5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Louise McSharry: Heading to the sun? Here are the six holiday makeup bag essentials I always pack
The truth is, in the heat, I don't want to wear a lot of makeup. When things are sweaty, it's impossible to maintain a full face, and stressing about eyeliner running is the last thing I want to do when I'm trying to relax.
Instead, I focus on products which will wear well and enhance the holiday glow I'm determined to attain. Here are my holiday makeup bag essentials:
1. Cream bronzer — Even if I'm protecting my face from the sun, I still want to look a little bronzed, and cream products deliver the most natural finish, in my opinion. My absolute favourite is Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (€36 via A light balm which blends so easily into the skin that I don't believe anyone could mess it up, it delivers a little coverage and a natural dewy finish.
2. Blush — To enhance the 'I spent all day in the sunshine' look, a rosy or red blush is ideal. Again, a cream formula delivers a natural, skin-like finish with a little luminosity, so that's my preference. I'm a huge fan of the LH Cosmetics Artisticks (€35 via formula which comes in blush, bronzer and contour shades. Canvas is a beautiful red.
3. Sparkle — A little sparkle on the eye is beautiful in the sun, so I always pack an eyeshadow with some glitter in it. Powder shadows like Kash Beauty's Glitter Glaze in Glisten or Urban Decay's Space Cowboy work beautifully. I use a fluffy brush to deliver a wash of sparkle, but you can use your finger to apply if you want more intensity.
4. Eyeshadow Stick — If sparkle isn't your thing, I highly recommend an eyeshadow stick for a warm holiday. These are easy to apply and blend (your fingertip can usually do the job) and these days the formulas tend to be long-lasting.
Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks (€35 via are the OGs in this category and are still some of my favourites (try Brick if you have blue or green eyes — it's incredible). Kiko Milano's Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks (€9.99 via are a great alternative.
5. Cream/liquid highlighter — A cream or liquid highlighter is essential for holidays, in my opinion. Tap it onto your cheekbones, collarbones, cupid's bow and anywhere else you want to glow and you'll look glossy and polished. Sculpted by Aimee's Liquid Lights Highlighter (€21 via comes in three shades, so you can choose the best one for your skintone.
6. Glossy Balm — A glossy lip balm is the perfect product for a low-key but polished look. The shine delivers a glam finish, while the balm aspect means your lips will be comfortable and hydrated. I like Iconic Bronze's Lip Balms (€11.99 via which are available in four shades and don't break the bank.
Lost in Translation
You may have noticed that an increasing number of products these days are labelled as 'paraben-free', but what are parabens, and are they really a problem in our beauty products? Parabens are chemical preservatives, used to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of bacteria or mould.
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There is some evidence that parabens can be harmful. However, in cosmetics, they tend to be used at very low concentrations which have been deemed to be safe for use by regulatory and scientific bodies.
Something old...
I've been recommending La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (€22.50 via for many years now. While what you want from a facial SPF might seem simple (comfortable high protection that sits well under makeup and doesn't leave a white cast), there are lots of products on the market which simply don't deliver that. Anthelios, however, knocks it out of the park. Developed specifically with sensitive skin in mind, it's resistant to sweat and water and doesn't sting your eyes. It can be used by those with all skin tones, plus, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
... Something new
The Ordinary has made a name for itself via effective skincare products that don't break the bank, so I had high expectations when it shared that it was launching a new SPF. UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (€19.90 via comes in the wake of an existing formula by The Ordinary which was criticised for its thick texture and white cast.
Admirably, the brand pulled that product and went back to the drawing board, and what it has produced is genuinely excellent. The formula is lightweight and, as the name indicates, feels like a serum on application. It disappears into the skin almost immediately, leaving no tint of whiteness, and leaves the skin looking healthy and glowing. It looks great on its own but I've also found that my makeup sits perfectly over it. Truly, it ticks all the SPF boxes.
