Prepping to go away on holiday is an absolutely grueling task. Have you bought all your clothes you want to take? Do you know what you’re packing? What sort of shoes do you want to wear? Is there any way that this bag is going to remain under the approved weight limit? (spoiler alert: no).
So with all the chaos surrounding travel plans, I decided that this time I was going to be sure to treat myself to a few small items to make the journey feel all that more luxurious.
Some of these aren’t for everyone, but it’s my personal preference that choosing a couple of treats for yourself will make you feel that much better on the holiday. I’ve felt more ‘me’ on this trip than I have in a long time and I think these little beauties helped.
5 small ways to treat yourself
A manicure (and a pedicure if you can swing it)
Passport in hand with a manicure? That’s what I’m taking about. Those drinks in the air photos you’re planning to boomerang? A manicure makes all the difference. I am 100% a person who feels weird about nail polish chipping. So for me, it was a no-brainer to go the day before our flight and get a mani/pedi at my favourite London nail spot, London Grace. Also, there’s really something about kicking your shoes off when you finally get to the hotel and seeing your toes looking pretty too.
A fake tan
I am as white as can be, and I feel like when I have a spray tan (or even a fake tan), I feel instantly like I look a little more toned. It’s all down to preference as it’s not for everyone, but I enjoy it. I didn’t have time to go right before our flight, so I opted to use some of my goodies from Isle of Paradise to keep me topped up. I’ve really been enjoying the drops. They work wonders added in with my moisturizer.
A new bra and pants set (see these cuties from Beija London)
Kind of like the joy of getting a mani/pedi, I love having a new lingerie set to take away with my on holiday. It’s like the ultimate luxury of treating your body to something pretty (and if you’re like me, swapping out of the boring t-shirt bras you always wear at home). This one was sent across to me from the beauts at Beija London.
I love the mesh detailing and the reimagined high waist briefs that are back in style now. I mean, we loved Bridget Jones for wearing them, but these babes are another level of cute and comfy. Plus isn’t it just so nice getting ready in a hotel room wearing cute undies?
(PS you can find this Beija London set here.)
Facial spray
I’ve become newly obsessed with this Mario Badescu treat. It could be a complete placebo effect as I’m not sure it’s changed my life or anything. But I like the instant freshness of using a facial spray. It’s refreshing and cool. Perfect for freshening up your face in-between being out all day, but not wanting to completely wash your face before a night out. I use it and then toss on a teeny bit of moisturizer before topping up my already done makeup.
Origins Charcoal Mask
This baby acts as a duo face wash/mask. So I’ve been using it as a little bit of both. Face mask for the evenings when I have time to let it sit and treat myself to a pampering sesh. But in the mornings when I don’t have time? A face wash. An excellent two in one product to ease the packing process and clear up some room in your toiletries bag.
And that’s a wrap! I think it’s so beneficial to take care of yourself before any trips away (or hey, even taking a moment to say a big thanks to yourself after a tough week)!
So these are just a few of the ways that I like to give myself a little pick me up before heading off for my holidays.
What’s your favourite way to pamper before you go away? Or to help you feel ready for a big trip?
Kelly xx
PS. If you’re looking for some more holiday inspo ideas check out my guide to Newcastle and Paris (and stay tuned for my upcoming NYC guides).