101 of travel beauty

 In-flight beauty saviours

Flying is synonymous with dry skin, tired eyes and poor sleep. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Buck the trend with these top tips. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

It would be remiss of us to not to start with the single most important ingredient: water. Climate-controlled aeroplane cabins can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and tightness. The main source of hydration is, naturally, water! So, carry your own bottle (empty, if flying internationally) so that you’re not relying on the airline’s tiny cups, and ask the flight staff to refill it as often as you need. Reserving an aisle seat will also help you drink plenty of water without the worry of regular bathroom trips.

Cleanse and moisturise

Sudden changes in air conditions and humidity levels can disrupt the skin's balance, causing oiliness, breakouts or sensitivity. To counteract the dry aeroplane air, cleanse your face – with micellar water or water from your bottle, not from the plane bathroom – and apply a richer moisturiser than normal. A moisturising face mask will work wonders, too. Finally, treat your lips to a hydrating balm or lip mask.

Protect your skin from the rays

When you fly, you’re closer to the sun’s harmful rays, which can stream in through the aeroplane windows. Apply an SPF 50 before your flight and reapply every 2 hours as part of your in-flight skincare routine.

Beat the jetlag

Timezone changes and disturbed sleep schedules can wreak havoc on your circadian rhythm. There are a couple of tried and true tips for limiting the effects, and beating the jetlag. First, align yourself with your destination’s time zone as quickly as possible. Nap during the destination’s nighttime, eat according to destination mealtimes. Sleep is obviously key here, and can be harder to come by – so pack a sleep mask and noise cancelling headphones or earplugs, to block everything out.

Pack the essentials

• Cleanser or cleansing pads – for keeping skin fresh. Like the This Works In Transit No Traces face pads or Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Hydrating Micellar Water Cleanser.
• Nourishing moisturiser or sheet mask – to counteract the dry cabin air. We love the Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich Ultra-Nourishing Soothing Moisturiser.
• Lip balm – to keep your lips plump and hydrated. Try the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
• Face sunscreen – to protect from the harmful rays. Any SPF50 will do.
• Refillable water bottle – drink as much water as you can.
• Silk sleep mask – to give yourself the best chance of good sleep. Our cult favourite Silk Sleep Mask is at your service.
• Noise cancelling headphones – for minimising the disturbances.