If you’ve got a luxury getaway in the calendar – whether this year or the next – it stands to reason that looking and feeling your best whilst away will be close to the top of your agenda. When staying for a while at one of the world’s finest hotels, which no doubt you will be, rubbing shoulders with the glamorous and the sophisticated in luxurious restaurants, bars, and casinos is a given. But why just rub shoulders when you can be the most elegant person in the room?
Getting dressed up to the nines for dinner or for a night at the casino can be one of the simplest pleasures of being away. If you’re heading out for an evening of fine dining at one of the local Michelin-starred eateries, then it’s even more of a reason to up the ante when it comes to glamour and sophistication.
The only luxurious tips you’ll need
Whilst it might be a little hot and humid to get your hair looking just so, your makeup bag will always be on hand to help you achieve a show-stopping look. A few simple tricks can take you seamlessly from sundowners at the beach bar to cocktails over dinner, transforming your look from day to night in a matter of minutes.
If you’re unsure where to get started on creating that flawless look, then look no further – because our beauty experts have pulled together some of their top tips to get you looking gorgeous in no time. This routine will take just fifteen minutes to complete but is guaranteed to have you feeling like a million dollars for the rest of the night.
Prep your skin
Prepping your skin for makeup application is arguably the most important step in your entire makeup routine, laying the foundations for that flawless finish we all seek. Preparation starts with a good skincare routine – not just on a given day, but on every day of the week.
During the day whilst on holiday, make sure you are protecting your skin from damage by applying a high SPF, and reapply regularly – especially after taking a dip in the sea or the swimming pool. Besides providing vital protection from skin cancer and the sun damage that can cause freckles and sunspots, it will also prevent your skin from getting dry and chapped. Dry, flaky skin will be the first thing to ruin a flawless face, so bear this in mind and plan ahead.
If you’re going somewhere a little cooler, this is still an important step – we should all be wearing SPF on a daily basis, even on cloudy days.
Add a gentle exfoliating toner to your regime to maintain a smooth complexion. Choose one containing AHAs, like Clarins’ Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner or Ren’s Ready, Steady, Glow Daily AHA Tonic and use in between your toner and moisturiser a few times a week to gently slough away dead skin cells without being abrasive.
On the day you will be glamming up for a sophisticated evening out, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin before applying a high-quality luxury moisturiser, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, then allow it to sink in for at least ten minutes before reaching for any other product.
This is particularly important after a day at the beach when the skin can feel parched and dehydrated after so much sun. Opt for a moisturiser containing light-reflecting particles to get that glow from the word go.
Apply your base
Rule number one of achieving perfect skin is getting your base right – and to do that, you need both good tools, and good lighting. We recommend investing in a ring light to illuminate your face and make it easier to spot any imperfections as you apply your foundation. A full set of makeup brushes will also help you to create the desired effect and will extend to eye makeup when you need it, too. Marc Jacobs, Zoeva, and Sigma all do comprehensive luxury sets that will see you through every eventuality.
Start with an illuminating primer, then apply a liquid highlighter, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Glow, to your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and down the centre of your nose. Add a little more between your eyebrows, and blend, blend, blend – for this, we like to use a beauty blender or a supple makeup sponge.
To create that coveted, contoured look, it’s time to reach for your makeup organiser again and get out your liquid contour cream. Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand, which comes in a tube, allows for precise application and easy blending, thanks to its sponge tip. Apply beneath the cheekbones and down the sides of your nose, then add a little more around your hairline. Blend thoroughly, then apply your favourite foundation. Make sure to visit leading online stores, such as Luvo Store, if you’re missing any of these accessories.
Glam up
Once your base is in place, it’s time for the fun bit. Apply a little bronzer – such as Too Faced’s Sun Bunny – across the tops of your cheeks and forehead and down your nose for a gorgeous glow, then start to work on your eyes.
In hot weather, we’d recommend keeping things fairly simple – because who has time to apply layer upon layer of eyeshadow if it’s only going to melt off? Stick to a flick of black liquid eyeliner to elongate your eyes and give them that sophisticated cat shape. Staring at the inner corners, draw a series of short lines along your lash line, then slowly join them up. Add a diagonal line at the outer corner, then carefully bring the two together to create a subtle flick. Add lashings of your favourite black mascara, and you’re good to go. Dior Diorshow Pump ‘n Volume and Chanel Le Volume de Chanel are our top picks.
Looking your best on holiday couldn’t be easier – especially with the natural glow that always comes with spending a few days in the sunshine. Keeping things understated and sophisticated is a great way to go, and these quick and easy tips will have you feeling like a gem in no time.
