The Birchbag is creating quite the storm for the month of July, and we have worked with some of the UK’s top beauty gurus to curate four beautifully coloured bags inspired by their favourite destinations. Here, Rose Beer, Acting Beauty & Health Director, shares her yellow “Somerset” Birchbag and all the essentials she loves to travel with too…
Are you a beach or pool person and why?
Don’t get me wrong, I love a pool – but I’m definitely a beach girl at heart. Being by the sea makes me feel alive – I love the sound, the smell and the views too.
How would you style your Birchbag?
My style tends to be quite low key and I like to be comfortable in whatever outfit I am wearing, especially when I am travelling or away. I plan to use my yellow neon clutch add flash of colour to my usual Somerset uniform of sweatshirt, denim cutoffs and Nike Dunks.
Does your beauty regime change when you’re away?
Yes, definitely. Getting away is all about rest, relaxation and restoration. I tend to try and give my skin a break by avoiding make-up in the day (any excuse!) and slathering on as much nourishing skin and body care as possible. Oh, and I always try to have a pre-bedtime bath with my favourite Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath Oil – it massively improves the quality of my sleep so that I wake up energised.
What is your one travel-related beauty secret that you always abide by?
I am always the person lugging around a huge bottle of water when travelling, but I hate feeling dehydrated. Oh and hand sanitiser – a must for plane and train journeys, and service station stops too.
What are your 3 top tips for your chosen destination, Somerset?
I grew up in North Somerset and am lucky to still have my family home there, but always recommend that visiting friends stay At The Chapel in Bruton. Its rooms are cosy, chic and well priced, and there is an all day restaurant serving delicious West Country produced food, excellent cocktails and artisanal organic bread, pastries and pizzas from a wood fired oven. I highly recommend the pain au chocolate!
Just outside Bruton is Durslade Farm, the Somerset home of art gallery Hauser & Wirth. With a landscaped garden designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf, innovative world class contemporary art exhibitions and a brilliant on site restaurant, it’s very beautiful and always worth a trip.
The very beautiful city of Bath is brilliant too. I love going to my favourite bookshop Mr B’s Emporium to pick up reading matter for the garden, and always drop in at Colonna and Smalls. Their coffee and carrot cake are world class.
My Travel Beauty Essentials:
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath Oil – All of the AA bath oils are all great, but Deep Relax is my favourite. Its potent oil blend helps stop my mind whirring at the end of a hectic day and it leaves skin soft and deliciously scented too.
Twistbands – A model we were working with told me about these hair ties and I haven’t looked back – They come in the best colours and never snag or pull, so preventing hair breakage and making them way more comfortable .
Embryolisse Lait-Créme Concentré – This no-nonsense nourishing moisturiser is a favourite with makeup artists due to the brilliant way that it preps skin for makeup. We used to have to bulk buy it on Paris work trips so were all thrilled when it arrived at Birchbox.
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser is right up with the best. Easy to apply and with just enough coverage to even skin tone and minimise imperfections, it never cakes and looks totally natural.
A glossy red manicure can instantly polish one’s appearance when you can’t be bothered with make-up or blowdries. I love Ciate’s Paint Pot in Dangerous Affair to do exactly this.
Haven’t subscribed to receive your Birchbag yet? Get on board here!