As we’re setting off for a mega-trip to Australia in the New Year, needless to say, I’m getting a little over-excited about getting organised. My favourite natural & organic site A Beautiful World very kindly sent me over a few winter sun beauty travel essentials to try out for my journey… 

Facewash
The MuLondon organic rose foaming facial cleanser produces the most wonderfully light foam (I always find this so luxurious!) that soaps up better than any I’ve tried. You really feel like you’re getting a very good cleanse and it leaves the skin extremely clean – they describe it as squeaky clean, which is just the word I’m looking for, but it’s not at all harsh. Lovely light fragrance too. I always use a facial wash with my morning shower and this one has already replaced my current one at home. There’s also a fragrance free version.

Hand cream
A decent hand cream is essential for flying. I always have needy moments when I slather my hands and face and feel much more human again. This Opale cream is a mix of shea butter and jojoba oil and is nice and rich and I love it. I’m especially impressed by the pump mechanism which you press down and the cream squeezes out the top.

Ziplock bags
Since Liz from A Beautiful World introduced me to these super little Tili bags my life has changed for the better. For the super-organised these are a dream – I fill my suitcase with them separating out all sorts of beauty products, vitamins, contact lenses and my handbag with snacks and bits and pieces for Gus.

Facemask
I’ve used these Naisture collagen paper facemasks before and they are absolutely brilliant. A 15-minute soak before a big day or, more appropriately, after a long-haul flight to rehydrate and youthen tired skin. If I’m brave enough, I might even whack it on it while on the flight – cue shrieks from the other passengers as once on, the mask, which covers your face leaving holes for your eyes and nose, does make you look a little scary!

Deodorant
I’m always on the lookout for a new natural deodorant, and I was intrigued to try this Soapwalla Deodorant Creme. Clay-based with a peppermint fragrance, it took me through a regular home-based day perfectly well. I haven’t tried it on a busy day out yet but my plan is to use it for those beach days when you’re in and out of water so much it hardly seems necessary to use a ‘proper’ deodorant. Basically I use a non-toxic deodorant most days and save the tougher stuff for the occasional day when I’m really dashing about or going out dancing (ok, that hasn’t been for a while now – new year resolution coming on?).

Obviously these are just a few of the bits and pieces I’ll be taking…  I’m on the lookout for a really good, ideally organic, SPF face cream and for the first time in years, I’m treating myself to a bikini and leg wax – Ministry of Waxing have a great deal on their new gingerbread bikini wax in their new Islington store, and I couldn’t resist! Will let you know how that goes…!