My Caribbean Vacation Beauty Edit Is for the Girls Who Love Glowy Skin
Our take
The recent surge of "vacation beauty edits" speaks to a larger shift in how we consume beauty content – a move away from prescriptive routines and towards a more experiential, mood-driven approach. This piece, detailing a Barbados trip and the accompanying beauty arsenal, taps directly into that desire. It’s not just about the products themselves, but the feeling they evoke: sun-kissed skin, effortless radiance, and the carefree spirit of travel. The author’s enthusiasm, while relatable, also subtly reinforces the idea that beauty is intrinsically linked to leisure and self-indulgence, a narrative that resonates deeply within our current cultural landscape. We’ve seen this reflected elsewhere, like in our own piece My Skincare Routine Keeps Me Glowing—Meet 10 Dermstore Anniversary Sale Products I Can’t Live Without, which similarly positions skincare as a source of radiant confidence and a vital component of a well-curated lifestyle. The emphasis on "glowy skin," in particular, aligns with a broader trend towards a more natural, dewy aesthetic, rejecting the heavily contoured looks of previous years.
The inclusion of sunscreen alongside face masks and skin tints is particularly noteworthy. It moves beyond the purely aesthetic and hints at a growing awareness of sun protection as a fundamental aspect of a comprehensive skincare regimen. This isn't a new concept, of course, but its prominence within a vacation-focused beauty edit signifies a shift in perception. It's no longer an afterthought, but an essential ingredient in achieving that coveted “glow.” Furthermore, the reference to a forthcoming "Glow Guide" suggests a desire to provide more in-depth information and personalized recommendations, catering to a discerning audience seeking nuanced beauty advice. The curated nature of these edits – the careful selection of products that feel both functional and luxurious – mirrors a broader consumer desire for intentionality and mindful consumption. Consider how this aligns with our recent article I Just Saved You 3 Hours Shopping the Reformation Sale—Here Are the 21 Items I’d Buy Out of All 3.5k – both highlight the value of curated selections and discerning taste.
However, this trend also raises questions about accessibility and inclusivity. The products featured in these edits often fall within a higher price point, potentially creating a sense of aspiration that can feel exclusionary. While the emphasis on “glowy skin” is widely appealing, the specific products and routines recommended may not be suitable or affordable for everyone. There's a risk of reinforcing the idea that achieving a desired aesthetic requires significant investment, further complicating the already complex relationship many have with beauty and self-image. It's a delicate balance to strike – to inspire and inform without perpetuating unrealistic or unattainable standards. The focus on individual experiences, like the author’s personal Barbados trip, is a strength in this regard, allowing for a more authentic and relatable portrayal of beauty routines. This contrasts with the sometimes-sterile, overly-technical approach that can dominate beauty content.
Ultimately, the rise of vacation beauty edits signifies a broader cultural conversation about beauty, travel, and self-care. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring appeal of aspirational lifestyles. The integration of sun protection and the promise of deeper guidance through the "Glow Guide" point toward a more holistic and informed approach to beauty. As brands increasingly leverage the allure of travel and experiences, it will be crucial to ensure these narratives are both aspirational and inclusive, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and price points. What will be the long-term impact of these curated "vacation beauty edits" on consumer behavior and the overall beauty landscape – will they continue to drive sales of premium products, or will we see a counter-trend towards more accessible and sustainable alternatives?
I recently got back from a trip to Barbados (more on that to come in a Glow Guide near you), and while I had the time of my life, because I am who I am, half the fun was playing with the beauty products that I brought with me. As someone who refreshes her routine seasonally (my summer skincare influenced these picks pretty heavily), finding the perfect vacation beauty edit was the first thing on my to-do list once I landed—aside from inhaling all the mangos that I could find—so of course, I got right to work.
I had the basics covered. Sunscreen, body glow, and my trusty hair brushes and tools never leave my suitcases in the busy summer travel months. Still, I’ve been playing around with some new complexion, skincare, and skin prep products that have made a world of difference not only on vacation, but also in the weeks since as I’ve settled back into my routine.
Whether you’re also on the way to the Caribbean destination of your choice or simply need essentials for a quick staycation or a jaunt in your home state, keep reading for the products that not only made getting ready on vacation a breeze, but also have made it to the big leagues (i.e., my everyday beauty routine). Your perfect beauty editor-curated travel beauty and toiletries bag awaits.
The Best Caribbean Vacation Beauty Products
- Best Sunscreen Mist: Coola Suncare Classic Sunscreen Spray
- Best Face Sunscreen: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen
- Best LED Mask: Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2
- Best Under-eye Masks: Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
- Best Face Wash: Olay Facial Cleansing Melts
- Best Mouthwash: Listerine Alcohol Free Mouthwash Packets
- Best Skin Tint: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
- Best Setting Spray: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Spray
- Best Brow Product: KS & Co Backcombing Texture Stick
Best Sunscreen Mist
I have been an avid user of this Coola sunscreen for well over two years now. Not only does it have a high SPF and applies seamlessly, but the glow it leaves behind also lets me fake supermodel legs, sans any body makeup.
Review: "This was recommended to me a couple of years ago, but I can no longer buy it here at home, so I'm happy that I can get it via Nordy's with free shipping. I saw several reviews about allergic reactions. I would like to add that I have bad allergies/sensitive skin, and this does not bother me at all, especially the fragrance-free one." — Nordstrom
Best Face Sunscreen
I don’t play about face sunscreen, but I’ve recently realized that heavier formulas may be contributing to my clogged pores. I opted for my Tatcha Milky Sunscreen, which features skin-loving ingredients like ectoin and vitamin E, plus a sun protection factor of 50. My pores were rejoicing.
Review: "The BEST. I never enjoyed using SPF before this, and now I love putting it on every day. Tatcha’s Milky Sunscreen leaves me glowy and protected, and I will repurchase again and again." — Sephora
Best LED Mask
I have been on it with my LED light therapy routine over the past few months, and I wasn’t going to let a few vacation days ruin my streak. That's why I brought my Currentbody Series 2 mask with me on my trip, and it gave me all the benefits that I love at home (ease of use and storage, plus short and easy 10-minute sessions) right in my hotel room.
Review: "I’ve been using this LED light therapy mask for a few weeks now, and I’m honestly obsessed! My skin looks brighter, smoother, and more refreshed after every use. It feels like I’m giving myself a mini spa treatment at home. What I love the most is how easy it is to use—just put it on, relax, and let it do its magic. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and fits perfectly into my skincare routine. I’ve noticed my skin tone looks more even, and my face has that healthy glow I’ve been looking for." — Amazon
Best Under-eye Masks
I’ve been obsessed with under-eye patches recently, and the Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Rose Gold masks helped me look bright and awake as I explored the island every day. Hyaluronic acid, calendula, and aloe are a few of the ingredients used in the serum that soaks these patches, and even my mom told me how much she loved them too.
Review: "I have these with me at all times!! I keep most in the fridge for when I’m home. I carry at least 10 in a small “must-have” bag. I use them most days, usually twice a day when I travel. Right before landing & in the morning. I appreciate it when these are on sale. I stock up every time they are on sale. I give 2 or 3 to family & friends as an add-on gift. Everyone I have given them to loves them; their husbands love them too." — Wander Beauty
Best Face Wash
I have been using these little squares when traveling since they launched a few years ago, and I have no intention of ever stopping. These water-activated cleansers not only help cut down on the liquids you’re carrying but also provide a full face-wash experience. They lather beautifully and make my face feel super clean, as any traditional cleanser would. They are the perfect travel beauty product.
Review: "I got these for travel, and they worked great. I love the convenience of them. They lather easily and left my skin feeling clean but not stripped." — Target
Best Mouthwash
Speaking of liquids, not only do I hate travel-sized mouthwashes (I find them to often be a waste of money), but I also don’t like checking an entire full-sized bottle in my checked luggage. The solution? The little sachets from Listerine. They carry the perfect amount of product for single use and take up virtually no space. So much so that I have them everywhere, not just in my travel beauty bag. Vacation or not, these are an absolute staple in my beauty routine.
Review: Love how easy it is to put in my lil bags and take everywhere with me. Very convenient and easy to open. Although easy to open, it has never spilled in any of my bags. This particular one is also not harsh." — Amazon
Best Skin Tint
If TikTok virality hasn’t made you want to try this product yet, maybe my enthusiastic love of this formula will. This is the perfect vacation complexion product. Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint offers little to no coverage in terms of blemishes, but the way it evens out the skin tone and makes your face glow is like a facial in a bottle. It’s pricey, sure, but take it from someone with acne-prone skin who typically hunts for products with as much coverage as I can find: You will fall in love with this skin tint.
Review: "I love the no-makeup makeup look, and I've been looking for a skin tint that doesn't pill and makes my skin look like my skin, but better. This is that product. I was hoping I'd hate it because of the price, but I fear this is going to have a permanent place on my makeup counter." — Ulta
Best Setting Spray
Speaking of oily skin, I typically would never dare step foot outside without setting my face with powder. However, something compelled me to just spray my face with this setting mist on vacation, and to my complete surprise, my face stayed intact all day. Granted, I didn’t have a ton of makeup on, so I thought it was a fluke at first. You can imagine my shock when I came home, did my normal makeup routine, and used this technique to find that it worked again and even better when I paired it with the Watern Powder serum primer. If you have dry or mature skin that doesn’t bode well with powder, this spray is about to be your new lifesaver.
Review: "This is the BEST setting spray I’ve tried. It solidifies makeup without feeling like I’m freezing my face with hairspray. It is a fine mist that is refreshing but doesn’t feel overly wet." — Sephora
Best Brow Product
I’ve talked about this brow product ad nauseam at this point, but it’s just that good. The Backcombing Brow Texture Stick is so easy to use that I can apply it without a mirror, even with my eyes closed, and it gives me perfect brows every time. From the structure to the light hold, and even the hint of color it offers, there is no other brow product like this on the market, and I am actively resisting the urge to hoard five backups so I can have it with me at all times. Yes, it’s that serious.
Review: "I've tried hundreds of brow pencils, pens, and pomades over the years and I've never enjoyed the final finish of one as much as I do with the Backcombing Texture Stick. The subtle wash of color is the perfect tint of pigment without looking like you drew on your brows with a chubby crayon (which, given the thickness of the tip, wouldn't be an unreasonable fear). I've yet to struggle with the application, and after a quick cleanup around the edges of my brows with a cotton bud, they look as if I just left the salon post-tinting and shaping." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
What Beauty Products Should I Bring on Vacation?
While I feel like I did a pretty good job with the products that I brought, there were still one or two that I could’ve used on the trip, especially as an oily-skinned gal in an extremely hot climate. First on the list? Gel moisturizer.
“While heavier moisturizers are thicker and have more occlusive ingredients, lightweight moisturizers have more humectants," Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, FAAD, previously told Marie Claire. These are water-attracting substances that draw moisture into the skin, either from the air or from deeper layers of the skin. I, for some reason, decided that sunscreen was adequate enough moisture while on vacation, and while my barrier didn’t freak out a ton, I absolutely felt the difference. My face felt rougher and more textured than it did when I left, even with consistent use of my LED mask. Avoid this rookie mistake.
Another must-have on vacation? Lip SPF. Yes, your lips need protection from the sun too, and boy did I learn my lesson. I didn’t necessarily get sunburnt, but it’s like I could feel every single line in my lip times 10. Part of the issue was likely that I was surviving on mango daiquiris for almost a week straight, but lip SPF would absolutely have helped smooth the area over time. Learn from my mistakes and stock up on some of my favorite formulas from Prequel, Caliray, and more from this list.
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