Dal's Holiday Hair & Make-Up Tips

So as some of you may know Dee and I went to Thailand for our birthday last month. We had an amazing time and are just in love with the country and the people. However, while packing to go we faced the usual dilemmas of what we might need there and how the weather would affect our outfit and hair and make-up choices (what? that's a serious consideration!)

One factor about Thailand is the humidity - hair and make-up's arch nemesis! So here is how I handled the weather and my top 6 tips for perfect holiday hair and make-up (for hot and humid climates especially):

1. Hair Accessories - these are your best friend on holiday. Grab yourself a bunch of pretty headbands, floral hair clips, hats, beaded headbands and anything else you like the look of! They will help make humidity-friendly hairstyles (i.e. braids, buns, etc) look more done up :)

My holiday hair accessories

2. Don't fight the losing fight - rule number 1; humidity is ALWAYS going to win. If you have curly/frizzy hair like me, do not attempt to dry it straight/straighten it - you will waste precious holiday time with useless styling. Instead, work with the weather. If water makes your hair curl, wear it curly! If it makes it lifeless and flat, tie it up and accessorise like mad! I used a variety of curl creams and conditioners and dried my hair upside down with a diffuser which makes my hair HUGE and curly (ha! beat you to it humidity!) Serum works well in humid environments to help keep your curls relatively frizz-free. On really humid days, I opted for side braids, high buns or a combination of the two!

Side ponytail with bright coral bow :)

3. Base - tip 1 in a humid environment is to skip the moisturiser before you go out. This goes for your face also (I know!) - that includes tinted moisturisers! Instead opt for an oil-free light weight foundation for your holiday base. You can also use some waterproof concealer under your eyes to finish your simple base. The next step is to once again go with the weather; your skin will look dewy in the humidity - use shimmery highlighter on your cheekbones and eyelids to look sunkissed and holiday-tastic. Apply powder only to your foreheads, nose, and chin (not too much) and carry that with you to look fresh and not oily.

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves - Great for cheeks and a perfect holiday eyeshadow palette too!

4. Eyes - use a waterproof gel liner for a quick top eyelid sweep and finish with some waterproof mascara. Don't put anything under your eyes if you can avoid it - this will keep your eyes looking bright and light-weight and stop any smudging under your eyes from the water in the air (I know it's waterproof, but let's not tempt fate).

5. Lips - bright lipstick is a great way to look made up for any evenings out on holiday so go bold with your colour choice. For the daytime stick to a high shine lip treatment or, if it's sunny, a sunblock lipbalm only (burnt lips are no joke!)

6. Don't forget to pack a small make-up remover with you too (or make-up removing wipes). Waterproof make-up does not wash off easily at all!

What to pack in your make-up bag

Pack a SMALL make-up bag - the less options you have, the less you will be tempted to put too much make-up on. Downsize your regular make-up bag to a holiday travel size one and pack just the following:

- A lightweight, oil-free foundation
- A waterproof concealer
- A waterproof mascara
- A waterproof gel liner
- A bronze/pink shimmer palette
- A pressed powder compact
- 1 or 2 lipstick colours
- A sunblock lip balm

I hope this helps with your holiday looks!

Check out our pinterest board for some holiday hair-do inspiration!

Toodles for now!

Dal xx