Celebrities always manage to look fresh and polished immediately after stepping off an airplane. Everyone from Victoria Beckham and Rachel Weisz to Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow seem to emerge from long-haul flights looking well-rested and camera-ready. They might be blessed with good genes (and have the luxury of first class or private jets) but dry in-flight air can take its toll on even famous faces. That’s why having an arsenal of skin-saving products on hand, and a few beauty tips, are essential for looking good as you land.

Beauty essentials: Mineral water spray

The air on planes is dry and notorious for depleting skin of much-need moisture. One of the best ways to avoid tightness and discomfort from lack of hydration is to periodically mist your face with a mineral water spray such as Evian Mineral Water Spray and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Skin feels revived and looks more supple. Some (including Evian) come in mini versions making them easier to pack.


Beauty essentials: Facial cleansing wipes

If you are on a particularly long or overnight flight one of the best ways to keep skin refreshed is to cleanse your skin before and after any sleeping you do. Since lugging a plethora of products into the cramped on-board bathroom is not ideal, having facial cleansing cloths on hand is the next best thing. Opt for a product containing natural ingredients that cleanse, tone and revitalise skin (Try Kaia Naturals Bamboo Cleansing Cloths featuring 99 percent natural ingredients). Follow with a travel version of
your favourite moisturizer or a
hydrating serum to really boost in-flight moisture. Try Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster.

Beauty essentials: Hand cream

Don’t forget about your hands when you fly. They can just as dry (if not drier) than facial skin and benefit from regular moisture, especially on a long-haul flight. Choose a formula that absorbs quickly, has a light or minimal scent, comes in a travel size and is not greasy. Good choices include Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream and L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, both of which offer rich hydration without being feeling oily on your skin.

More travel beauty essentials and beauty tips on the next page …
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Beauty essentials: Dry shampoo

No shower on board? No problem. You can wash your hair when you reach your destination but in between you might want to refresh your tresses. Your best option for livening up your hair after or during a long flight is dry shampoo, many of which come in travel size versions. Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder to Go comes in smaller versions of several shades, including black, brown and blond. Simply spray on and gently comb through. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil,
adds volume and extends the life of your style, making them perfect in-flight beauty companions.

Beauty essentials: Eye roller

Since travel can be stressful and exhausting it’s no surprise the under-eye area suffers. Puffy skin and
dark circles are a rite of passage for most frequent flyers, which is why having an eye roller can make a big difference in how you look and feel. These products feel cool against your skin and offer instant relief for tired, puffy eyes. Choose from several including Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-puffing Eye Massage and Garnier 2-in-1 Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, both of which work to refresh over-worked eyes.


Beauty essentials: Sleep mask

Sleeping on a plane can be difficult and sometimes impossible depending on who you are seated next to and how comfortable you can get. But since sleep is one of the most important ingredients for a clear, bright complexion, it’s important to at least try to get some, especially on a long flight. A sleep mask can offer you a fighting chance for at least a short bout of shut-eye.

Beauty essentials: Cheek and lip stain

No one needs a full face of makeup while flying but once you disembark you may want to add a little colour to your complexion. The easiest way to do this is with a multitasking lip and cheek stain that can brighten your skin in just a few swipes. The colour is usually sheer, natural-looking and fool-proof to apply. Try Tarte Cheek Stain (which can be used on lips) or Stila Lip and Cheek Stain, which come in a rainbow of hues.

Read more:

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The best winter face moisturizers

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