Don't weigh your luggage down with beauty products on holiday, writes Melanie Morris
Get packing: Holidays are just around the corner, so how do you transport all your favourite products?
Bottle it: We all know it makes sense to transfer your favourite potions into travel-size bottles, so get to it. The best containers can be found in Muji, Chatham Street, Dublin 2 (bottles and tubs) and Marks & Spencer (tubs, stacking or single, with spatulas).
Pic 'n' mix: Fussy, brand devotees can get all their favourites in mini-size at Boots, countrywide. Their Pic 'n' Mix units offer everything for body, face, hair and feet, by a plethora of top brands.
Rationalise: The important thing is to cut down on the non-essentials. Opt for a dud-free, bespoke palette of colour from Stila, MAC or Face Stockholm. Every shade's a winner and thus worthy of a place in your luggage.
Portable treasures: There are a few holiday essentials one should never be without ... no matter how tight you are for space. Don't leave home without Lancôme's Star Bronzer Magic Bronzing Brush, Origins's individual Salt Scrub sachets and l'Occitane's new SPF 25 lip balm - the holy trinity for smooth summer skin. Also check out Bobbi Brown's new Sports Stick for Face (SPF20), which protects, while adding lustre.
Sets appeal: Molton Brown's travel kit (€89) is a unisex hit, containing everything from mouthwash to moisturiser.
Be prepared: Remember, you should be stocking up on testers and travel sizes from your favourite cosmetics counter. In-store special offers are particularly good at the moment for interesting beach bags, accessories and towels.
Take-off: Beauty bargain hunters are familiar with Aer Rianta's fantastic cosmetic specials in Dublin, Cork and Shannon, such as packs of three Lancôme Juicy Tubes for €33.50 or two YSL Touche Éclat for €35. Discounts are also to be had on MAC and Armani ranges in Dublin Airport. Happy (holi)days.