All you need is SUNSCREEN!

A few months ago, I was on a beach holiday at this divine property of Shangri-La on Villingi island, Maldives. It is true that such a picturesque setting has this commendable ability to make you forget everything about life and soak in the beauty and simplicity of everything around you – the sound of the ocean, perfect marriage of the blue skies with the gorgeously green trees, glowing white sand, turquoise lagoons and colorful reefs.

And there was this one track that I couldn't seem to get off my head – The Sunscreen song. I have often wondered if Baz Luhrmann was chilling on an island while rendering simple advice that may serve millions to lead happier lives. Thanks to Google for correcting me there. The song was originally written by a journalist, Mary Schmich as a commencement speech she would give to the class of ’97 if she were asked to give one. Anyways, as Schmich says ‘Trust me on the Sunscreen’.

Three days into an island life and I was thinking of what to blog about when I took cues from the Sunscreen song. So here you go - If there is one skincare essential that you need to carry along to an island – it’s the Sunscreen. I have also listed a few others that I would always carry along for a comfortable beach vacay. So, here are my top Beach Beauty Essentials.

High SPF Sunscreen with separate Sun Block for your face

I get a shade darker if I spend just about 10 minutes in the sun. So Sunscreen has always been part of my skincare routine. But, when you are on a holiday spending almost 8 hours out in the sun, the pool and the sea, the formula has to be exponentially potent. I continued using my regular sunscreen Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 for the face and bought a bottle of BioTherm Spray Solaria Lacte SPF 50 for the body. Kiehl's sunscreen is ultra-light and intensely moisturizing. I wasn't sure if it is water resistant, so I did spray a bit of Biotherm over it. BioTherm's new product Spray Solaire Lacte combines advanced UVA/UVB protection and Life Plankton™(a micro-organism with extraordinary regenerative properties), with Biotherm’s sun sea wind technology. Its is extremely easy to apply, is non-greasy and has a fresh citrusy fragrance. It is recommended to reapply after swimming , sweating and towel drying, and so did I.

Face mist

I suggest a Face mist for one simple reason; it is highly hydrating especially when your skin is severely dehydrated from prolonged exposure to sun and water. I used Bobbi Brown Face Mist several times a day when I found my skin getting too dry. It's Chamomile, Cucumber and Green Tea Extracts help soothe and calm skin while Glycerine and Panthenol refreshes skin and improves moisture.

Foundation for your dinner date nights

On a beach holiday, Makeup certainly takes a back seat as compared to Skin & Hair care. But once the day draws to a close and you are planning your date night at one of the fancy restaurants, you want to look nothing but super chic sporting a flawless complexion. And that's when with the right foundation, you can create an even and natural looking face. I have Bobbi Brown's foundation in different formula - liquid, stick, compact and powder. While I usually use the liquid foundation for its high moisturizing ability, I found the stick foundation highly handy on the island. As the weather is humid, you need a foundation which will stay in tact when you are outdoors and chilling by the beach. And that's what the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick does. It provides good to great coverage based on the quantity you apply and lasts really long.

Deep conditioning Hair mask

While you are enjoying your perfect beach holiday, nothing wrecks your hair more than a combination of sun, sand, salt, wind and chlorine. I regret not investing in a hair spray/ serum with a UV filter, but I was so relieved that I carried my Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for colored hair by Kerastase. Vitamin E and UV filters present in it, protects color fading and Linseed oil helps in keeping hair smooth and shiny. I use this mask as I have colored hair, but Kersatase offers a wide range of shampoos and conditioners that cater to different hair needs.

An Exfoliating Face Mask

Forest Essentials Narangi & Nagkesar Ubtan has been an essential in my skincare regime for a while now. An authentic Ayurvedic formula, the Orange peel powder in it helps in removing tan and skin brightening, while Nageskar acts as a natural skin toner. I usually mix adequate quantities of the ubtan and yoghurt to make a thick paste and leave it on my face for about 10 minutes, before rinsing it off. I used this every other day during the vacay and as always I was happy with the results.

Lots and lots of H2O

"Pure water is the world's first & foremost medicine". And hence I say - Make sure that you are downing atleast 3 litres of water a day. It plumps up your skin and hydrates your muscles. Now, who wouldn't want that!