Ladies! I’m just back from a relaxing holiday by the beach and am only just starting to get back into the swing of things. You know, holidays are both a bane and a boon. I’m thankful for them for recharging and yet, you know that post-holiday slump we all fall into? Yeah I’m in that slump now. I hope you’ve had lots to read here on MWS to keep you occupied over the past few days while I get back on the bandwagon and on track 🙂
So since I had nothing planned for today’s post, here, have a peek at what I took with my on my short holiday by the sea where I pretty much did nothing but sit on the beach, soak up some sun, stuff my face silly with food and just generally relax 🙂
Let’s start with the skincare I took with me. I usually take only sample sizes or travel sized skincare with me, but as weight and bulk wasn’t an issue this time around, I went with the full sizes of some skincare I’d been using for a while and which I generally really liked, so I didn’t want to switch and kill my skin. Please let me know the ones you want a more comprehensive review on. Products I’ve already reviewed are linked 🙂
- Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ – I love how this one is not sticky so I didn’t end up having bits of sand stuck to me. I used this on my face and on my body as well which is very decadent because I’ve almost finished up my bottle now! I reapplied it every couple of hours and the best part is that I didn’t turn red, I didn’t burn despite falling asleep on the beach, It was waterproof enough through countless dips in the pool, and I didn’t turn very much darker. I love this one, pricey as it is!
- Lucas Papaw Ointment – I used this to keep chapped and dry lips at bay. Sea air, invigorating as it is, can be very drying on the skin and nowhere dries out more quickly than your lips. This ointment kept my lips soft and supple, and when I got bitten by some insects, helped with the itch too.
- Hei Poa Huile de Monoi Tahiti – I have no idea why I bought this when I did. I thought it was a regular body oil, but its a little different from what I’m used to. Still, I figured it’d help my skin from drying out and it did.
- Laneige Water Bank Essence* – I’d been using this Laneige set of moisture products before I left so I took this along. I figured, it’d keep my skin moisturized since I’d be out in the sun (drying!) and by the sea (drying!) and in and out of the pool (even more drying!) and yes, it does a great job! I have surprised myself by liking this Laneige range of products.
- Laneige Moisture Balancing Emulsion – This is the complementing moisturizer for normal-dry skin and I’ve been quite taken by it. I got this in Korea a while ago and am only getting really stuck into it. I wasn’t too impressed before and after trying it out, left it aside. I came back to it recently and I’m loving it! I don’t know why my skin behaves this way 😛
- Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist* – I used this face mist in lieu of a toner/lotion and also used it to spritz my skin and keep it moist through the day. It does a fair enough job without leaving a sticky film on my skin and seems to leave my skin moist but am not terribly keen on the floral scent.
- Clarins Hydraquench Cream Mask – At the end of each day I’d slather on a layer of this cream mask and luxuriate while it does its job to quench my skin’s thirst. I also brought a sheet mask to cool down my skin and I credit this intensive use of moisturizing products with the fact that my skin didn’t dry, peel nor break out.
Not pictured is the Eve Lom Cleanser. I liked how it took off my sunscreen at the end of the day, and left my skin feeling soft and looking smooth. Might it have helped with not breaking out? I’m not sure to be honest. But I had access to hot water from the taps and it was a luxurious treat to use this cleanser in the evenings.
If you are planning to head down to the beach or to a hot, drying environment, I would suggest you do the same and bring along with you light moisturizing products you can layer on because it will help keep your skin hydrated and ultimately looking better even after you return 🙂
My makeup pouch was a small one that I filled to the brim. But ended up not using much of it (as usual!) Lucky for me, it was a small pouch so it didn’t take up too much space 😀
- Diorskin Nude Tan Aurora bronzer – For a touch of colour in the evenings when I headed for dinner. In the day, I had nothing on my skin at all 🙂
- RMK Pressed Powder N – I took this along because it came with a brush so I didn’t have to fiddle around with more brushes. It was nice to just dust on a layer just to keep things looking less shiny.
- Diorshow New Look mascara – I took this along just in case, but since dinner wasn’t a formal affair, I ended up not using it. Still, I chose it for its non dramatic, waterproof formula.
- Dior Addict Lipgloss Orange Pareo – I picked this one up a couple of months ago as my summer lipstick. I’ve never owned an orange lipstick before! 😀 It was great for the evening for just a slick of sparkly shine and went well with the bronzer.
- RMK 15th Anniversary Eye palette Gray* – I took this because it had the brush included. Its surprisingly very very sheer. I’m not quite sure what to make of it. Its nice for a lazy sort of eye look but I’m not too sure about using it daily for work or otherwise.
- Garnier BB Cream – I wore this in the day one day and it was nice. Evens out skin colour somewhat and looks very natural.
- Dior Eye Gloss in Tan – This one is perfect when headed to the beach, trust me. If you are the sort to doll up anyway. Its not very obvious on, but it adds a bit of colour, is waterproof somewhat so you can take a dip in the pool without worrying about your eye makeup being mussed up. I actually saw some people dolled up by the pool! They didn’t wear sunscreen though so I wasn’t sure what the point was 😛
- RMK 15th Anniversary Lip Palette* – The colours in this lip palette are sheer and shiny and very beach/holiday appropriate. Those who dislike sheer colours will wrinkle their noses at this. I am not usually a fan of lip palettes, but because this one comes with a serviceable brush and isn’t mixed with powder products, I’ll give this a nod of approval. But only if you like sheer colours.
- Shu Uemura lash curler – Don’t ask me why and how this found its way into my pouch. I never once used it 😛
- ZA Perfection Concealer – I bought this on a whim a week or two back. Its a pretty decent liquid concealer all things considered! I’m even wondering if it might be a more affordable substitute to the Diorskin Nude Concealer (Ans: No, but its not bad)
So, that’s that! I took way more makeup than was necessary or that I ended up using. I am always doing silly things like this. All I ever did use was a touch of powder, bronzer and lipgloss in the evenings for dinner. Next time, that’s all I’m taking!
As for skincare, I’m very happy with the products I took along this time. I usually break out from too much sun exposure and drying sea winds, but this time, I came back with (I’m surprised!) clearer skin than before I went. It might have been the relaxing atmosphere or the bracing sea air or just that my skincare was doing something right 🙂
I’ll share some pictures later, after I’ve had time to take a breather, plunge back into the maelstrom of work and hopefully emerge unscathed 🙂
I’m missing the idyllic days I had down by the beach already! I don’t know when I turned into a beach bum (never liked it before) but its lovely!
Is there a product you want a more detailed review of? I have a couple lined up already, but it never hurts to ask 🙂
Paris B
it’s been a while since i had a beach holiday. am not a swimming nor tanning person but i like looking at the waves 😀
I’m not a tanning person too so I hide under the hut or in a gazebo with my big hat and sunnies 😀 I don’t swim in the sea either – too dirty and I hate that sticky feel of salt water. So fussy!
Omg, jealous! That looks like paradise! I love the Shiseido sunscreens, they really do a great job protecting the skin without irritating them. Orange Parao is the perfect summer lipgloss! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
It was close to paradise, Teri 😀 Orange Pareo is indeed a perfect perk me up gloss with just the right shine and shimmer – love it!
I’m dying for the Dior bronzer 🙁 I’m paler than ever and I realise I use the bronzer almost everyday!
So glad you had a good holiday have missed our daily chats! 😀
Aww its nice to be missed 😀 I realised that bronzer does look better on slightly tanner skin in my case. It looks much better now than it did before 🙂
Oh Paris, it looks lovely!! I can almost smell the beach … you brought a very sensible and adequate bunch of stuff with you, too. Just the right amount of just the right things, I’d say. I always put this and that in the bag, and never ever touch this or that, and mutter to myself that I’m annoyed to have to rifle through this/that just to get at what I do want … thank you for sharing your travels with us. xoxo Beth in Pgh 😉
Hi Beth *wafts sea breeze* I actually brought too much makeup I thought so I’m going to pare it down even more next time 😀 I’ll share more travel pictures over the weekend 🙂
which beach did you go to? 🙂
i think the items that you’ve brought along are appropriate and isn’t too much. it’s better to be prepared than to flap around helplessly wishing that you’ve brought it along right? 😛
I was up in Terengganu on the East Coast 🙂 That’s the problem. I packed for the flapping eventuality that never came! LOL!
I’ve been curious about the RMK eyeshadow palettes… Ah, i miss my holidays! Next up, a short one to Thailand for a food and massage break 🙂 Good to know you had a relaxing time off. We all need that more often than we can afford to…
Ooh Thailand! I’m overdue for my annual visit 😀 I’ve stopped going for their massages though because cheap as it is, I found I prefer the oil types so I go mostly for the delicious food 😀 Its good to take a break now and again and do nothing. Stress could kill us before we know it 😛
Erm, where did you go, PB?
The last time I had a beach holiday was in May heh heh. I went to Langkawi in a group of 9 but I only knew 2 of the attendees before the trip. In the end we got together really well, heh heh heh.
I just brought cleanser, moisturizer, foundation sample, mascara, peach eyeliner and lipsticks during that trip. Oh and 2 kinds of sunscreen. One for the face, and the other, for the body ^.^
I was up in Terengganu 🙂 I wanted to bring 2 separate sunscreens too but decided to try the Shiseido one for the body as well since it was starting to finish. I think it very good because I didn’t even turn red and that’s a feat.
I did go to the beach a couple of months ago but due to time constraint, I wasn’t able to swim or even lounge in front of the beach for an hour! I wish to go have a vacation and relax 🙂
ooohhh PAPAW! MY FAVE! 😛
Haha yes I remember your affinity for the Lucas Papaw! 😀 Its a pity you didn’t get to fully relax by the beach, Nikki. Next time if I go, that’s all we do ok? We just sit by the beach and no nothing 😀
Aw, I’ve always love going to the beach! can’t wait for your photos…. like you, I don’t know why I always bring a lot of makeup to the beach then end up not using them, hihihi …
I know! I think we have a disease LOL! I will try to bring some photos over the weekend. Much too busy to do any editing for now 🙂
hellooo Paris! glad you had a great weekend 🙂 would love to see what kind of look the rmk eye palette can achieve, and curious about why you mentioned it’s not great for work. is it too sheer?
It is very sheer. Yet its shimmery. So I guess it depends on the work place 🙂 The post will be popping up in a blog reader near you soon 😉
Ooh after seeing the Dior Nude Tan in your bag, I clicked on your review for it (which I must have missed) and was surprised you liked it so much. I went the counter specifically to purchase it but was disappointed because I thought it came off as too orangey-pink. But I will say though, that I swatched it very heavily and didn’t actually try it on my cheeks (I never do because I’m scared of all the bacteria!!). I think maybe I should give it another shot if you, being the one who dislikes most bronzers, actually likes this one! 😛
I was just as surprised as you are Becca 😀 I don’t usually go in for bronzers but between the two, I do prefer the Burberry Sheer Glow one for a lighter touch. The Dior one is a bit strong so I prefer using a light fluffy brush instead of the kabuki that came with it. I find that deposits colour too strongly. Hope you can still get it! (if not, there’s always next year 😉 )
I am definitely gonna try out the Shiesido now 😀 btw, where did you go???
I was on the beach in Terengganu, a state on the East Coast of Malaysia about 5 hours drive from KL 🙂
Hi PB! Glad you enjoyed your holiday. I love the beach too though I’m not a swimmer or a tanning kinda girl.. Well I’m tempted to try Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ because I don’t like to use sticky sunscreen..especially those with high SPF..and worst thing is it’ll block my pores thus breaking me out. Freaking crazy right? I’m kinda like Ego Sunsense Daily face that has a sheer tint for an invisible matt finish. I heard it’s good.. Have you tried it? Another item I like from Ego is their QV Lip Balm. This balm works amazing on my lips and it has SPF 20. I always bring this along whenever I go. I always apply Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm before going to bed. Also I’ll put tonnes of Skin Repair cream too 😮 to prevent wrinkles appearing on my hand and feet! I’ve recently purchase Victoria’s Secret Supersoft Body Lotion and I admit..I smell kinda girly! Love the scent so much that it’s not heavy.
Show us more photos ya..can’t wait 🙂
Hi Jasmine, yes it was awesome to get away and take a break from the madding crowd 😀 I tried the Ego Sunsense sunscreen many years ago but it clogged my pores very badly and I broke out quite badly. Understandably I’m not going anywhere near the brand anymore 😛 I also tried the QV lipbalm which was pretty good, but since I don’t use lipbalms a lot, it fell off my radar again 😀 If you like a sunscreen that isn’t too sticky or thick the Shiseido one is worth trying but its a bit pricey and not everyone likes the levels of alcohol in it 🙂
Welcome back! 🙂 I would love to find out more about RMK’s 15th Anniversary palettes as you have got me curious since thievery first day your featured a photo of them! 😉
Coming right up at ya Sukie! 😉
Hope you had a good holiday! From the last pic, I think I know where you went hehe…=) Am eagerly anticipating my next beach holiday in August, so this sneak peek into your beach makeup and skincare pouch came at a really good time!
Ooh could you guess? 😉 Its on the East Coast btw Its a good thing to go on a break every now and again. If you don’t plan on going anywhere fancy, skip the makeup and just bring some powder and gloss 😉
Haha I could guess coz I went to the exact same place in Feb, totally loved it!
Welcome back to the reality 🙂 I still didn’t go to holiday and I am going crazy thinking about it so I will try to skip to my question, I would like you to write a post about Laneige (did I write it right?) products. I hear about the sleeping pack from you and other blogs and I would like to explore the brand a little more..
Ah reality… wish I could be a beach bum for ever… although I’d be so bored LOL! It sounds like you need a break, so time to plan one even if just for a weekend? 🙂 Thanks for the Laneige suggestion. I will be writing about it soon. The Sleeping Pack is definitely one of their best sellers and I was never very impressed with their line till now!
Yay for holidays! I need one badly right now. Don’t even care if it’s just a road trip to KL or something. Haha.
Let us know more about the Laneige products. I’ve heard mixed reviews, so never got myself to try them.
Erm… coming down to KL isn’t quite a holiday you know… traffic jams, crowds… hehe… I will bring the Laneige reviews soon. I wasn’t very impressed with them before. But my fickle skin now decides to like them (which isn’t a bad thing since the brand isn’t terribly pricey whew!)
That is a ridiculously beautiful picture of your makeup.
*huggles* 😀
Glad to know you had a well-earned holiday and came back as fair and lovely as ever, thanks to your meticulous suncare routine. Besides the sea-salt, is that the lingering scent of romance I smell??
Teehee… yep! Fair that’s for sure 😉 There was no romance sadly, just lots of fun, sun and excellent food 😀
Oooh i love the Shiseido sunscreens too even though they’re bit pricey.
I’ve used their sunscreen for hair b4; so great but havent been able to find it for some time. 🙁
Sunscreen for hair! That’s new to me. Maybe they’ve discontinued it? Its my first time using the Shiseido sunscreen and I must say that I”m sold. Any sunscreen that can stop me from not turning red after basking in the sun is a keeper!