KEY POINTS:
Tempting as it is to pack an arsenal of beauty gear with big plans to use all the stuff on holiday that you've been too busy to use all year - don't. You'll only ever end up using the necessities.
1. Trilogy Travellers
$59.90
Small sizes travel well.
This thoughtful pack contains a Cream Cleanser, an Energising Face Lotion, a Hydrating Mist Toner and a Nourishing Body Lotion - all in 50ml sizes. That's the skincare routine taken care of. Trilogy believes in the power of organic rosehip oil and each bottle contains this source of nutrients. Essential fatty acids help regenerate skin cells and repair damaged tissue.
From selected department stores, pharmacies and health stores.
2. Elizabeth Arden Sun Science Superblock Cream SPF30+
$19.90 for 100ml
As sunscreens go, this is highly effective, protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays. It has the smell of summer about it. It is a thick cream that's designed to be water-resistant, so really is the business.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
3. Johnson's 3 in 1 Eye Make-up Removal Pads
$9.95 for 30
Eyepads are must-packs. Because even on holiday we must do our duty and take our mascara off each day. It's the irrefutable rule of makeup. These seem to be less complicated to use than liquid eye makeup remover, which means you don't get that same sense of impending dread when it's bedtime. And these even condition lashes at the same time and are kind on sensitive eyes.
From selected supermarkets and pharmacies.
4. Living Nature Christmas Pack Just For You
$24.90
This gift pack may well have been meant to be a present, but it's far too useful to part with, given its travel-size proportions. A 50ml Nourishing Hand & Body Cream, a 50ml Nourishing Body Wash and a Manuka Honey & Calendula Petal Soap will see you through your holiday cleaning and moisturising - unless you're going for months.
From selected department stores, pharmacies and health stores.
5. Model Co Tan Self-Tanning Glove
$42 for 4 32ml gloves
All holidays should enforce a "no sunbathing" policy. To compensate, self-tanners are so easy to use now. This glove is a perfect example. It makes streaks much harder to come by and has a lovely whiff of cocoa butter to it. The colour is a natural golden glow.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.