Robert Browning was a clever man. This much I have learned….over time & the hard way. Who? Robert Browning, brought us the 3 word phrase that has become my mantra in every aspect of my life……except for my approach to chocolate.
So,what is this philosophical gem I speak of?
“Less is More”.
This brings me to my point & the hottest topic of discussion in our household currently (it’s worth noting at this point that Hubster does try repeatedly to engage with regards to Kerry’s chances of bringing Sam back down their way for the ENTIRE championship season but discussion is the operative word in that last sentence – there is rarely more than one participant in that conversation sadly *cue me yawning and staring blankly into space). But I digress…..AGAIN.
The topic is holiday packing – aka grounds for divorce topic 2.
The bi-annual pedicure on display cos it’s holiday time!!!
To give you some background, I’m not sure which of the following is true, but I am certain that one is:
A) I was born in the wrong country – no disrespect intended to my beautiful Emerald Isle. I do love you, battered and broken into submission as you may have been,
B) the plate-tectonics manager in the sky just pushed us to the incorrect part of our planet.
Either way, I was pre-programmed to desire and thrive under UV rays but alack & alas it is not to be. And much as I absolutely adore going on my holliers to France, I hate in equal parts the organising and packing that accompanies.
Some stuff you just have to take……for example t-shirts, shorts, passports, children, husband, but some stuff you can whittle down to the bare minimum. This, my friends, is the summary of what can only be described as my race to the bottom.
So this is my NON-EXPERT but much revised essentials for Mum list. Bear in mind we drive……
The Make Up Bag
The entire contents of my holiday make up bag are here:
- Bare Minerals Bronzer Compact
- Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
- Benefit eye-brow kit
- MAC mineralize face powder
- MAC twistable black kohl pencil
- MAC False Lashes Waterproof black mascara
- MAC eye shadow palette – Christmas mineralize edition but similar here
- MAC lipglass C Thru
- MAC Studio Finish concealer
- MAC Wash & Dry Technakohl liner in black
My hero find this year. I’m not a product expert but this stuff is FANTASTIC – I’ve completely replaced my summer make-up with it. And it can double as a moisturiser & SPF. Multi-tasking products mean more time for me!
The Suncreams
- LRP Anthelios SPF50 kids – I use this regularly & it has never caused a rash on 1st born, who incidentally gets rashes from others
- LRP Anthelios SPF30 for hubster & I
- LRP Anthelios XL SPF50 Ultra light tinted fluid for face.
- LRP Posthelios After Sun Gel – pop in fridge……if you dare!!
- Parasol once daily SPF20+ – irish made product!
La Roche Posay Anthelios XL tinted fluid is amazing stuff – I was dubious prior to trying due to the tint. But hands up anyone who has slathered SPF 50 on their face & proceeded to walk around for the day appearing as if they had a sudocreme fight. Um, yes, here, that’ll be me. Save hiding inside for an hour for it soak in, you run the risk of greeting the neighbours resembling Morticia Adams after a fright.
But not with this. It really just disappears into your skin. And it’s super light so glides on in one quick smear – because let’s face it….. That’s all the time you will have!
I use the kiddie version for the kids (revelation!). SPF is a hot topic amongst my friends with kids this year, with some experts having said that anything over a SPF30 is pointless & may even have some negative effects (blocked pores leading to heat rash, blocking out Vit D). I have never had a bad experience with Le Roche Posay and as we use it for such short periods during the year I am happy with my choice.
Now if the aforementioned plate-tectonics manager back in the Dark Ages had not driven Ireland into the wettest part of the planet and we resided next to Asia I would probably worry more with regards to the effects of these creams.
The Washbag
I normally need a trailer alone for this. It literally is the one area you could just keep loading the bottles in until you have something that resembles a mini pharmacy. So this is the final cut. And while it’s hard to make the decisions, you miss nothing at all!
Here we go – my washbag in 2 photos:
- NuxeNuxellence® ÉCLAT YOUTH & RADIANCE REVEALING ANTI-AGEING CARE – I’ve taken a chance with this night cream but I love any Nuxe product I’ve had before.
- Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR Dry Oil – I have the plain & the shimmer version of this oil. I ADORE it. This is the non-shimmer one. I use it on my face a few times weekly.
- La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution – use with a cotton pad on those days that you would have used wipes in your 20’s. It’s the perfect lazy gal solution as far as I’m concerned. Perfect for mornings.
- La Roche Posay Hydraphase intense legere – face moisturiser
- Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque – this is like a rehydrating drip for your skin!
- Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser – I use this every few days – it’s is AMAZING stuff.
- Clarisonic face & body brush – there have been thousands of blogs on these. In summary I use mine 2-3 times a week on my face & I just think it’s is fantastic.
- La Roche Posay Hydraphase Eyes
- Liz Earle hand cream.
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt & Chanel Mademoiselle perfume.
- Bed Head Urban Recovery Shampoo for ultra dry hair – I decant this into Primark Travel bottles.
- Mark Hill MiracOILicious Moroccan Argan Oil.
- Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray – Nuff said – spray on wet hair & leave to own devices.
- K-pak Liquid Reconstructor – my highlighted hair loves this
- Batiste XXL dry shampoo – essential with kids!
- Sanex Paraben free deodorant.
- Dental floss harps from Penneys/Primark.
And there you have it. Apart from my missing toothbrush and as yet not purchased Joico conditioner. Sabrina from Kopper hair will work her magic on my locks soon & I’m leaving my conditioner choice in her very capable hands once again.
As Mum’s we leave ourselves until last EVERY time. We overpack in haste or under pack to much frustration. This are simply my essentials. Hopefully you might get some ideas here.
Yours, wondering how to fit the kitchen sink into the roof box,
Cli xx
