Tropical Basics

If you're lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere hot for Christmas and/or the New Year, here are 5 products I tested recently in 30 degree heat. Not only are they all effective, but, if you're trying to pack light, you can share as they are suitable for men too:

Alfresco Insect Repellent Spray RRP £30  

If you can't stand the smell or the thought of DEET based repellents then this is the one for you. Alfresco's fragrance spray definitely helps, though I did get a couple of bites, however, nothing like I would have done without it. It does have a very particular smell, mainly sandalwood,  which you may or may not love, but I would rather spritz this over myself than be bitten to bits whilst trying to enjoy dinner en terrace! For more details click here

Melvita Hydrastim Moisturizing Gel RRP £22

I previously reviewed this in a feature on Moisturisers but I had to include it again here as it is perfect for use in hot, humid weather as well as in flight. It contains Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture, is ultra light and smells slightly citrusy. The plastic pump action bottle makes it ideal for travel and is small enough for cabin luggage so watch out your man doesn't steal it! For more details click here

Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash RRP £12.25

After a day of sun and sea you want a body wash that gets rid of suncream but doesn't strip your skin, this divinely scented gel does just that, leaving you wonderfully soft and clean. An absolute essential! For more details click here

Beyond Organic Rejuvenating Serum RRP £24.30

Beyond Organic is one of my skincare discoveries of the year, and their oil based serum is brilliant for use at night, it's silky smooth and nourishes even the most parched of skins. I used it alone after toning and awoke to plumped, glowing skin. Can be used with or without your usual cream, contains Rosehip and Macadamia oils as well as Yarrow and Wheatgerm. It's wonderful! For more details click here

Liz Earle SPF 20 Suncream £19.25 and Aftersun Gel £13.50

This mineral based suncream is very effective, it protects well and is very nourishing, it also doesn't have a strong scent. It is not marketed as being waterproof though it did last for 2 swims for me. My only complaint about this product is that it is sticky, so you need to give it time to sink in properly. The aftersun gel is truly fabulous, with a hint of Lavender and Mint, it sinks in within seconds and really hydrates. For more details click here

With thanks to Sarah-Lou, Katie, Rebecca, Mark and Andrea

Santa for her. And for him

Christmas is upon us. Literally. And if you're trying to find a gift for a beauty lover then one of these is sure to fit the bill: 

Neom's Utter Relaxation Collection is a pretty box containing 4 little pieces of heaven which promise to calm even the most stressed of ladies: One of their fabulous travel candles, made with vegetable wax and scented with Rose and Neroli, to light before you have a bath with the Tranquility Bath Oil, a totally indulgent Safflower Oil based concoction formulated to help you wind down as well as soften your skin. Follow this with some of the amazing organic body lotion before retiring to bed, not before spritzing your pillow with Tranquility Organic Pillow Mist, guaranteed to help you fall into the dreamiest of sleeps. Now, just lie back and drift off....

Neom's Utter Relaxation Collection RRP £30

For more details click here

Aesop's Accelerating Universe is one of six special kits, designed in unisex form it's the perfect gift for the man in your life, though I would secretly kill for it too.....

A square black travel bag contains 3 of their bestsellers: Amazing Face Cleanser, a lightly foaming face wash to gently cleanse without stripping, the Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, an amazing Quartz based scrub which sloughs away dead cells whilst enveloping you in a haze of Lavender and Rosemary. And finally, a full size jar of the Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, one of my all time favourites, light enough to be used during the hottest of summers but also a fantastic day cream which is ideal under make up. I love using the scrub as a mask in the bath: leave it on for 10-15 mins then gently rub away to reveal soft, smooth and hydrated skin. Absolutely fantastic!

Aesop's Accelerating Universe kit RRP £65

For more details click here

With thanks to Lucy and Indi