Whether you're jetting away or not, you can always conjure up that holiday feeling. Lisa Haynes rounds up this summer's jet-set inspired products.

 

The summer of 2012 can forget about being awarded a gold medal for its weather performance.

So whether you're fleeing the country in search of scorching temperatures or staying put and staging an anti-rain dance, it's time we all entered holiday mode.

The beauty shelves hold the answer to our summer prayers... Brands have taken inspiration from exotic corners of the globe to evoke the spirit of sun-soaked, sandy beaches.

"Escape the rain showers and create an exotic holiday retreat at home," suggests Kate Storey, Champneys trainer.

"Spritz an exotic fragranced room spray in the bathroom that brings back memories of favourite vacations before soaking into a lovely hot bath - the steam will remind you of the humidity of those warm, sultry holiday nights."

Book your ticket for pampering escapism. These beauty wonders of the world will help transport you to a faraway place.

:: Suitcase chic

Everyone needs a suitcase and lip balm for getaways. Combine the two with Andrea Garland's vintage-chic Passepartout necklace. Hidden in the charm you'll unpack a 100% natural lip balm that includes sun protecting red raspberry seed oil, £32 (www.andreagarland.co.uk).


:: World traveller

Indecisive when you leaf through the travel brochures? The Body Shop's new Scents of the World includes five destination fragrances with inspirations including Madagascar, Kyoto and Morocco. Eau de toilettes include 100% organic essence and globally sourced natural extracts, £15 each, available August (www.thebodyshop.co.uk).


:: Postcard pretty

Benefit dubs their Cabana Glama, the 'desTANation' make-up kit. Think holiday glow, wherever you are in the world with this vacation-ready collection of bronzing and brightening products to ensure you're ready for holiday snap close-ups, £28.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk).


:: Beachy beauty

Prime your skin as though it's about to bask in the Polynesian Islands. Thalgo's luxurious Ma'ohi-inspired Exotic Island Body Scrub consists of sand, salt and coconut shells to leave your limbs holiday-ready, £38 (www.thalgo.com).


:: Aloha lazing

Picture yourself basking in a beachside spa. Inspired by Hawaiian rituals, Mandara's Honeymilk Dream Spa Escape Travel Collection should help you drift away with mini products containing exotic ingredients like sweet almond oil and kukui nut oil - all housed in a raffia bag, £14 (www.sainsburys.co.uk).


:: Rio refresh

Release the samba spirit to your bathroom with Radox's limited edition Brazilian Fusion Shower Therapy, Bath Therapy and Handwash. Traditionally found in the Amazonian rainforest, exotic dragon fruit and camu camu berries have been blended into the range to leave you feeling vacation revitalised, £1.89 each (nationwide).


:: Coral flush

Pink Pearl, Reef, Driftwood and Coral - the shade names of Chantecaille's Coral Reefs Palette are enough to send you reaching for the deep sea diving gear. Comprised of the finest pearl and pigment particles, each summery colour is delicately embossed with a branch of coral, £73 (www.spacenk.co.uk).


:: Heaven scent

Spritz the scent of Tahiti. Comptoir Sud Pacifique's Aloha Tiare encapsulates the sensuality and exoticism of the tropics in a bottle. Think frangipani leaves caressed by the warm notes of tiara flower and ylang, resting on a base of monoi, coconut, vanilla and musk, £49.50 for eau de toilette (www.marksandspencer.com).


:: Island retreat

Even the packaging of Treacle Moon's My Coconut Island collection is pure escapism: "I'm going to a faraway place she said... just for a while... her toes wriggled in the warm sand." Close the bathroom door and jet off to your very own imaginary Coconut Island, range priced from £2.49 (Tesco).


:: Summer dreamin'

You can't beat holiday sundowner cocktails so why not introduce the ritual to your beauty regime - minus hangover. I Love... Calypso Dreams Limited Edition Bubble Bath & Shower Creme is a fruity cocktail of citrus and passion fruit. Available end of July, £2.05 (Superdrug).


Tried & tested

Get super-high protection without the tedium of application. Our testers try three SPF5O 'invisible' sun sprays.

:: Soltan Invisible Dry-Touch Transparent Suncare Spray Aerosol SPF50+, £13.99 (Boots)

For such high protection, this solution is incredibly light with minimal rubbing-in time. The inventive aerosol action is powerful and far-reaching (great for backs) but ran out quicker than a normal spray.

4/5

:: Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF50, £16.84 (nationwide)

This transparent spray has such an alluring holiday fragrance. It was non-greasy and absorbed quickly making for a convenient way to enjoy the sun safely.

5/5

:: Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect+ Spray SPF50, £17.03 (nationwide)

Goodbye to white marks. This super-fine solution is so easy to apply with a non-sticky texture. The answer to my pale skin prayers, it's very water resistant for water babies.

4/5


Buy it now

London's firmly in the spotlight for Olympic fever. Get a capital-inspired fragrance with the DKNY Be Delicious 'I Heart City' Collection, featuring Paris, NYC and, of course, London. Available end of July, £48, for 50ml EDP (Boots).


Beauty bulletin

:: Break-up beauty

A broken heart - and bank balance? Breaking up is hard to do, especially with the news that post split makeovers cost women in the UK an average of more than £500. The majority turn to new hairstyles as a means of reinvention, according to new research by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk. In contrast, the cost was much lower for men, with the average male spending just over £150 on changing his appearance post break-up.

:: Recessionista alert

Jet in to The Fragrance Shop and www.thefragranceshop.co.uk and you'll find airport prices on top branded fragrances until August 2. All holiday makers (customers) will also receive a 'Passport to Value' offering them money-off savings.