As we slide on into late spring/early summer, the count-down to long weekend city breaks and beach stays is on. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen that I’m travelling a bit more than usual over the next few weeks and with that comes a very edited beauty regime. I’ve never been a light packer – 70% of my suitcase is usually serums, moisturisers and sun creams to see me through every kind of weather situation and social scenario. But in-flight beauty is a different ball game.
The introduction of 100ml liquids in hand luggage has caused a multitude of skincare headaches resulting in begging staff to let my over-stuffed plastic bag onboard and a very heated discussion about a brand new Clarins sunscreen being thrown in the security bin. So, honing my in-flight beauty products to the absolute must-haves has become an art form.
While I often mix and match the below according to the length of the flight and how my skin is feeling at the time, these are generally the in-flight beauty products that I never take to the skies without…
‘MAKE-UP’
I have a strict no-make-up-on-board rule. The cocktail of pressurised air, air con and humidity on a plane is a hotbed of bacteria for the skin and is usually the culprit of that painful pimple before you hit emigration. But, so I don’t scare my fellow passengers, I aim for that barely-there coverage that benefits my skin at the same time, curled eyelashes and a bit of brow gel before I leave for the airport.
FOUNDATION
If you’re going to wear base make-up Oxygenetix is 100% the best option. Technically skincare, formulated by doctors, it is packed with moisturising Aloe Vera and increases the skin’s oxygen uptake by encouraging collagen regeneration and connective tissue growth. So, technically it gives skin what it needs whilst providing a decent amount of coverage.
LIP BALM
My skin really dries out on board so my in-flight beauty regime starts and finished with a really nourishing lip balm which I top up throughout the journey.
SKINCARE
If the flight is over 2 hours, I use this time to give myself a little on-board facial to prepare my skin when I get to my destination and counteract that germ-y air on the plane.
LONG HAUL:
It’s so so important to do some sort of skincare regime to keep moisture levels topped up, especially when your body clock is out of whack.
MAKE-UP REMOVER / CLEANSER
I like a really clean face so my skin doesn’t have to work over-time on the journey. This starts with completely removing all traces of make-up. As we don’t have the amenities of home, I’ll use something that doesn’t need water like a micellar water, organic wipes (ONLY organic) or a cream cleanser and cotton pads to get every last piece of grime off.
FACE MASK
Now, I know the thought of slapping on a green clay mask in front of 100+ other passengers may be a bridge too far in the quest for holiday-ready skin. But, luckily there are plenty of options that minimise embarrassment and maximise the glow-factor!
SERUM
Lightweight and hydrating, a serum with hyaluronic acid is your best bet to give complexions a hit of moisture.
MOISTURISER
I don’t know about you but I hate that sticky face feeling on a plane so I always opt for a refreshing moisturiser in my in-flight beauty kit that won’t make my skin greasy but will safeguard it against the dry air. One with a high SPF is a massive plus because, even if you don’t have a window seat, we’re at risk of serious premature ageing. Just thing, if you wear SPF on the ground, why wouldn’t you wear it when you’re 30,000 feet closer to the sun?
SHORT HAUL:
MIST
When the flight is just a couple of hours, I keep a hydrating mist on-hand to keep moisture levels up and give me a more fresh-faced look when I land.
HAND CREAM
I usually end up slathering this all over my arms and chest as well to keep my skin soft and nourished.
WELLNESS AIDS:
AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATED BREATH EASY
I was kindly gifted this but I never fly without it now. With decongesting Eucalyptus and refreshing Peppermint and Tea Tree oils, it also has antibacterial properties and helps to reduce stuffiness. I dot a couple of drops on a tissue and breath in – it’s a must-have and small enough for hand luggage.
PILLOW SPRAY
Perfect for long-haul flights or to use in the hotel, a lavender-infused spray also comes in a handy travel size and reminds me of home straight away.
ELEMIS SLEEP PERFUME OIL
I rarely sleep well on-board and when I’m in a new location so I always rely on these beautiful roll-on essences from Elemis. With 13 essential oils, I put them on my wrists and neck pulse points and it instantly chills me out and gives a more undisturbed slumber.
FACE SCULPTOR
My in-flight beauty kit wouldn’t be complete without this amazing de-puffing tool. I really retain water when I fly so find that my face is in desperate need of massage when I get off the plan. Not only can this be thrown in your handbag, the cold stone is perfectly sculpted to fit the contours of your face and leaves it smooth and refreshed.
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