What to pack in your cruise kit

You may have noticed that I’ve been missing in action over the last two weeks. Well, I’ve been sailing the seven seas, as it happens. Okay, maybe not seven, but at least two – I think.

I hopped on board the P&O Pacific Pearl for a 10-day cruise around the islands. That is, Noumea, Vanuatu, Mare, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines. Needless to say, it was amazing. (Cue awkward family snapshot in front of very large ship above).

Between bingo, sunbaking, afternoon trivia and buffet dining, it was just about the most relaxing, most indulgent trip I’ve ever encountered – and I’ve got a slightly rounded middle section to prove it!

The best part for me? Theme nights. We had Formal night, Pirate night, Western night and Island night – and if you know me, you know I take dress up very, very seriously. So with the scheduled theme nights (and the need for 10 days’ worth of make-up and toiletries) in mind, I set to packing my suitcase – no easy feat, as I’m renowned for being one truly hopeless packer.

As it turns out, I didn’t do too badly, and I think it’s down to few don’t-leave-the-dock-without-them essentials. Check out what was in my cruise beauty kit:

–Body wash. In an effort to leave chilly winter behind and embrace all the islands had to offer, I packed my favourite sweet-smelling body wash by Tuscan Tan. Caramel and vanilla with a hint of coconut? Yes please!
–Cleansing.Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes are all-in-one wipes, and easily catered for my two sisters and I in the cleansing department without taking up precious space in our suitcases.
–Moisturiser. You know I love it, and with its added SPF protection, I couldn’t bear to leave home without my L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10.
– Shampoo and conditioner. Ever heard the term fake it til you make it? I wanted my friends to think I’d been sunning myself all trip – whether the weather permitted it or not! Daily use of the John Frieda SHEER BLONDE® Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner for Darker Shades help to bring out sunkissed-style glistening highlights in my balayage.
– Body lotion. To keep my body nourished, smelling great and slightly tinted for night events, I turned to The Body Shop’s Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil. It does everything. Everything I tell you!
–Eyes. This six-shade palette from SAX allowed me to create a different eye look each and every night! Try: SAX’s Eye Delight Eyeshadow Palette.
–Lips. During the day my Benefit Posietintgave me a great, subtle wash of colour (and doubled as a great blush), and for something a little sultrier at night, I opted for my Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Tint in Passion Red.