Summer holidays are on their way, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re escaping to the seaside or soaking up the sun in your home town – they’re about more than just a change of scenery. Taking time off to reset, recharge, and enjoy a bit of self-care is so important at this time of year. I’ve been chatting with clients about the 2025 holiday trends and tips, and there’s a strong emphasis on simple pleasures and practical prep for going. I thought I’d share some of the plans I’ve heard, and add a couple of summer beauty tips from me that can work wherever you are.
A Break is a Break – Even at Home
You don’t have to leave the country to feel like you’ve had a proper holiday. More people are choosing “staycations” this year – a few nights away in a cosy UK cottage, or just taking time off to slow down at home. The key is to actually switch off. Turn on your auto email, put your phone on silent, and give yourself permission to rest. Take a long walk, have a trip somewhere local that you’ve been meaning to visit, or treat yourself to an at-home spa day with a face mask!
Local or Abroad – All About the Experience
For those heading further afield, short-haul holidays around Europe are especially popular this summer. Sun-soaked beaches in Portugal, cultural weekends in Barcelona, or wellness retreats in Greece are some of the places my clients have told me about, and there’s also a growing trend for exploring lesser-known corners of the UK. My family and friends have had some fantastic breaks in Cornwall, Devon and Kent over the years, from glamping to camping – it’s a great way to explore more of our beautiful countryside!
Packing Smarter with Cubes
If you’re anything like me, packing can be a bit of a chore. But there’s a trend this year that makes it so much easier: packing cubes. They’re lightweight organisers that help you separate outfits, undies, and toiletries, and make it so easy to find all the little bits that seem to roam around your bag once they’re in there. One of my clients is getting some to help her Year 6 son keep track of his things on his first ever school residential trip.
And as far as bags go, I’m a huge fan of Mia Tui ones – they come in all colours, shapes and sizes, and they’re so durable. My work bag started off as a nappy bag 15 years ago, and it’s still going strong! https://miatui.com/
Mosquito Prep – The Avon Skin So Soft Trick
One of the best travel hacks I’ve picked up over the years is Avon’s Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray. It’s been a cult favourite for years as a surprisingly effective mosquito repellent, and it smells great too. You might be in a tropical climate or just somewhere with a few too many midges, this little beauty gem works twice as hard by hydrating your skin and keeping the bugs away. Just make sure you patch test before you go wild with it! Order yours here: https://www.shopwithmyrep.co.uk/avon/ree-store
Holiday Skin & Beauty Tips
Heat, sun, salt water, air conditioning and long travel days can leave your skin feeling a little less than fresh. Here are a few essentials I always recommend to clients:
- Hydration is everything: drink plenty of water (especially if you’re enjoying the odd holiday cocktail). Remember it does so much more than keep you moisturised – it’s essential for your brain and joints as well!
- SPF, always: even in the UK, sunscreen is non-negotiable. A good broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above, with four or five star UVA rating, is essential – and stay in the shade when it’s hottest. The NHS has lots of good advice here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
- Keep it light: swap heavy foundations for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream, and let your skin breathe.
Treat Yourself – You Deserve It
Whether you’re heading to Cornwall or Corfu, make sure you include a little self-care in your plans. That might be a pre-holiday manicure, a full-body wax, or a relaxing facial once you’re back. If you’re local and want to feel pampered without the stress of going to a salon, don’t forget I offer mobile beauty treatments right in the comfort of your home, and I’m happy to work around your kids and your pets too! Contact me to book: https://beautyandnailsbyreena.com/book-now/
