After months or years of planning and preparation for the ultimate getaway, it’s time to think about packing the essentials for a radiant and protected honeymoon. Whether you’re heading to a sun-kissed destination or a serene villa in the South of France, a well-curated beauty collection is crucial for those special moments captured by the camera lens.
From broad-spectrum sunscreens to travel-sized skincare favorites, luxurious fragrances, and expertly curated duty-free picks, we’ve got you covered with our carefully crafted list of must-haves to pack in your honeymoon luggage.
Suncare Must-Haves
When packing for your honeymoon, don’t forget to include sunscreen in your beauty essentials. While it’s always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun, why not treat yourself to some luxurious options? Look for products with high SPF levels, such as SPF50, which can provide anti-ageing benefits and long-lasting protection. For a touch of elegance, consider purchasing face sunscreens that offer clear formulas, sleek packaging, and moisturizing properties.
Some top picks include YSL’s Airthin UV Defender SPF 50+, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Anti Pollution SPF 50, and Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising + Priming SPF 50 PA+++. These products boast impressive sun protection ratings, as well as a range of benefits such as anti-pollution properties, water-resistance, and priming qualities.
Tan Extenders
After spending time soaking up the sun by the pool or on the beach, a good after-sun lotion can be a lifesaver for your skin. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. However, if you’re looking to maintain your natural tan, a lotion with a tan-extending formula or gradual self-tan is definitely worth considering.
Some of our top picks include the Lancaster Golden Tan Maximiser After Sun Lotion, which not only helps extend your tan for up to a month but also cools and repairs over-exposed areas. The Ultrasun After Sun Tan Booster is another great option, boasting a subtle gradual tan that soothes, hydrates, and tops up any natural tan you’ve achieved. It’s perfect for tossing into the honeymoon bag if you’re not one for sunbathing.
For a more luxurious option, consider Caudalie’s Vinosun Tan Prolonging After-Sun Lotion. Enriched with aloe vera, coconut oil, and organic grape water, this lotion cools, soothes, and hydrates for a longer-lasting tan. Whether you’re looking to maintain your existing glow or extend your sun-kissed look, these aftersun lotions are sure to be a hit.
Tips For A Relaxing Flight
When preparing for your flight, don’t forget to pack some essentials that’ll help maintain a healthy and refreshed complexion. A hydrating mask and silk eye mask can work wonders in preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Meanwhile, a reliable lip balm is crucial for keeping lips hydrated and plump. To take things to the next level, research some simple facial massage techniques that can help depuff your eyes and skin.
For added convenience, bring along a mini face mist to quickly rehydrate your skin during the flight – the dry air on planes can be particularly harsh. And lastly, don’t forget a trusty hand sanitiser to keep those pesky germs at bay, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Hydration Heroes
Combat the dryness caused by sun-kissed days and warm nights with a few hydrating essentials in your honeymoon beauty bag. Compact sheet masks are perfect for slipping into your luggage and using during hot weather excursions. Treat your skin to an intense hydration boost with these portable powerhouses.
We recommend:
Dr Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution (€7.95), a lightweight sheet mask that delivers triple-hydration benefits thanks to its advanced formula.
Patchology Serve Chilled Bubbly Eye Gels (€12) are a must-have for brightening and illuminating the delicate skin under your eyes. Each box contains five pairs of gels, infused with orange extract, niacinamide, and resveratrol for an added radiance boost.
For those seeking instant hydration, Charlotte Tilbury’s Dry Sheet Mask (€24) is a tried-and-true favorite. This nourishing mask is packed with peptides, vitamins, floral extracts, and oils to leave your skin feeling refreshed and radiant.
Honeymoon Hair Heroes
When it comes to preserving hair on holiday, common woes include faded color, dryness, and the dreaded green tinge from chlorine exposure – not exactly the look you’re going for! To combat these issues, pack protective and restorative products in your honeymoon beauty bag. These game-changers will help shield your locks from damage and keep them looking their best.
Our top picks include Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap, a water-resistant mask that safeguards hair against chlorine, saltwater, UV rays, and dryness while boosting moisture levels. For an indulgent mid-week treat, consider Seoulista’s Glossy Locks Mask, which provides intense nourishment for all hair types worn down by the sun, sea, and swimming. This unique cap design features a blend of keratin, camellia oil, pomegranate, and bran to restore and replenish your mane.
Last but not least, Wella’s Invigo Sun UV Hair Colour Protection Spray offers a lightweight, non-oily solution for fine to medium hair. Hydrating and scented with orange blossom, this spray is perfect for daily use, keeping color vibrant and locks healthy.
Extra Essentials For A Problem-Free Honeymoon
When preparing your travel essentials, don’t forget to include items that cater to minor wounds and skin irritations. For cuts and grazes, stock up on disinfectant pads. Similarly, keep plasters and a soothing balm like Aquaphor or Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden on hand to promote healthy healing. Mosquito bites can be itchy and annoying, so consider packing repellent and afterbite lotion to minimize the discomfort.
To stay organized, use travel cubes to separate your medication from your beauty products. While you may not need it, a safety pin and mini sewing kit are useful additions for any unexpected fashion mishaps.
Hot Weather Skin Tints
When packing your honeymoon beauty bag, it’s essential to include a skin tint that provides light coverage and heat-resistance. This type of product will ensure you look fresh and flawless even on nights out, making application a breeze.
Our top picks for the perfect skin tint are:
The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (€53.50) is a standout choice thanks to its impressive 20 shades and SPPF30 formula that provides long-lasting protection.
For those with dull skin, we recommend the NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (€33.95), which not only evens out tone but also offers instant radiance and SPF30 protection in 14 shades.
Finally, for dry or dehydrated skin, the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (€55.37) is a great option that delivers a dewy glow while providing hydration to parched skin in an impressive 18 shades.
All-In-One Complexion Palettes
For a stress-free makeup experience on your honeymoon, consider packing a combined eye and face palette that offers versatility without taking up too much space. These compact palettes typically come with a few brushes, providing all the cheek color, highlight, and tonal shadows you need to look great. We’re fans of the following options:Kevyn Aucoin’s The Art of Sculpting and Defining Volume III (€54.45) is perfect for those who love contouring.
Its three tan shades can be used to sculpt, shape, and even create shadows. The blush and highlighter powders are also easy to use. Bobbi Brown’s Moonglow Eye and Cheek Palette (€67.45) offers a beautiful combination of eyeshadow shades and a celestial gold highlighter running down the middle. Diego Dalla Palma’s Tribal Queen Face and Eyes Palette (€23.95) is great for those who like a sun-kissed look.
The five shadows come in satin and metallic finishes and work well with the blush and pearly highlighter. Natasha Denona’s Glam Face Palette – Light (€62.95), which also comes in Dark, features five matte and shimmer finishes with buttery highlighters, perfect for glowing skin and smokey eyes. Before you fly, make sure to check out the duty-free offers and deals on makeup, hair, and skincare. If you have a favorite product, use Click ‘n Collect to pick it up when you return home.
Look for bundle buys and jumbo sizes to save money. Don’t forget to explore the fragrance section for a new scent and treat yourself – you could even score some great deals! And if you forget anything, stop into an airside pharmacy for travel minis.
Sheer Lip Colour
The lip oil and gloss craze has swept the nation, and it’s easy to see why. These products offer a perfect blend of hydration, shine, and comfort, making them ideal for your dreamy honeymoon getaway. With their subtle, everyday finish, they’re versatile enough to look great with any outfit, without feeling too flashy. Here are some top picks that are sure to become your new go-tos: Shiseido’s Shimmer Gel Gloss (€26) is a standout with its non-sticky formula and nine available shades.
Then there’s Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Oil (€41.50), which boasts a stunning range of colors, from clear to coral, raspberry, and cherry. Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil (€24) is another must-have, offering 10 gorgeous shades and a comfortable, nourishing formula. And finally, MAC’s cult classic Lipglass (€26) has earned its reputation as a fan favorite, with an impressive 36 colors to choose from – something for every taste and style.
Cheery Nail Colours
Make your honeymoon manicure a vibrant and playful statement by introducing bold, bright colors. Coral, warm pink, apricot, cherry red, and neon shades look stunning against sun-kissed skin (real or fake). For an added touch of glamour, consider the following must-haves for your honeymoon bag:
Chanel Le Vernis’ 121 hot coral shade is a chic and sophisticated polish that’s sure to make a statement. With a price tag of €32, it’s a worthwhile investment for any bride-to-be.
For those who prefer gel finishes, CND Vinylux Carnation Bliss Nail Varnish is an excellent choice. This at-home version matches the salon Shellac colors, ensuring a seamless transition from salon to suitcase. Priced at €9.95, it’s a great value for the quality.
For a more budget-friendly option that still delivers on style, look no further than Essie’s 27 Watermelon nail polish. This poppy pinky red shade is universally flattering and boasts impressive chip-resistance. At just €8.
45, it’s an affordable way to add some excitement to your honeymoon look.
Last but not least, Mavala’s Nice Nail Colour Cream is a hidden gem that won’t break the bank. Priced at €5.95, this smaller-than-usual polish is perfect for stashing in your carry-on bag. With its affordable price tag and high-quality formula, it’s an excellent addition to any honeymoon essentials kit.
For more inspiration on making the most of your honeymoon, check out our other posts including the Best Luggage Luxury Luggage to Treat Yourself to! *This post contains some affiliate links.
