Whether you’re heading to Cornwall or the Caribbean, don’t leave home without our experts’ essential advice…
Caroline Archer, our Brand Ambassador
What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the welcome of a fresh, new day when I see blue skies as I draw back the curtains, early in the morning, in my daughters’ nursery. It doesn’t have to be bright sunshine, just that clear British blue that heralds a fun day ahead!
What’s your top travelling tip?
Always pack fiddly or smaller items in our useful Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser bags with zips. Phone chargers, travel gadgets, loose euros, spare car keys, iPod earphones – all those little bits that lose their homes over the years can be safely stowed and located easily when you arrive on holiday!
Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
I have a soft spot for Yorkshire. My mother is a Halifax lass, and we’ve enjoyed many fun and varied holidays in Yorkshire – sometimes bright sunshiny days, but more often freezing days. Each have their own northern sparkle!
Which products do customers say they can’t live without at this time of year?
Interestingly, Cleanse & Polish remains a favourite, as many of us perspire more in the summer and relish the thought of effortlessly removing grime at the end of the day, and after a sticky summer night. Our mini-sizes are also a huge hit at this time of the year – both for travel and for their portability day-to-day in handbags. Designing everything in mini was one of our original aims at Liz Earle – so you didn’t have to decant and fuss around, but had everything to hand in miniature when needed. Botanical Aftersun Gel is a big hit for instantly reviving tired feet and achy legs, as well as cooling sticky bodies – one customer described it to me as ‘air conditioning for the body’! Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer also remains a firm bedside favourite for a quick burst of cooling refreshment on those close summer evenings when you feel you can barely breathe, let alone stir!
Jane Bradley, our International Make up Artist
What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the ease of throwing on a simple dress and some thong sandals and driving around London with the roof down; it’s exhilarating. I also look much better with a tan so my make up regime is far quicker; a slick of Sheer Skin Tint, a pop of Healthy Glow Cream Blush, a sweep of Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara and a slick of Sheer Lip Gloss and I’m good to go.
Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
I grew up in a Yorkshire farming village, so I absolutely love the countryside in the summertime; I really feel at home there. Anywhere with trees, fields and a classic country pub with great food and I’m happy.
What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
I keep a travel-size bottle of Instant Boost Skin Tonic in the fridge, which I pop in my bag before I leave the house. A spritz of this every now and then is not only hydrating but really refreshing.
How can I keep my make up fresh in hot weather?
Keep your make up light and always wear smudgeproof mascara. Our Healthy Glow Cream Blush can be topped up at any time just using your fingers, so it’s really quick and easy. Low maintenance is the key, and long-wear formulations help too.
Karen Bevan-Brown, our Treatments Expert
What’s your top travelling tip?
If you’re going on a sightseeing holiday, take time to relax too – as you don’t want to come back feeling like you need another holiday! I love to experience spas across the globe and learn new techniques that could be up and coming in the UK soon. I love to see the diverse, native therapies used in different countries.
Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
Mine has to be the New Forest. I love the amazing walks you can do and our puppy loves it too! We spent some time there earlier on this year, and what I love most about it is that you can easily get to the seaside from there but you are also surrounded by lovely quaint villages to window shop or enjoy an afternoon tea or two; so you really have the best of all worlds!
What can I do to keep my skin moisturised in hot weather?
Our skin is a barometer of our internal health and wellbeing. Dehydration can lead to poor skin texture and tone. Fine lines can also appear, particularly around the eye area. Make sure you moisturise morning and evening with a product that’s rich in botanicals to seal in the moisture. UV exposure can lead to dryness, as well as premature ageing and skin damage. Warmer climates, however, can also lead to an excess of oil in the skin. Therefore, during the summer months I recommend Superskin Concentrate as your overnight treatment, to help control excess oil secretions and balance the skin.
Which products should I use while travelling?
Our body experiences several changes while away due to climate change, lifestyle, diet and exposure to UV. Our skin can respond in different ways, so maintaining your skincare regime is crucial; always follow the fundamental three steps of cleanse, tone and moisturise. This will ensure that your skin is kept perfectly balanced. Also, applying sun protection regularly is essential, as the sun’s rays are damaging and protecting the skin will help prevent premature ageing and oxidative stress. Use our Mineral Sun Cream SPF20 to instantly protect your skin and reapply it as often as possible throughout the day.
Lorna McKay, our Fragrance Expert
Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
New Cumnock in Scotland . As I live in France, I do not see enough of my family and the best part of the summer is going ‘home’ . I revert to my youth and the fabulous childhood I had growing up there. I am sure it used to be sunny all summer when I was young?
What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
As the hot weather means my skin loses moisture, I could never be without Superskin Moisturiser – it was a face-saver for me on a recent trip to Asia.
Can I wear my favourite fragrance in hot weather?
I recommend wearing fragrance in hot weather. For me it is uplifting and energising. You may find you have to use a little more as the scent evaporates more quickly. I love Botanical Essence No.1 in particular as it refreshes me with the lemon, mandarin and bergamot top notes, whilst leaving me feeling very feminine as the floral heart notes come through. Plus, the sensuality of patchouli and tonka bean lasts well into the balmy nights. A perfect fragrance cocktail!
How should I store my perfume when travelling?
Usual rules – fragrance does not like heat and light. I am a bit weird, but in foreign lands I sometimes leave a cold flannel over my bottle which is always hidden from direct sunlight. The box for Botanical Essence No.1 is a great protector of the fragrance. If you pack fragrance in your suitcase, store it in the box if possible and wrap clothes around it. Do not pack fragrance on the outside of a case to avoid breakages and/or heat damage.
Jenny Sharpe, our Brand Ambassador
What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the longer days with time in the evening to sit outside with the family.
Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
Cornwall – the beaches are exceptional; my favourite is Porthcurno. Starting at the top of the cliff at the stunning outdoor Minerva theatre, there is a path that takes you down to the most beautiful secluded beach. There is something rather magical about watching your children play so contentedly with the basics of a bucket and spade.
What is your top tip for fuss-free packing?
Less is more. Each family member has one clothes bag and one travel bag. This helps you become very selective about what earns a place.
What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
I think it has to be Foot Spritzer. This handbag-friendly product amazes everyone the first time they try it! It’s perfect for long hot days when your feet start to complain about being tired and puffy – I am still fascinated by how it instantly cools and relieves summer feet.
