Don't leave home without these three

I was over the moon when I heard that I was one of BH's 2011 BlogStars: what a thrill to share my ideas about beauty and health every month, what an honour that readers had voted for my blog ... and what a HUGE box of gorgeously glamorous beauty products to indulge in!

As we rummaged (ever so gently) through the box of goodies, our eyes were as wide as children on Christmas morning. Stop right there. The next day we were leaving on a family holiday to Vietnam and Laos: a holiday of 10-hour boat rides, home stays without electricity, trekking with backpacks and just a few kilograms of luggage each. We didn't have the space or weight to pack any of these goodies. I'm sure you can picture my teenage daughters' sulky faces.  

'OK, let's choose one product each from the box', I compromised. 'The one product you couldn't live without on a desert island.'

Our choices turned out extraordinarily well and have now been elevated to true desert island status:

Sensible mum (me) chose La Prairie Anti-Aging Day Cream with UV Filters. Serious anti-aging ingredients, luxurious levels of moisture and SPF30 in one very glam little pot. Into my bag it went replacing the clunky tube of facial sunblock and my usual daytime moisturiser. Not only was our skin perfectly protected, hubby's age spots began to fade and my daughters looked more beautiful than ever. I didn't look too bad either. This works.

Kérastase Paris Elixir Ultime was the choice for Ash with rebellious hair. In the harsh humidity and without a hairdryer or straightener our hair was ridiculously silky and shiny, and as well-behaved as other people's children. Fellow travellers asked how we managed to look so groomed without electricity, and yes, we shared our secret.

Taylor opted for Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol and happily unpacked the other blush and bronzer in her bag. Wow! This little beauty really lifts your cheek bones and your spirits. A quick swirl with a big brush and sweep over our faces and we were ready for anything. This is gorgeous used as a highlighting eye shadow and saved our faces when we were washed out after the obligatory holiday gastro. 

What are your desert island products?