Suitcase essentials: From beauty to books, our editors have your holidays covered
Looking for some expert advice before you head off on your holidays? From suitcase essentials, to beauty musts, beach reads and ultimate playlists, our editors and experts have you covered.
PACKING
This summer I’m heading to Greece – Antiparos Island to be exact. My plan is to bank a week’s worth of valuable sun hours and eradicate the memory of the winter that was. The kicker? I’m only taking hand luggage.
If I’ve learned anything about packing, it’s that getting away from it all does not mean taking it all with you. Quite the opposite. Excess baggage has its price – usually €10 per kilo.
Given I’m not privy to a Falcon 900EX on which to stow my imaginary Louis Vuitton luggage trunks (or a mini entourage to carry them), my modus operandi is to apply the low-cost airline theory of incontrovertible need. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fly. Simple.
Mind you, I wasn’t always this cavalier. In the past I’ve carried enough jewellery to look like I was attending a Mr. T convention; packed enough heels to rival the Bata Shoe Museum; and, on occasion, been forced to extract and wear what couldn’t fit within a set of overfed Samsonite jaws.
Humiliation has a curious way of concentrating the mind. Thus, my definition of ‘essentials’ has been reduced to more absolutist terms. This bodes well for my Cycladic coastal adventure. Having curated a small case of interchangeable basics, my beach, boat, boardwalk, bar bases are officially covered. Here’s why.
Before packing anything, I always scope out the terrain and itinerary of my destination. There’s no point bringing four-inch platforms if cobblestone streets demand flats. Likewise, an unassuming village feel dictates a more laidback livery than a swanky city break, so that silk embroidered kimono can safely stay in the wardrobe. As for the weather? Hallowed ‘where have you been all my life?’ heat may require little more than a bikini and a smile but a wide-brimmed hat, UV protection sunglasses and long sleeves (more on that later) ensure sunburn isn’t an unexpected souvenir.
As for holiday plans? I intend on doing very little bar lots of lounging by the pool, some reading, gentle sightseeing and dinner at a local taverna or three. Now that I’m clear on the ‘why’ of my journey (relaxing, relaxing, more relaxing), I’ll be less inclined to stray from the ‘how’ of my haul.
Next, I lay out all potential pieces for inspection. My mantra? Everything must abide by the rule of two which means each garment and accessory must do double duty. Kaftans moonlight as beach covers, bathing suits multi-task as tank tops and sarongs can pull the old switcheroo from bandeau dress to turban with just a few knots.
Full disclosure: the rule of two does sod all good if it looks like you’ve been dressed by your drunk arch nemesis in a fit of pique. Holiday attire should be a no-brainer (even our brains need a vaycay), so I like to make life easy and stick to a colour scheme - two main hues and two accents.
If breezy and easy is the name of the game, then packing anything that requires an act of God or a degree in engineering (crazy cut-outs, intricate laces, redundant ribbons) to successfully wear should be avoided. Simple two-piece and one-piece bathing suits allow for mixing and matching with shorts, sarongs or skirts and eliminate the curse of curious strap marks. Result. What’s more, they can be layered with a tunic dress or oversized shirt for extra sun protection. Speaking of which… Taking beach covers from coast to cocktail hour with the help of a woven belt, embellished sandals or espadrilles. Pro user tip: Skip the unnecessary jewellery (see: my B.A. Baracus story), it’ll just weigh you down. Multi-task that sarong into a hippie headwrap instead. This rule goes double for bags. Ditch fussy clutches and master a soft wicker mála for holding towels, books, gadgets and other on-the-go goodies.
And don’t forget to keep those feet sweet. Nothing spells holiday disaster quite like bunions, shin splints or fallen arches. I like to soothe my soles with a pair of rope wedges, flip flops and espadrilles (including the ones on my feet) to cover me from plane to port, sandy suppers and drinks under the stars.
All that’s left to do now is zip shut and check-in. Happy travels!
Whether a staycation or far-flung foray, a bit of clever engineering is all that’s required to get maximum value from minimal space.
- Place heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase.
- Fit shoes foot-to-toe near the wheels of the suitcase. Stuff each shoe with socks and place inside a shower cap to keep soles from touching the clothes.
- Roll t-shirts, knits, denim, cotton trousers and wrinkle-resistant clothes.
- Create extra room by placing in space-compressible plastic bags. This pushes excess air out of the clothes and minimises creases.
- Fold delicate and wrinkle-prone items like shirts, dresses and blouses.
- Do likewise with jackets but turn these inside out first to help keep smooth.
- Drape longer items like trousers and skirts which can be laid in layers the length of the bag.
- Line the sides of the bags and any nooks with smaller items like belts, scarves and underwear.
THE BEAUTY KIT
Staying fabulous from wheels-up to touch-down can enhance rather than impede a relaxing trip. These little fixes make for big hair, bright eyes and beautiful skin en route and abroad.
Cabin air can make skin look as though you flew in a jar of rice, so hydration is key. Spray-mists are often more perfume than water and will evaporate quickly anyway.
A serum or leave-on mask is the thing and hyaluronic acids that leave skin plumped are especially good tonics. Glossier’s Super Bounce both sounds and is delightful, reinforcing the dermis’ natural resilience with a no-fuss show of high-quality HA.
The finish is unstick and won’t leave one of those nasty films that starts to peel when you apply something on top. Glossier’s added a little pantothenic acid which is anti-inflammatory and pro-pretty, but this formula is otherwise all about moisture.
Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is a classic duty-free purchase but the perfume within is not ideal all-daywear for sensitive skin. Cerave’s hand cream is a ceramide-rich moisturiser that tackles dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body.
As Arden fans are well aware, ceramides make for costly skincare but this cream is a bargain. Ceramides are plumping, protective fats that occur naturally in the skin, trapping moisture and keeping things smooth.
Depleted reserves are especially noticeable in a dry environment. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and other comforting moisturisers.
I am no germaphobe but giving your arm rests, etc. a once-over with a gentle anti-bacterial wipe like Ecover All-Purpose Wipes, €4.15 at organicsupermarket.ie, provides further peace of mind, especially if you or your child has an atopic condition.
This is the world’s best dry shampoo, I am convinced, but it is also the one most worthy of the name. While traditional dry formulas merely mattify roots and override odours (with starch and perfume, respectively), Living Proof’s actively cleanses, absorbing and removing oil and sweat without breaking down other styling products. There is no chalky or gunky buildup making hair look dull and thick. ETAS, Living Proof’s tiny “volumising and texturising molecules,” are expandable air-filled spheres that create volume and texture.
The formula also contains octafluoropentyl methacrylate, a material that the brand calls “the healthy hair molecule” because it helps reduce surface stress on hair and protects against moisture and friction, thus curbing frizz and oil. The cherry on top is a mild time-released scent that keeps hair fresh all day. No airport in Europe will allow an aerosol or spray bottle sized to hold more than 100ml through security in hand baggage, so this can (98ml) has you covered.
Shiseido’s reformulated this strong but gentle sun protection to include more antioxidants this season. WetForce was already anti-ageing, as well as free from the unsightly white tint that comes from natural UV filters. The formula suits all skin-types.
It is also truly water-resistant, comfortable and reliably broad-spectrum.
The snap-cap packaging keeps the formula stable as a any great anti-ageing cream while protecting your clothes from lotion stains. Marvellous.
’Total look’ palettes are one of 2018’s more practical makeup trends. This one has colours chosen to compliment a tan.
Housed in a chic circular compact, the custom eye and face palette features a range of key shades that define eyes and sculpt the cheeks and jawline.
Six ultra-blendable shadows in finishes from velvet-matte to soft shimmer envelope eyes in a sultry take on neutrals with an optional pop of oceanic teal.
The addition of a universal face highlighter and a blush offer an endless variety of beauty looks to enhance a freshly-bronzed complexion with a hint of colour and light.
Cushion this and any powder against cracking in transit by placing a cotton round or pad over the makeup before closing the compact.
A proper blow-dry takes time that could be spent flaneuring and who can be bothered with flat irons in warmer climbs?
Dafni’s straightening brush gets right into your roots and slides seamlessly through hair for a smooth look in minimal styling time.
Designed for dry use, it straightens as rapidly as you brush without tugging or tearing strands. It also works on any hair texture, though you may wish to experiment (eg brushing from above, or from underneath, or with/without sectioning), to figure out what works best for yours.
Brand co-founder Sharon Rabi, an engineering graduate and busy mum, has also made a YouTube video on how she uses her own device in the morning.
The brush-head has a treated-ceramic surface that gets almost as hot as ghd’s stylers (185 degrees to their 190) and does not over-heat while you work. The device is very light and takes up little more space than any large brush.
There is also a smaller model, the Dafni Go, €129.99, that suits short and fine hair. The results are quite professional, with a little practice, and so much less stress than your typical swishy blow-out.
THE PLAYLIST
I am a fan of South American stuff, and this one will definitely please the gang.
There is always a place for nostalgia at a summer barbeque, and this one is always played at mine.
I love this song by a great lady with a powerful voice.
There is always time for dancing at a good barbeque and this one is a winner – if only for the Dad Dancing it pretty much guarantees!
The Beastie Boys have a habit of crashing out parties and “Sabotage” is the one that will really annoy the neighbours! Love it.
Channelling that old school House, this is a dream collaboration. Calvin is back to doing what he loves musically after making his millions and Dua Lipa is the most refreshing and exciting pop star right now.
My only problem with this song is it’s going to get so much radio play you’ll end up hating it.
Silk City is the new project by two heavyweight producers and DJs in the industry right now. House is another big theme in this track and you can tell this is a pure love project rather than making a big selling radio hit.
This song has an English and French version, which is what I love about Christine, catering to her two worlds. This song is just a gorgeous love song that you can actually imagine yourself dancing like her in the sun to.
This track was recorded for a special 2fm Studio 8 Session on the Tracy Clifford Show so at the moment you can only find it on 2fm socials or on air. However, this song is the banger of the summer and fingers crossed this will be released on iTunes.
For now you must do yourself the favour and check out the video.
This song is made for drinks al fresco, with a big sound system.
It samples an old song from 1967, which also happens to be sampled in a Centra ad so you might think you’ve heard it before.
I think that U2 nailed this recording.
The energy is so bombastic and the lyrics are some of Bono’s best I reckon.
‘See the bird with the leaf in her mouth, after the flood all the colours came out’ then the music goes a bit trippy and then BOOM! To the chorus... it’s mega.
Full on summer madness here.
The music sends the listener sorta crazy, thirsty and in the mood for a party. The lyrics are comical too. The whole spirit of Town Festival is encapsulated in this song.
I heard this a year or two ago and I thought it sounded like a gentle Irish summer breeze.
I love how gentle the performance is and every time I hear it, it stops me in my steps.
I remember being in Dublin for the day one summer and I was well aware of this song. I used to watch people busking on Grafton Street and I loved the whole atmosphere.
I think I was walking across College Green and I saw a guy with a guitar ‘hop on the bus to Dun Laoghaire’ which was a magical moment.
This is one of the great Irish songs regardless of it being summer or not.
This song is just like a beautiful short movie. The lyrics paint such a gorgeous picture of Ireland. I love the words, especially ‘Stood on Dingle Beach and cast, in wild foam we found Atlantic Bass’.
Mundy plays July 4in Flahives Bar, Co. Kerry; July 13 in the Greyhound Bar, Kilkee, Co. Clare ; August 24in the Blackbird, Ballycotton, Co. Cork.
READING LIST
What happens when a random spanner gets thrown in the works and when the solid relationship you are in starts to look like it might not be for life?
Brilliant stuff from a debut Irish author.
In 1997 Laura is inventing a primitive Artificial Intelligence.
Decades later, it knows everything about all of our secrets.
If you like Black Mirror this will definitely be for you.
Mona is 60, lives in a seaside town in the UK and has lived a huge, heartbreaking life from the moment she set foot in Birmingham in the 1970s.
I actually teared up a little bit at the end.
I thought this was a cracking thriller set in the South of France, upper class England and on an island off Ireland’s west coast.
Has one of her usual, terrifying sociopaths at the centre.
I should qualify this by saying that is has adult content on almost every page so don’t let anyone look over your shoulder on the beach! A cracking story that turns a life imploding with addiction into a fresh look at one woman’s life.
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