Actress and swimwear designer Elizabeth Hurley unveils her go-to formula for the perfect summer holiday – from packing tips to beach accessories and beyond.
My favourite destinations
I don’t take many vacations, so when I do, they have to count. I go to places where I can completely switch off. I’m heading to a special island called Illa de Tagomago, off the coast of Ibiza, to stay with friends later this summer. I always return to the South of France and the Maldives – I’ve stayed in resorts there including Cheval Blanc, Velaa and Reethi Rah.
My packing tips
First, I choose my favourites from my beachwear collection: bikinis, one-pieces, kaftans and beach dresses, all laid out on my bed in colour blocks. I pack a dress for every night and a pair of gold or nude strappy high sandals that will go with all of them, along with a bamboo bag I found in Brazil. I add flats, a beach bag, gold jewellery and Tom Ford sunglasses. I pack lightly and create a capsule wardrobe by making sure everything works with other pieces.
My summer scent
I love Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Eau de Parfum (£98, 50ml). It always reminds me of holidays.
My flight essentials
I wear comfortable pumps and clothes and I apply layers of moisturiser throughout the flight. I drink lots of water and attempt to resist alcohol. I always take a cashmere scarf as planes are so cold. I read a good book and try to sleep.
My holiday style
I love colour – pink, blue and white look great in the sun. Black is too harsh. I like to layer sheer fabrics over my swimwear – kaftans are the perfect cover-up. I pack a BIG straw hat to protect my face from the sun and cover up bad hair days. I always pick up local things wherever I go – maybe a straw bag or a locally woven sarong.
My holiday prep
I use a self-tanner for a couple of weeks beforehand so I don’t look too pasty, and get my hair done at Jo Hansford in Mayfair.
My workout
I’m very active and walk a lot with my dogs. Pilates is my favourite exercise.
My beach bag staples
I take a towel, sun cream, a book, water, my phone, lip gloss, a spare bikini, a cotton kaftan and a sarong.
My summer holiday icon
Brigitte Bardot for her footloose and carefree looks.
My beauty buys
Left to right: Surf Foam Wash shampoo, £20 bumbleandbumble.co.uk, Soleil Blanc shimmering body oil, £72 tomford.co.uk, Moisture Surge 72-hour hydrator, £36 clinique.co.uk, Bronze Goddess powder, £34 esteelauder.co.uk, SPF50 UV Protecting Fluid, £80 cremedelamer.co.uk, Lipglass, £15.50 maccosmetics.co.uk
This interview was originally published in the Summer 2018 edition of The Glossary
