From dream destinations & packing tips to poolside reads & product recommendations, we’ve got some summer inspo for everyone
This article is in partnership with Soltan
It’s officially sunny season – and we couldn’t be happier. Whether you’re jetting away or dreaming of a UK heatwave, nothing makes us more joyful than (safely) catching those rays. And in case you need a little help with your holiday must-haves, we got the Boots teams – from health, beauty and suncare – to share a thing or two about their sunshine favourites. From the books they can’t put down to the sunscreen they swear by, we hope their picks give you some much-needed inspiration on how to make the most of your summer break, whether it’s home or away.
Ayesha Muttucumaru, Associate Digital Editor, Boots Health & Beauty
I’m heading… to Corfu, which was booked on a particularly chilly day last winter. I’m looking forward to taking up residence on a sunlounger with my Kindle, suncream and earphones on standby, and a piña colada in hand.
I’m packing… waterproof mascara. My current fave is Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Volumising Waterproof Mascara, £28.50. It’s a bit spenny, but a sound investment in my experience after finding other waterproof mascaras hit and miss.
I’m reading… something that makes me laugh. I’ve got my eye on James Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media (out mid-August but available to pre-order from all the usual places). I know, a curious choice for a digital editor.
I’m spritzing… something new. I just used our Fragrance Finder and was recommended Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, £57, a fruity, floral and amber number with notes of jasmine and praline. Everytime I spritz it, I’ll be reminded of sunnier climates.
I’m applying… Soltan Protect & Moisturise Spray SPF30, £4.50. Great for dry skin, lightweight and non-greasy, this suncare spray is a staple in my pool bag. With an SPF of 30 and the maximum 5-star UVA protection, it’s comfortable and hydrating.
Rachael Martin, Digital Writer, Boots Health & Beauty
I’m heading… to Malaga. For me, the perfect holiday consists of a hotel buffet breakfast, a day spent sunbathing (safely) followed by munching a packet of Lay’s crisps on the balcony and an evening of good food and cocktails. Basic, yes, but you just can’t beat it!
I’m packing… less! If you plan out each nighttime look in advance, then you tend to pack less. I always shout about the power of a red lippie, too. Something like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear 2 Step Lipstick in Red Infallible, £9.99, is so long-lasting and can take you from beach to bar with just a slick.
I’m reading…something that complements the sunshine. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a total dream and an easy one to get into, – perfect if you’re stuck in a reading rut.
I’m spritzing… Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum, £60. It’s a gorgeously feminine, beachy scent that’s brimming with notes of salted coconut and exotic jasmine.
I’m applying… Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF30, £4. As a beauty writer, I can attest to having tried more than my fair share of sun lotions and can confirm that Soltan is hard to beat. It protects against damage and is incredibly light – ideal if you’re prone to pesky holiday pimples.
Dan Walker, Senior Marketing Manager for Content & Social
I’m heading… to Rhodes with my wife and two kids. It will be the first time we’ve been abroad for three years and, while we’ve enjoyed some lovely UK breaks, we're very excited about some Mediterranean sun.
I’m packing… kid’s painkillers, plasters, allergy medication, aftersun, insect repellent – the list goes on. But I will always make room for my own staples, such as Johnny’s Chop Shop Texturising Cream, £7.95, which is a must for my hair.
I’m reading… probably something with the kids, rather than for me. I’ll be too busy playing during the day to have time to read! So, it will be Harry Potter with my eight year old and probably a Tom Fletcher novel with my five year old.
I’m spritzing… Dolce&Gabbana The One for Men EDP, £63. This is one of my personal favourites for holidays.
I’m applying… Soltan Kids Once 3hr Waterplay Spray SPF50+, £10.
Knowing I have the right protection for my kids is so important, and having a product especially formulated to protect children while they’re constantly in and out of the water is great!
Andrea Leebody, Associate Editor, Boots Health & Beauty
I’m heading… on a family holiday to Sardinia. The last time I was there I’d just got engaged, so to be going back a few years later with my two year old in tow feels extra special. I can’t wait for white, sandy beaches and hopefully spotting the resident flamingos!
I’m packing… floaty kaftans, I love them. They take up hardly any room in your case, and are perfect for wafting around on the beach or by the pool.
I’m reading… something, hopefully! If I can take advantage of nap times/grandparents for long enough, I plan to read How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie (the title is purely coincidental…). It’s darkly funny!
I’m spritzing… TOM FORD Eau De Soleil Blanc Travel Spray Eau de Toilette, £33 – it’s so beautiful!
I’m applying… a sun lotion I can trust to do a good job of protecting my son.
However, trying to wrangle a toddler long enough to apply it isn’t always easy, which is why Soltan Kids Once 3hr Protect & Swim Spray SPF50+, £10, is my go-to. One application lasts up to eight hours and it’s even waterproof for up to three hours.
Priya Tailor, Assistant Brand Manager for Soltan
I’m heading… to hot and sunny Bali with my hubby! The perfect holiday means we get to spend some quality time together, exploring new places and eating different types of food.
I’m packing… plenty of flowy dresses. We’re expecting Bali to be incredibly hot and a bit humid, so the lighter the clothes the better!
I’m reading… nothing. I’m actually more of a listener. During those peak hours in the sun, you’ll find me in the shade listening to something that will send me into pure relaxation. Whether it’s a podcast on positivity or some classic R&B throwbacks, music and podcasts always help me switch off.
I’m spritzing… Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Forever Eau de Parfum, £70. It’s so beautifully refreshing.
I’m applying… my three favourites!
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, £7, which helps bring a pop of colour for those no make-up days, the Soltan Once Advanced Face 8hr Protect Sun Cream SPF50+, £10, which protects the skin, thus helping reduce the risk of premature ageing, and the Soltan Aftersun Gel with Aloe Vera, £7.50, an aftersun that absorbs easily without stickiness.
Aimee Allard, Social Media Marketing Assistant
I’m heading… to Norfolk! Sometimes all you need is a staycation. A stroll to the pub or seafront for the best chippy lunch is my weakness. But give me an hour and I’m in full glam, ready for the night in a cocktail bar.
I’m packing… beauty products galore! There’s nothing I love more than getting in that shower with sandy feet and coming out feeling exfoliated and fresh. I’ll let TikTok faveCOSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel, £23.99, soak deep into my skin as part of my evening prep to give a flawless finish for dinner.
I’m reading… at least three books! Catch me propped up with my toes in the sand reading anything by Colleen Hoover or Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can disguise the tears for sea water if it gets a bit much).
I’m spritzing… TOM FORD Black Orchid Eau de Parfum Spray, £94. It’s the only perfume that makes me feel boujee and put together.
I’m applying… Soltan Face Protect & Moisturise SPF50+, £5.50. It protects my face and leaves me with a fab base for make-up. It’s amazing.
Looking for more holiday inspo? Check out these hot-weather tips from women who live in the hottest climates.
All prices correct on date of publication
