Winter sun must-haves
Everything you need for your winter beach escape
January blues are rough; but February blues? Borderline offensive. When winter’s dragging on and daylight feels like a distant memory, there’s only one solution: book it somewhere sunny. Whether you’re swapping jumpers for swimwear in Miami or chasing winter sun in Barbados, a mid-season escape is the ultimate remedy. And the best bit? You don’t have to wait until you land to get yourself holiday-ready. From SPF heroes and statement sunnies to cult-favourite beach-bag essentials, we’ve rounded up everything you need to hit the sand running – getting you primed and ready, before you can even say pass the piña colada.
Ultrasun Minis Kit
Sunshine feels better when you’re properly protected, and this travel-sized set has everything you need to stay on top of your daily SPF top-ups. Ultrasun’s formulas are ideal for long sun-lounger days, with hard-working protection that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. The carry-on friendly sizes fit neatly into hand luggage, keeping you covered from poolside mornings to sunset soirees without committing half of your liquids allowance. With a whole range of protection – from Face SPF30 to Extreme SPF50+ – there are options for the whole family too, so the only thing left to worry about is whether it’s too early for a second cocktail.
IZIPIZI Folding Sunglasses
The unsung hero of any winter sun escape? Sunglasses that actually make it out of your bag intact. Izipizi’s folding frames are built for adventure: compact enough to carry in your pocket, sturdy enough to survive overhead lockers and beach totes alike. The classic tortoiseshell finish brings instant Riviera vibes, while full UV protection means they’re as practical as they are stylish – plus, the unisex design and universal fit mean you can wear them on repeat.
Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion
Sun-seeking skin sometimes needs a little more encouragement – especially on shorter getaways when the pressure to return bronzed is on. Gatineau’s Tan Accelerating Lotion is designed to support a quicker, more even-looking glow while keeping skin cool, calm and collected in the heat. The texture is light and fast-absorbing with absolutely no residue – meaning there’s no waiting around before getting dressed. Simply layer it under your SPF for an easy addition to your pre-beach prep routine. The result? Skin that feels smoother and looks convincingly holiday-kissed, without tipping into fake-tan territory.
Dr. PawPaw tropical travel kit
When luggage space is tight, multitaskers earn their keep. Dr. PAWPAW’s Tropical Travel Kit brings together three do-it-all essentials designed for sun, sand and spontaneous plans. The star is the brand’s best-selling 7-in-1 Hair Treatment Styler: one bottle, seven uses from smoothing and conditioning to flawless styling. Alongside it, you’ll find the Original and Tropical miracle balms enriched with nourishing pawpaw fruit, coconut, mango and watermelon extracts, ready to rescue lips, cuticles, dry patches and flyaway brows.
Tanqueray Sevilla Orange Gin
This is the bottle you open when the bags are down, the room’s aired out and it finally feels like you’ve arrived. Tanqueray Sevilla Orange keeps the structure of a classic London dry gin but softens it with bittersweet Sevillian oranges, giving the gin a classy, sun-drenched twist. Pour it long with tonic, or stretch it into a spritz with prosecco and an orange slice. Holiday mode: activated.
