Let’s face facts: holidays are expensive. The easiest way to save money is to resist buying new outfits, bikinis and sunglasses, but what to do about the holiday essentials you have to buy every year? I’ve answered all the questions you ask yourself before purchasing sun cream, after sun and suitcases.
Does Price Indicate How Effective Sun Cream Is?
Splurge: Ultrasun SPF 50 Extreme Sun Lotion - £30
Don’t let the price tag put you off, Ultrasun's SPF 50 Extreme Sun Lotion is one of the best sun creams on the market. Entirely waterproof, you only need to apply it once a day and it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It also boasts an SPF 50+ formula infused with antioxidants which offer unrivalled protection for sensitive and fair skin. If you have young kids, it’s worth the splurge!
Save: Garnier Ambre Solaire - £10
Garnier's Ambre Solaire hits all the spots. It offers:
- UVA and UVB protection
- High Protection SPF 30
- Water resistance
This sun cream also boasts a clear, non-sticky formula that doesn’t stain your clothes. Instead, it absorbs quickly and protects your skin against sun-induced damage. The only downfall? Because it’s only an SPF 30, you should keep reapplying it every few hours. Though it’s cheaper, you’ll get through it faster because it has a weaker staying power.
The Verdict
The Garnier Ambre Solaire will do for everyday use when you’re just walking around in the sun. If you’re actively sunbathing though, I’d recommend a cream that offers a higher level of protection, like the Ultrasun one. Kids should always wear an SPF 50 too.
Will Cheaper After Sun Repair Sun-Damaged Skin?
Splurge – Lancaster Repairing After Sun £29.00
If you’ve been a long-term GLOSSYBOX subscriber, you don’t need reminding of how much we love Lancaster. This French brand was originally developed for Princess Grace of Monaco, so you can be sure that it is high, fit-for-a-princess quality. Their Repairing After Sundoesn't disappoint.
This moisturising after sun hydrates your skin while making your tan look luminous and healthy.
This after sun boasts a fast-absorbing, ultra-soothing formula that hydrates your skin. It’s also infused with Lancaster’s signature Tan Activator Complex. A tan-enhancing formula, it helps skin recover after having been exposed to the sun. It also reduces the risk of peeling.
Save – Piz Buin Tan Intensifying After Sun £6.00
If you don’t want to spend that much on after sun, though, then I’d recommend giving Piz Buin’s After Sun Moisturising Lotion a whirl.
Much like the above product, it boasts a tan intensifying formula. Containing Tanimel, a natural plant extract, it helps your skin to produce double the amount of natural tanning pigments. Apply it at the end of the day and the next morning you'll wake up with smooth, glowing skin.
I love this tan intensifying after sun. It feels really light and helps cool my skin after a day spent in the sun.
Boasting a lightweight, creamy formula, this after sun melts straight in and doesn’t leave any oily residue. It also moisturises and restores your sun-stressed skin, preventing it from becoming patchy.
Insider Tip: Leave your after sun in the fridge during the day. It’ll be extra cooling when you apply it.
The Verdict
If you ask me, these products are on par. Though I prefer the scent of Lancaster’s after sun, once you’ve massaged both products into your skin, you can’t really smell them anymore anyway. In terms of enhancing your tan, they both do the trick too. Basically, you can't go wrong either way!
You can buy Lancaster's after sun on lookfantastic, while you'll have to head to boots to get the Piz Buin one.
Are Expensive Suitcases Worth The Investment?
Suitcases are a bit of a nemesis of mine. I travel a lot and get through suitcases pretty quickly. My criteria has always been cheap, lightweight and not ugly. As it turns out, you can actually find really pretty suitcases for a reasonable price.
Save With BEBE Or Splurge On Ted Baker?
While the Ted Baker suitcase is very pretty and lightweight, you can get an equally attractive case for much less. Boasting a similar durable hard shell exterior, the same 360-degree swivel wheels, as well as packing straps, pockets and zip-away partitions, the BEBE suitcase is just as practical. Plus, the floral pink print is just as cute.
The Verdict
As long as the suitcase is sturdy enough to protect all your possessions, you really don’t need to spend any more than necessary. Though the more expensive case does come with a five-year guarantee, unless you’re traveling every weekend, a £50 suitcase will easily last you that long. At the end of the day, they all get thrown around by airport workers. Save your pennies on this one.
And there you have it - the answers to all your holiday essential shopping needs!
Join The Glossy Family
Now that you've got your sun cream, after sun and suitcase covered, make sure all your beauty needs are sorted too. Our ‘Holiday Haul’ edit features five travel-size products, including makeup, tanning skincare and multipurpose haircare. Don’t miss out. Subscribe now!
