1. SPF, always. 

At home or on holiday, sun protection is always the most important summer skincare step. In the summer months, dermatologists recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapplying every two hours. Our top pick? Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector. Combining mineral and chemical sunscreens to provide UVA and UVB protection, this lightweight daily sunscreen is sheer, weightless and quick-absorbing, leaving skin with a dewy finish and hint of tint. Find out more about SPF with our dermatologist's guide to SPF.

2. Protect your glow.

Hot weather can lead to, or exacerbate, dehydrated skin, causing dullness, dryness and discomfort – the last thing you want on holiday. When suitcase space is limited, multitasking skincare is a must, and our Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator ticks all the boxes for a summer moisturiser. In a cloud-like cream texture, formulated with hyaluronic acid and our signature aloe vera bioferment complex, it delivers all-day hydration with sheer sun protection to leave skin healthy, happy and glowing.

3. Leak-proof essentials.

We’ve all been there – opening your case on arrival at your hotel, only to discover something has leaked in your washbag. The best solution is to limit liquids as much as possible, switching to balm formulas that are perfect for travelling, with minimal spill risk. A great option is our bestselling Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm, a solid balm-to-oil formula that gently dissolves daily makeup, SPF and impurities. If you're travelling with hand luggage only, it also comes in a cabin bag-friendly 30ml tub. We’ve also just launched our NEW Smart Clinical Repair™ AM/PM Retinoid Balm – a concentrated retinoid treatment in a silky balm formula. Designed for targeted application, it’s formulated with 1% retinoid and hyaluronic acid to help plump the look of fine, dry lines and smooth skin’s texture. It’s perfect if you're travelling light and don't want to pack all your usual serums, but still want to incorporate some skin-transforming actives into your routine.

1. The perfect summer base. 

Looking for a great summer foundation? Try Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation SPF 20. This skincare-powered, serum-infused foundation formula offers buildable full coverage with 24-hour weightless wear and a satin-matte finish. Built with three serum technologies, including hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C, it actively improves your skin with every wear. It’s also sweat and humidity resistant, waterproof and oil-free, plus it contains SPF 20 mineral sunscreen. If you're apprehensive about wearing full-coverage foundation on holiday, the trick is in the application – you only need a tiny amount, as a little goes a long way. Either start with a half pump, blending with a buff brush or sponge, or unscrew the bottle and dab a little on the back of your hand before applying. This is more than enough for a veil of skin-perfecting, breathable coverage.

2. Correct and conceal.

If you prefer to forgo foundation on holiday, but still want to add a little coverage here and there, pack a concealer instead. Even Better™ All-Over Concealer + Eraser is a lightweight, full-coverage concealer built with skincare ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine. Ideal for the under-eye areas and any blemishes that pop up, it instantly conceals, corrects and blurs imperfections with all-day staying power. It also comes with a built-in blurring sponge for easy, flawless application. For a barely-there, sun-kissed base, simply layer moisturiser, sunscreen, a little concealer and bronzer.

3. Golden hour, bottled. 

Avoiding the sun but still seeking a golden glow? Our Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker is like golden hour in a bottle. This hydrating gel bronzer gives you that just-back-from-holiday glow in seconds, without the UV damage. With a sheer, shimmer finish and silky gel texture, this makeup multitasker melts into your skin for the ultimate, natural-looking bronze glow. There are multiple ways to use our bronzing drops: you can mix up one or two drops with Moisture Surge™ to create a tinted moisturiser, you can add a few drops to your favourite Clinique foundation to warm up shade or you can apply directly over makeup for a more concentrated tint, blending quickly with fingertips or a brush.

4. Sun-blushed skin. 

On the subject of multitaskers, our Limited-Edition Clinique Pop™ Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey is another versatile holiday makeup staple. This hydrating two-in-one lip and cheek oil delivers a dewy wash of Clinique Black Honey’s suits-all shade to lips and cheeks. Formulated with a nourishing oil blend to condition lips, it delivers the perfect slip of colour with a sheer, satin finish. The lightweight, oil-enriched formula slips on to cheeks with ease – just dot it onto skin and blend with your fingertips for a gorgeous dewy finish. You can also layer it with your favourite lip and blush for a more intense colour pay off (discover more ways to wear Clinique Black Honey here).

5: Smudge-proof lashes. 

No holiday makeup bag is complete without waterproof mascara. It can be tricky to find an effective waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes, but we specialise in ophthalmologist-tested mascaras that deliver maximum lash drama, without irritation. Our tubing mascara formulas are ideal for summer holidays, delivering 24-hour smudge, sweat, humidity and shower-proof wear. There are two Clinique tubing mascara formulas to choose from: Lash Power™ Mascara Long-Wearing is a lengthening formula with serious staying power, while High Impact™ Zero Gravity Mascara instantly lifts, curls and holds for weightless, gravity-defying lashes. Both rinse off easily with warm water.

6: Spritz on summer.

Though not strictly makeup, don't forget to pack your favourite summer fragrance. This year we launched our limited-edition Happy in Paradise™ Eau de Parfum, which evokes the spirit of sun-drenched summer days with its sunset-inspired bottle and beachy, bright solar floral-amber profile. Each spritz takes you to paradise, opening with sparkling citrus notes of lemon, mandarin and bergamot, with a heart of tropical passion flower and orange flower, settling to a well-rounded woody base of creamy cocoa shell, cedarwood and sandalwood. Another gorgeous beachy option is Clinique My Happy™ Lily of the Beach, a slightly sweeter solar floral scent, blending exotic blooms of solar lily, frangipani and ylang ylang with soft coconut, vanilla and amber notes. In a 15ml bottle, it's perfect for hand luggage-only trips.