Ever wondered exactly what the skin pros pack in their vanity kit? Abigail James is the A-lister facialist the beauty industry has on speed dial for glowing skin. Her clientele of supermodels, celebrities and beauty editors swear by her magic hands and natural approach.
So when it comes to her own skincare routine, we want to know exactly how she switches it up when she’s on vacation (if at all). Here’s how Abigail looks after her skin on holidays. Plus, don’t miss the wonder products she packs in her beauty haul…
Q. How do you adapt your beauty routine when you travel?
A. I drop out retinols seven days before I travel and leave them at home, along with any stronger peeling ingredients. AHA’s, low level acids and physical exfoliants are fine but I’m always conscious of cutting back and possibly dropping them out so I’m not putting my skin at risk of sun damage.
Q. Must-do beauty rituals and treatments before a vacation?
A. I always have a facial about two weeks prior to flying to get some extra antioxidants into the skin and add hydration. The week before I tend to do regular hydrating masks, too. I also love the Skinfusion treatment that I do (infusing vitamins and minerals including vitamin A but not retinol) along with LED light and a quick radiofrequency boost if I have time. Depending on how my skin is feeling I’ll also add in microneedling.
Q. What’s the best way to downsize your at-home beauty haul for travel?
A. Cut down your normal routine to a minimum. Pick the products that can multi-task for your skin and decant them into small pots.
Q. Do you prefer to pack travel minis or full size beauty products?
A. Always minis – even for long-haul destinations.
Q. Do you have a plane beauty routine?
A. I always take a balm and a mini hydrating face cream or sheet mask with me.
Q. How do you combat jet lag skin/eyes when you land?
A. I don’t like wearing eye make-up when I’m travelling and I always layer up hydration on my skin before I go away. I find cool compresses and some lymphatic massage with hands or a with a cool Gua Sha are great, too.
Q. Favourite country to shop for homegrown beauty products?
A. The Netherlands – it’s great for smaller, natural brands.
Q. What’s been your favourite vacation spa so far and why?
A. It depends on what I’ve wanted from the trip – it might have been a city trip or an escape-from-it-all type getaway. The Royal Mansour Marrakech has an incredible hammam treatment. For more of a city spa with beautiful facials, I loved the spa at Address Dubai. And the Adare Manor Hotel in Ireland is pure weekend getaway luxury in such a serene location.
Q. What are your top takeaway skincare tips when travelling?
A. Simplify – choose products such as oils and balms that can multi-task, because they work for skin, hair and nails. Ditch the exfoliants and retinols – they both speed up cell turnover so you’re more at risk of potential UV sun damage.
Q. What’s in your must-pack beauty kit at the moment?
A cleansing wash, like CosMedix Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser.
An antioxidant/vit C serum – Image Skincare Vital C Serum is brilliant.
A hydrating moisturiser that’s SPF-free so I can use it morning and night. I currently use La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5.
A face balm, which can multi-task as a cleanser, face massager and eye make-up remover, like Darphin’s Aromatic Balms.
Always SPF – Alumier Sheer Hydration SPF40 comes tinted or untinted.
A hair oil, or leave-in treatment – Rahua is amazing.
The Packing Lowdown: Quickfire Questions
Travel light or over-packer?
Travel light
Spa facial or massage?
Facial
Vacation air-dry or blow-dry?
Air-dry
Skincare wipes, yay or nay?
NAY!
Self-tan or au naturel?
Au naturel
Any Questions or Tips to add?