Forget sitting on your case to squeeze everything in – this year it’s all about smart holiday packing
While pre-baby holidays might have meant one suitcase for your shoes, another for clothes (perhaps a small one for beauty products, too… No? Just us?), travelling with kids requires savvier, more streamlined packing.
With even just one small person liable to take up at least one large suitcase, it’s all about the perfect essentials and making products work harder.
Something these busy mums know all too well, so get inspired with their summer holiday beauty and fashion must-haves – and find more in the new Mother&Baby, out Wednesday 9th July.
‘Dress to chill out’
Nicola Elliott, 36, founder of luxury beauty brand Neom Organics, lives in Harrogate with her husband and two children, Charlie, six, and Alexa, four
Destination: A girls’ trip to Ibiza and with family to Majorca
What I’ll be packing: A wide-brim hat from Whistles, and practical sun cover-ups – Zara have some beautiful patterned tunics for throwing on by the pool. I always get my swimwear from Sweaty Betty.
What I’ll be protecting my skin with: Cellular Protection Sun Cream from The Organic Pharmacy.
My summer style: Holidays are all about time out and relaxation, so I’ll be packing clothing that compliments my mind-set – Grecian style dresses and slouchy oversized sweaters from Hush.
My toiletries will include: Laura Mercier palettes, Balance Me’s Radiance Facial Oil (I use it in the morning and before bed) and Neom’s new Body & Hand Lotion – Feel Good. Also Neom’s Tranquillity Room Spray, which contains 24 essentials oils that help sleep. I spritz it on my in-flight pashmina and all the beds when we arrive, even the kids’ sheets. Finally, grapeseed oil for extra hydration on the plane – it’s easily absorbed into my skin and contains lots of vitamins.
‘Multi-task your make-up’
Louise Redknapp, 39, co-founder of make-up range Wild about Beauty, lives with her husband Jamie and sons Charley, nine, and Beau, five
Destination: Jamie and I will be taking the kids to Majorca, where we go every year
What I’ll be packing: Travelling with the kids means I’m always short on space so I try and pack lightly!
The Wild about Beauty Multi-Purpose Tint in Lynne can be used on your lips, eyes and cheeks and is a neutral shade that works well with a tan. I’ll also be talking the Safari Nights palette as it has everything I need in one compact.
What I’ll be wearing: This season I’m obsessed with espadrilles, especially Chanel’s monochrome ones, or Whistles also have a great selection.
‘Look after your skin – even on a staycation’
Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm natural and organic toiletries for children, lives in Hampshire with her daughters Mimi, eight, and Bella, five
Destination: Chalkidiki, Greece, then Scotland for a few days.
What we’ll be doing: The Greek hotel has a kids club, so the girls can play and make new friends while I sleep, read, and sleep some more by the pool. Once the clubs end we’ll hang out and swim. In Scotland, we want to visit Loch Ness.
What I’ll protect our skin with: Hats, and a decent sunscreen for me and the kids (SPF 50). Lanolips products – they help with sore or dry skin and my lips would go on strike without their assorted balms! Also Childs Farm hand and body lotion, which works for all of us – it’s suitable for eczema-prone skin and leaves skin moisturised and hydrated.
I can’t be without: My Tangle Tamer brush, an essential after the pool or in the wilds of Scotland. A Kindle and my Mac Book Air – running a business means you are always on call, so I’ll check emails once the girls are in bed.
My summer style: As unfussy as possible when it’s hot. A large floppy hat and big Chanel sunnies, Allegra Hicks kaftans, flip-flops, my new Penelope Chilvers wedge espadrilles and a pair of her tie-dye flats. No jewellery – it just makes me feel confined and uncomfortable. For a staycation, converse and jeans see me through. Throw on a bit of cashmere in the evening – and don’t forget a raincoat!