Jetting off for some off-peak sun? We caught up with A Place in the Sun’s Leah Charles King to have a snoop through her holiday musts.
As our favourite face on our favourite property programme, Leah knows a thing or two about looking good on the go. So, if your two weeks away has left you battling a bulging suitcase, take note, because we’ve convinced Leah to spill on her travel essentials. And no, you do not need 10 pairs of shoes…
Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Setting Spray (£32)
Keep make-up minimal
“You need less make-up than you think when away; but there are a few staples I always take. I swear by DCYPHER Beauty My Custom Foundation (£39) as it’s a bespoke blend created to match my skin tone perfectly. I also love Fenty Beauty Set It Down Superfine Blurring Setting Powder (£25) to combat shine, and Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Setting Spray (£32), which keeps make-up in place all day.”
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (£52)
Travel frizz is a no
“What I take to keep my locks looking great depends on what hairstyle I’m rocking, but one thing I always pack is a product with anti frizz ingredients to avoid sun damage to my hair, as well as providing it with nutrients. At the moment, my go-to is Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (£52), which is a fabulous multi-tasker.”
Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil (£8)
Always use protection
“I’m careful to protect my skin in the sun and Shades of Melanin is an amazing brand I can’t do without. Black girls need sunscreen too! I also hate getting bitten by mozzies, so reach for the strong stuff: Lifesystems Expedition MAX DEET Mosquito Repellent (£7.99). Then at bedtime, when I want something softer I use Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil (£8). It smells gorgeous!”
Lipsy Multi Printed Beach Cover-Up Playsuit (£38)
Nail the wardrobe
“I have family homes on both Grenada and Saint Lucia, which I’ve visited since childhood. I escape there whenever I can, so when case space is at a premium, there’s a few bits and pieces I fall back on. A leopard print scarf is a must, whether I use it to cover my hair or wear as a sarong or a scarf. I also keep my beachwear pretty simple. I love high-waisted, wide-leg bikini bottoms as they cover a multitude of sins, then I just toss in a matching bikini top and colourful cover-up dress.”
Anker Power Bank (£34.99)
Pack a playlist
“Music helps me pass the time when waiting around at airports. I love listening to anything old school, from R&B, to pop, hip hop and soul. I guess my music taste is really eclectic – just as long as it’s pre-2010! I also keep my devices charged when out and about with an Anker Power Bank, as they’re really reliable.”
Acqua Di Parma Home Fragrances Oud Candle 200g (£48.50)
Think of home
“A few simple touches can make hotel rooms seem more homely, so I always bring a scented candle or incense sticks with me: amber, sandalwood and oud fragrances are my current faves. I also can’t travel without my portable clothes steamer. What can I say? I’m rock and roll!”
The Saltworks Company Travel Bottle (£25)
Carry your fave scent
“I’m not really one to shop for scent at the airport, so I take the perfume I love handy to freshen up. I adore anything by The Saltworks Company – my top picks are Oud Bazaar, Tabac Soleil and Powder Ballad (£25 each). They’re a British company who offer unique luxury scents in travel sizes too, as there’s nothing worse than having your latest perfume taken off you at Customs.”
Awakened: Her Reality: Her Power: Her Destiny (£18.99)
Accept jetlag
“I’ve tried all sorts of things to beat feeling rubbish in different time zones, but am yet to find the secret formula. If I can’t sleep, I might pick up a book. I recently bought Awakened, the debut novel by Kelechi Okafor. It’s a dystopian story, so I’m not sure if it is helping me get any sleep!”
Get comfy
“Finally, you will never find me flying long-haul without taking a nice fluffy pillow. I’ve tried plenty – and the tiny ones they give you on the plane just don’t cut it. A girl needs to relax, after all…”
Leah’s new YouTube channel, Legacy Through the Lens, launches in October to coincide with the 25th anniversary and brand new series of A Place in the Sun.
