getting your steps in,” says David McDermott who is head of athletic training at Virgin Active.

Optimal nutrition

As with our skin, hydration is key for nutrition in the summer. Try and incorporate foods like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges into your diet.

If your sweat seems salty then it could be a sign that you need to add electrolytes to water to support the rehydration. Good hydration improves speed, and combats fatigue during exercise.

Matt Gardner, who is head of nutrition at Virgin Active Wimbledon, says: “Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often harvested at their peak ripeness, meaning they contain the highest levels of nutrients.”

The best foods to eat in the summer months are raspberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, tomatoes, lettuce and kale. These foods are all low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants.

>Holiday Essentials<

Magic masks

Croma Hyaluronic Acid Face Masks and Energizing Eye Masks are brilliant for instantly brighter looks. Perfect for a pre-holiday boost or to pack in your case.

Hair care heroes

A detoxifying shampoo and deep conditioning treatment are a must to take on holiday. Try Space NK’s OUAI detox shampoo and Aveda’s intensive hair masques.

Skin saviours

Keeping the skin moisturised and hydrated will leave it smooth and soft. This almond shower oil by L’Occitane cleanses, moisturises and smells divine. Available at Elys Wimbledon.

Tinted Moisturiser with SPF

If you are looking for sun protection as well as covering blemishes, a tinted gelcream with SPF 50 from Heliocare is the perfect handbag essential.