The £10 after-sun everyone should pack for their summer holidays

two sunbathers applying sun cream on a beach - Copyright (c) 2009 Rex Features. No use without permission.
two sunbathers applying sun cream on a beach - Copyright (c) 2009 Rex Features. No use without permission.

Most schools across the UK are now finished for the summer break. Cue: hundreds of families setting off to sunny climes in the search of R&R. (Although given our British heatwave, a staycation may rightfully be on the cards, especially with temperatures soaring to a sweat-inducing 34 degrees this Thursday.)

While most holiday toiletry bags contain some sort of SPF or another, the humble after-sun is often forgotten as a faff-y, luxury extra you can do without. Do we really need to be told to pack yet another unguent on our holidays when suitcases already seem perpetually filled to the brim with, er, stuff already? We think yes. Hear us out. There's one after-sun we've been using on the Telegraph beauty desk that is by no means a worthless addition on your holiday - or indeed, after a weekend in the sun in the UK. Best of all? It's only £10 and can be used by all the family, from baby to grandparent. 

mustela after sun 
mustela after sun

The After Sun Spray by French pharmacy brand Mustela is, hands down, the best no-nonsense after-sun we've tried. It was specifically formulated for babies and children, so is safe to pack in the baby bag, but don't let that put you off if you're travelling without kids. The soothing, milky formula is excellent on adult skin too, particularly for those who suffer with heat rash or skin sensitivity. 

The best skincare under 100ml

The applicator is incredibly handy, too: just spray over sun-parched skin every evening and it will help to cool and re-hydrate with its blend of avocado, jojoba and cupuaçu butter. It also smells fresh, clean and uplifting - exactly what you need after a day in the sun (or in humid London). We've always rated the affordable products you find in French pharmacies, and this up there with some of the best. Buy it by the bucket-load to keep your skin in tip-top condition this summer.