One person who has dramatically changed my approach to holiday style is my best friend Lisa, who puts the G into holiday Glamour.
Before vacations with her I was a ‘Topshop bikini and flip-flops’ type of girl, my holiday wardrobe and beauty regime was an afterthought. I picked up my skincare in Boots in the airport and packed a few cheap bikinis with a well-worn pair of bleached shorts.
So I was given a fortnight’s ‘summer style training’ course on our first vacation together in India, where I returned less burnt and with a deeper tan from exfoiliating daily and using better sun cream. Add to that a vintage sari for my new summer wardrobe and a desire for a well-cut bikini that won’t go baggy on it’s second outing.
I was told when a lady can safely walk in sunlight (after the harsh midday light), as the blazing sun shows off bad body tone even when there is little to see, so that is when the paparazzi get the unflattering shots of unsuspecting celebrities. I returned with the prettiest holiday snaps that I have ever had, the ‘golden hour’ was the busiest snapping period, thanks to advice from years of working with photographers.
So here I am in Santorini, Greece – the new, more glamourous, summer me! And I am mixing Golden Sun Shimmer in with my sun cream so I sparkle in the sun. Sisley has a dry sun oil that when you put in your hair and comb through with a wide tooth comb makes you look like you’re on a beauty shoot. I applied this as recommended this week by Grazia’s beauty director Annabel Jones, and also used Stila Sun Shimmer.
The most important thing I have learnt is that you should spend as much as you can afford on great sun protection. My favourites are Sisley and Clarins.
And of course lathering your hair in sun protection is a must. Do this as often as you re-apply suntan cream.
The biggest tip I have is to thoroughly wet your hair under the shower before entering the pool or sea as your hair can only absorb so much at a time, so let it be fresh water!
I have also invested in a body-sculpting swimsuit and am sporting the new Chanel sunglasses with the cutest bows on the side.
My hair is coloured blonde and this has a tendency to go warmer in the sun, so I pack a Silver Shampoo for blondes (mine’s by Wella) this neutralises the tone and keeps it to the beige/ash vibe I prefer.
It’s a good job I learnt all this as it’s super stylish in Santorini and so I stroll down the white marbled streets with a new-found summer confidence.
