Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

As with the modern holiday wardrobe, budget beauty buys such as Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara and Vaseline (great, if a little greasy, for in-flight moisturising and dry heels) vie for space in the smartest suitcases with more sophisticated portables. This summer’s most wanted minis include Prada’s new Tinted Lip Balms, which come in boxes of 10, single-dose tubes (at Selfridges, Harrods and Prada boutiques), and YSL’s Hydra-Tech 4 Clip Doses. This catch-it-while-you-can set includes travel sizes of the Soins Essentiels cleanser, toner, moisturiser and face mask, which click together like Lego pieces. Suncare-wise, Sisley’s creams and oils - with their Riveria-glam brown and gold packaging - are especially popular this year, being just the thing to have poking out of your Pucci (or lookalike) bikini or beach bag.

Following the success of its New Age Traveller beauty kits - used by Cameron Diaz and Angelina Jolie, among others - Molton Brown’s new Micro-light Portable make-up compact in Cote D’ Azur is seriously smart. A limited edition, it comes in a chocolate brown leather case and is filled with four summery, wearable eyeshadows, a bronze-coloured blush, plus brushes. (Note to Molton Brown: a lip gloss or two wouldn’t go amiss). It also has an exceptionally large mirror, which would be very handy while travelling and at your destination. (Available at Molton Brown emporiums, and by mail order. Tel: 020 7625 6550, or visit moltonbrown.co.uk).

When deciding what to pack and what to leave behind, American Vogue’s advice is to “think impact for ounce” with clothes. The rule can also be applied to beauty products: a holiday-bright lip gloss, splash-proof mascara and shimmer bronzer will take you anywhere, day or night. A new addition to Pixi’s POP range for Top Shop, Glam Jam in Beachtime - a golden highlighter - works on even the palest complexions, and can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips. (Available from this week at Top Shop, Oxford Circus, followed by stores nationwide). More good news for Pixi fans: a website is coming soon, where you will be able to shop on-line and pick up beauty tips from Swedish founders (and sisters) Petra, Sofia and Sara Strand. Watch this space.

The “multi-tasking” make-up principle extends to lotions and potions. Nirvana Natural’s gorgeous Orange Blossom and Chamomile Conditioner can also be used as a leave-in hair treatment and sunscreen, shaving cream and after-sun skin soother. (Stockists, tel: 01494- 880885). Another natural treat, Seven Wonders’ Miracle Lotion - based on a cocktail of herbs and oils, such as olive, sweet almond and sesame - nourishes and smoothes dry skin anywhere, making it ideal for use on holiday and when you get back and want to prolong your precious glow. Sheba Ronay and Guynel Boateng (wife of Oswald) both swear by it. (Stockists and mail order, tel: 020 8421 9877).

Lavishly scented body creams and lotions can double up as fragrances on holiday, scenting and softening the skin in one lazy go (isn’t that what holidays are all about?). Chantecaille’s ultra-luxurious Perfumed Body Creams, loved by Julia Roberts, Madonna and Helena Christensen, are available in an indulgent Travel Set. You get a generous, 50 ml jar of each of the four delicious fragrances: Darby Rose, Frangipane, Tiare and Wisteria. Another great summer choice is Isabella Rossellini’s wonderfully fresh and uplifting Manifesto Body Lotion.

Speaking of perfume, we’ll have to wait until autumn for Jennifer Lopez’s fragrance debut: Glow by J.Lo. The scent, which will be launched simultaneously here and in America, is tipped to be “pretty and wearable”, as opposed to full-on sexy. Lopez, who worked very closely with the “nose” behind it, recently hosted a glitzy bash in New York to celebrate the fruits of her labours. The result will be unveiled to the British beauty pack later this week.