How to get the perfect vacation glow

A lot of people have been taking local trips to stay sane, but all of us could probably use a real vacation.  You know – the kind where you come back looking refreshed and relaxed. The kind where people will comment on your tan or “how dewy you look” in your Zoom calls. Well this guide will tell you exactly how to get the perfect vacation glow – even if you’re still stuck at home.  

Traveling is one of those things I used to take for granted pre-COVID. Like having a glass of wine in a crowded bar, or throwing a party with a bunch of friends… both of which you probably miss just as much as I do. But that carefree feeling of not having to worry about work & bills, while sitting on a beach or by a pool, is what everyone seems to miss the most.

So, here’s a quick list of my favorite skincare & beauty products that I always bring on trips with me. They will definitely help you fake the perfect vacation glow – and if you’re looking for more vacation inspiration, be sure to check out my travel guides!

My seven skincare essentials

Step 1: An exfoliator

First things first – get rid of any dull skin. An exfoliator will help you look brighter and more illuminated – and the cult classic from Kate Sommerville is the best one I’ve found so far. I recommend leaving it on your skin for a minute or two so the enzymes can absorb. Here’s a link for the US and a link for the EU.

Step 2: A hydrating mask

Whether you recently stepped off a plane, or you just live in a dry climate, hydration is key if you’re looking for how to get that perfect vacation glow. It sets up the perfect base so your makeup with go on smoother. My favorite mask is the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. They have a travel size if you want to test it out, or you can put it in your carry on. In the US you can pick it up here, and it’s available here in the EU.

Step 3: A hydration serum

A hydration serum is the secret that will give you that extra level of moisture needed to fake being well-rested. I like a serum with B5 or hyaluronic acid, which are ingredients that attract and hold moisture. Drunk Elephant is my first choice (US link // EU link), but The Ordinary also makes a really great affordable serum (US link // EU link). (Hint – if you’re looking for more affordable skincare products, check out my Amazon favorites that are all under $20).

Step 4: A gel-based moisturizer

The type of moisturizer you use is crucial if you’re trying to get the perfect vacation glow. A cream or oil doesn’t absorb as well in hot climates and may feel like it’s sitting heavily on your skin. During the summers or on vacation, I like to use gel-based moisturizers – my three favorites (in order) are:

• Krave Oat So Simple water cream (great for sensitive skin, only in the US)
• Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide moisturizer (US link // EU link)
• Tatcha The Water cream (US link // EU link)

Step 5: an under eye cream

Time to get rid of those under-eye circles that have accumulated from stress & staring at all those screens (laptops, phones, and hours of Netflix). I’ve used Origins for years and swear by it. It super moisturizing, but also has light reflecting pigments that will help mask those dark circles.  Here is a link for the US, and a link for the EU.

Step 6: Bronzer drops

Bronzers are crucial if you want that sun-kissed “I just got back from Bali” look. Bronzers can be quite concentrated – I mix these into my moisturizer, so I guess you could consider these Step 3.5. The D-bronzi drops from Drunk Elephant are really nice because they contain antioxidants (US link // EU link).

Step 7: A good SPF

SPF is important to wear every day if you’re going outside, but it’s definitely essential if you’re on vacation. I like the Skinceuticals SPF 50. They also have a universal tint that has reflective micro-particles (perfect if you want to skip the bronzer drops). If you want a mini travel-size version, I like the Drunk Elephant SPF 30 that contains zinc oxide (US link // EU link).

My five beauty essentials

Step 1: mascara

Most eye makeup will melt on vacation, but I do like to wear a black mascara to make my eyes pop. I’m dying to try the Westman Atelier mascara, but I’d need to pay for duties & import fees to get it shipping to the EU. My favorite here is Nudesticks, which has a smaller round-shaped brush that will pick up all of those smaller eyelashes. It’s a wet formula when you put it on, but dries well and doesn’t run. Find it in the US here, and in the EU here.

Step 2: a lightweight BB cream

Unless you have perfect skin (and I certainly don’t), you need some sort of light coverage to even your skintone. I like BB creams because they have the added benefit of vitamins – and most of them also have the bonus of SPF. I love Erborian because it’s paraben-free. Here’s a radiant version in the US, and a regular version in the EU.

Step 3: a good concealer

Since I never wear foundation (especially not on vacation), I do like to have a heavier concealer that will hide any sunspots, breakouts, and under-eye circles. I use the YSL All-Hours concealer, which is heavier than the famous Touche Eclat light wand but still light enough to blend well. Buy it in the US here and the EU here.

Step 4: A cream blush

If you’re looking for how to get that vacation glow, cream blush is my secret weapon. It’s ideal for warmer climates, but I actually switched over to cream blush permanently a couple of years ago. As my skin has started aging, I noticed blush powder gave me less of a “glow” and kind of just sat on my skin.  I always loved the cult-classic Orgasm blush from NARS, so I was really happy to discover it’s available in a cream stick (US link // EU link). It’s also happily lasted me forever (I’m clumsy so I’ve shattered a lot of powder blushes in my life). Just make sure your skin is clean if you’re applying it directly from the stick to avoid any bacteria.

Step 5: An eyebrow gel

Good eyebrows are important at all times – even on vacation. I never did much with my eyebrows in my 20’s, but a few years ago I gave the Boy Brow wand from Glossier a try and was hooked. I always do a quick brush over my eyebrows even if I’m not wearing mascara, and it looks super natural. 

Unfortunately Glossier isn’t available in Europe without a lot of duties and taxes, so I’ve recently started using Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows.  If I want a more filled in look, I prefer Tilbury as it has a very small precision wand (US link // EU link). As a blonde, I’ve found that Boy Brow in Blonde works (a bit darker for a more defined look) and Tillbury in Fair is perfect for a lighter look.

And that’s it – let me know if you like these products by leaving a comment below, and if you really love this post please share it on social media!

Affiliate links

This post includes affiliate links! More info here.