You don’t need a plane ticket to look like you just stepped off a yacht in Ibiza. The secret to that effortless, sun-kissed vacation glow is all in your beauty and style routine and it doesn’t require a single minute in the sun. You’ve probably noticed how some people return from a getaway looking completely recharged, glowing, and polished. But here’s the truth: you can pull off the exact same vibe without the jet lag, the expenses, or the airport chaos.
With the right tricks and a little help from brands like Sunnainc, you can fake the post-holiday radiance right from your bathroom and closet. From bronzed skin to breezy fashion, this guide will show you exactly how to embody that "just got back from paradise" look. Whether you’re staying in, hopping on a Zoom call, or heading out to brunch, you’ll turn heads like you’ve been away.
Time to bring the beachy glow, tousled hair, and laid-back luxury straight into your everyday life with zero vacation days required.
Start with Skin That Glows
The foundation of any vacation look is skin that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun but without the damage. You want to create a healthy, radiant base that makes it seem like you’ve been lounging seaside, sipping something cold.
Hydration is your first step. Use a facial mist or hydrating serum that gives your skin a dewy, refreshed finish. Think of it like morning dew on your skin fresh, alive, and clean.
Next, even out your tone. Ditch heavy foundation and switch to a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with a bit of luminosity. Use a creamy highlighter on your cheekbones, nose bridge, and inner eye corners to fake that natural light-reflecting skin you usually get after a few days in the sun.
And here’s the game changer: a self-tanner. Use a self-tanner by Sunnainc like their Colour Me Dark Express Tanning Mousse to get the glow without UV damage. It’s designed to give you a deep, rich tan in hours, mimicking that golden post-holiday tone with zero streaks and no sunburn risks. Apply it the night before and wake up looking like you’ve just spent a weekend on a Mediterranean beach.
Tousled Hair That Says "I Woke Up Like This"
Nothing screams vacation like messy, textured hair. Whether your hair is long, short, curly, or straight, a little volume and wave give that off-duty model vibe.
You can get this look by skipping heat tools and opting for overnight braids or a twisted bun while you sleep. In the morning, let it loose and use a texturizing spray or sea salt mist to create volume and hold. Don’t worry about perfection. Imperfection is the whole point.
Use dry shampoo at the roots for that soft lift and a bit of scalp freshness. Hair that looks like it caught some salty ocean wind? That’s exactly what you’re going for.
Keep Your Makeup Minimal But Radiant
On vacation, you usually want less makeup, not more. Let your skin breathe while still emphasizing your features.
Start with brushed-up brows full and fluffy. Use a brow gel to keep them in place. Then, go for creamy blush in a peach or coral tone. A cream formula will melt into your skin better than powder and gives you that flushed-from-the-sun effect.
Skip the heavy contour. Instead, dust a bit of bronzer where the sun naturally hits forehead, cheeks, nose. Add a pop of shimmer on your eyelids and coat your lashes with a curling mascara. Finish with a tinted lip balm or gloss with a juicy, sheer color.
This kind of makeup feels light, looks effortless, and plays perfectly into the relaxed vacation aesthetic.
Choose Clothes That Whisper "Island Time"
The style part of a vacation look is all about ease. Think floaty fabrics, open necklines, breathable layers, and pieces that move with you.
Maxi dresses, co-ord sets, wide-leg pants, linen shirts these are your go-to pieces. They don’t just look comfortable, they feel luxurious in a quiet way. Stick to warm colors or neutrals, but don’t shy away from tropical prints if you’re feeling bold.
Accessories matter. Layer gold jewelry, wear oversized sunglasses, and maybe throw on a straw hat if you’re headed outside. Even barefoot at home, these little extras elevate your look instantly.
Pro tip: Organize a mini “vacation look” section in your closet. Having go-to pieces on hand makes it easy to channel the vibe anytime you want.
Smell Like You’ve Been Somewhere Exotic
Scent plays a huge role in setting a mood. Choose a perfume or body spray with coconut, citrus, vanilla, or sea breeze notes. You want something that smells warm and transportive as if you’ve just returned from a tropical escape.
Apply it on your wrists, behind your ears, and even lightly on your hair or clothing. You’ll carry that vacation aura with you wherever you go, even if it’s just the grocery store.
Nail the Details (Literally)
Your nails can make or break the vibe. On vacation, people lean into bright shades or clean, neutral tones. Mimic that by going for a pop of color like coral, turquoise, or white or a chic nude if you prefer minimalism.
Keep them short and neat if you’re doing them at home. A glossy top coat can make a big difference in giving a salon-level finish.
Don’t forget your toes. Even if no one sees them, you’ll feel more put together, and that’s what truly sells the look.
Fake the Lifestyle, Too
Looking like you’ve been on vacation isn’t just about how you look it’s about how you carry yourself. Vacation you is more relaxed, more confident, more open. You can bring that same energy into your daily life.
Make your morning coffee feel special. Sit in the sun for ten minutes with music playing. Cook something that reminds you of your favorite holiday spot. Take more walks, wear your favorite clothes even on slow days, and let your mood match your glow.
When your energy aligns with your appearance, that vacation magic becomes part of who you are not just how you look.
Ibiza Glow Without the Trip
Looking like you’ve just come back from a dream getaway is easier than you think. With the right skin prep, a little style strategy, and a relaxed attitude, you can embody the vacation glow 24/7. From breezy outfits to a radiant tan using Sunnainc’s Colour Me Dark Express Tanning Mousse, every piece fits together to tell the story one where you’re glowing, confident, and radiating off-duty vibes.
You don’t need to wait for the next flight to step into that version of yourself. Just a few tweaks to your beauty routine and mindset, and you’ll have people wondering where you just came back from.
Because when you feel good, it shows. And nothing says "I’ve been living my best life" like a golden glow, tousled hair, and a laid-back smile.
Time to turn your home into your personal escape no boarding pass required.
Learn how to get the perfect vacation look without leaving your house with these beauty & style hacks. Sunnainc makes it even easier.
