Leave Space in Your Holiday Carry-On For These Beauty Must-Haves

If you’ve booked a flight to Dalaman or Bodrum, don’t get distracted by the fake designer bags. Instead, dodge the markets and head to a Turkish pharmacy where you’ll find an eclectic collection of skincare and bodycare products.

For just £12, you can find Enterogermina Probiotics (£39), which associate editor Lauren Ezekiel stocked up on for inevitable winter bugs or post-antibiotics situations you tend to face in the winter months. Or, you’ll find the probiotics on Amazon for almost four times the price.

Taking a trip by the Mediterranean Sea means guaranteeing a sunkissed tan. What bliss! But should you grow bored of the makeup you’ve packed, or find yourself in need of a lightweight base product, a Turkish pharmacy could have what you’re looking for.

The Dermoskin BB Cream SPF 50 (£13) is a great alternative to the Eborian BB Cream (£21) and contains everything you would want from your serum, including vitamin C, E and A, as well as sodium hyaluronate, which is used to repair broken or irritated skin.

The US and the UK share a fair few brands, but there are a few that haven’t made the transatlantic journey to appear in UK stores just yet and some only have a limited range. But this basically means there’s more uncovered gems for you to add to your US beauty haul, bring back and enjoy.

For example, in the UK, you’ll probably only find the “Mama and Baby” range, lip balms and hand creams from Burt’s Bees at your local Boots. But, in the US, the selection is broader, including their full skincare line with cleansers, eye creams, toners, and moisturisers and their brand new Burt’s Bees Gentle Skin Care To-Go Set (£20).

Yes, this is a trending product that I caved on, but I do think splurging on a $10 anti-bacterial hand mist isn’t the end of the world. You’re on holiday after all!

The Touchland Power Mists are worth every cent, coming in 13 scents and getting rid of the unpleasant factors of sanitising, such as a strong “tequila” smell and a sticky, drying feeling. Plus they’re currently selling limited edition mists, like a Spiced Pumpkin-Tini Power Mist (£8) for any keen travellers heading to the US soon.

During my trip to Abu Dhabi, I asked what the locals’ favourite beauty products were (what can I say, I love my job) and I discovered that Moroccan and Argan Oil products are hugely popular across the UAE for their strengthening and nourishing properties.

The Lonstin Moroccan Argan Oil Instant Repairing Mask (£14) has both and can be picked up in a Boots store in the UAE. It promises to hydrate your hair, improve the softness and texture, while repairing and adding shine to your hair, making it the perfect multi-purpose product for wash day.

It’s no surprise that only the very best SPF brands are found on the shelves in UAE pharmacies, especially as the UV levels can hit dangerously high levels.

You might find the Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Anti Aging Facial Sun Mist SPF 50+ (£48) and if you do, add it to your beauty haul immediately. It’s a non-comedogenic, ultra high SPF (a must-have no matter where you are in the world) that provides maximum protection via a fresh, fine mist that can quickly be absorbed into the skin.

Whenever associate beauty editor Lauren Ezekiel is in Greece, she always buys something from Korres, but you won’t be able to find their goodies in the UK. Instead, while you’re on your Grecian adventure, be sure to pop into a store and check out their incredible range of products, including the Korres Santorini Grape Volcanic SkinReset Mask (£23, originally £29), a lightweight clarifying volcanic sand mask, boasting activated charcoal and a powerful blend of Santorini Grape Extract, white + green clay, AHAs + BHAs.

Travelling to Greece means stocking up on pure aloe vera and products with organic aloe vera within, like the Pandrosia 95% Organic Aloe Vera Gel for Face and Body (£12). The brand grows organic aloe vera on its farms in Kos, using it to create a range of natural food and care products. They use it in products like its face cream which also boasts organic olive oil and Vitamin E, making it perfect for restoring dry and damaged skin as an aftersun treatment, or after shaving or sunburns to soothe any irritations.

Whether you’re heading down south for a sunny getaway or into Paris for a stylish trip around the city, when in France be sure to pick up the very best of skincare innovations in their local pharmacies. Your skin will thank you for it.

Take, for example, the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre (£11), used by celebrities and makeup artists alike, including Mario Dedivanovic, founder of Makeup By Mario and Kim Kardashian‘s loyal MUA. He swears by the moisturiser, telling PS UK that mixing it with bronzing drops creates the perfect makeup base, proving its use as a primer. In my review of the luxury product, I found it provided a smooth, soft and plump base.

When in France, don’t miss out on this skincare gem rooted in French botanical expertise. The On The Wild Side Eye Balm (£37) is loved for its rich, nourishing formula made with wild-crafted ingredients like beech bud and ivy, which work to reduce puffiness, soften fine lines and brighten the under-eye area.

Plus, this balm is organic and sustainably produced, making it as eco-friendly as it is effective. With its velvety texture and gentle formula, On The Wild Side is a perfect French beauty indulgence that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.