So you’ve miraculously scored a plane upgrade (and we’ve given you the hacks to do so recently) to Hawaii – yay! And now, there’s this First-World problem with long haul flights: those dreadful dehydrating effects of all that awful recycled cabin-air on your skin. Not a happy thought, especially if upon arrival, you’re due to meet someone, or have a full-day itinerary ahead.
Solution? Keeping hydrated throughout (and eating properly in-flight). Your post-flight appearance can be greatly improved with these handy tips and 10 star beauty products that are under 100ml (suitable for bringing onboard). We’ve hand-picked these so you’ll look like you’ve just stepped out of a beauty parlour (here are some post-flight makeup secrets to enhance all of that), not off a long haul flight (and by the way, we have previously tipped you off on surviving a long haul flight in a recent story, so you’re in our good hands).
In-flight atmosphere is the worst, as the “skin gets very little oxygen in an enclosed environment without fresh air, resulting in dehydration, sensitivity and tired, dull skin”, says Noella Gabriel, Elemis Director of Product and Treatment Development, adding that it is important to travel with cleansed skin, and with minimal makeup (which we had advised you previously here).
To avoid excessive moisture loss from your skin, you should always carry on a hydrating facial mist. Not only does it help in absorbing unwanted oil, it minimises pores and re-hydrates the skin. We recommend Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist. It has a nice rose scent and it promises to restore your skin to its natural balance.
Alternatively, you can identify your skin type and choose a mist that really zero in on your problems.
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $33.69 from Lazada
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
Some may shy away from facial oils because they have an oily complexion, but facial oil is exceptionally important when onboard a plane. To prevent your face from losing more moisture, the face oil helps to lock it in and it promises to revitalises the face. No more peeling or cracking of skin. Plus, these facial oils right here is said to calm and moisturise sensitive skin.
However, when you’re onboard, we recommend you trying Fresh’s Seaberry Skin Nutrition Booster that is a blend of concentrated oils and extracts that is said to deliver a boost of antioxidant-rich nourishment for amplified protection and repairing of the skin.
Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Booster, $76 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
A thorough no-brainer, you should always bring on a face moisturiser to really lock in all the benefits of the aforementioned facial mist and oils applied on the face. Make sure that the moisturiser is packed with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid that is said to promote deep hydration.
We highly recommend the ultra-rich moisturising Creme De La Mer. Formulated with their famed ‘Miracle Broth’ that is nutrient-rich, this is said to rejuvenate the driest complexions by completely immersing the skin in moisture. If you prefer something with a lighter texture, read our guide on cooling gel moisturisers that are intensely hydrating.
La Mer Moisturising Creme, $290 form Tangs
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
If you find yourself constantly reaching out for your lip balm, maybe you should consider applying a layer of lip oil underneath it. We recommend a good lip oil to complete your lip treatment care. This will prevent all chapped lips, moisturising your puckers thoroughly. Something of that level would be Hourglass’ No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil.
An advanced anti-aging treatment for lips, it is formulated with essential oils, vitamins and active ingredients in a luxurious oil blend and equipped with an opulent 24-karat gold-plated tip. It helps to condition your lips by boosting moisture levels and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, the gold-plated tip helps soothes the lips during application.
Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, $72 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
The step that you should take after applying lip oil is to slather on some lip balm to really lock in the moisture provided by the oil. Read our beauty writer’s take on hydrating lip products that helped her on her travels.
Add a little tint of colour to your face with Guerlain’s newest KissKiss Roselip, a hydrating and plumping tinted lip balm. Each balm is formulated with rose oil extracts that are said to hydrate and plump the lips, while the balmy texture gives it a light and delicate shine.
Guerlain KissKiss Roselip, $52 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
The skin under your eyes is so delicate and in need of care constantly. It can get rather puffy with water retention when you’re onboard for a long time, so you should bring on Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On eye gel.
It is said to depuff your eyes with its cooling metal applicator when massaged delicately unto your under eye area. Not only that, it promises to reduce certain redness that might be visible.
Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes, $60 from Tangs
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
Well, you shouldn’t be paying so much attention to your face that you neglect the rest of your body. Not to worry, here are some skincare tips for your hands and feet. Your hands need moisturising as well, so always bring on a pot of hand cream to apply on every two hours.
Consider Burt’s Bee’s Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme that is all-natural and super rich. Made with sweet almond oil and enriched with Vitamin E that is said to deliver maximum hydration while simultaneously shielding your hands, this is incredibly nourishing.
Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme, $26 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
To avoid ‘post-flight flathead syndrome’ – one of the biggest telltale signs that you’ve been on an overnight flight – you should carry on a volumising dry shampoo (check out how else you can use a dry shampoo to your advantage).
We recommend Rahua’s Voluminous Dry Shampoo, formulated with plant extracts and mineral ingredients that work together to absorb impurities. Because it helps to add volume, it not only cleans but styles too. Plus, it is aerosol-free, making it easier to carry onto the plane.
Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo, $48 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
No better way to treat yo’self onboard than to put on a pampering mask that helps to supersize your hydration process. Fight tight skin with Equal Beauty’s Moisture Veil mask that is wonderfully hydrating and firming.
A beauty range by Australian model Jessica Gomes (watch how she does her party makeup), all the products in this line can be used by men as well. Want more variations? Check out our list of soothing and hydrating masks for every budget.
Equal Beauty Moisture Veil Mask, $114.95
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this
Prior to landing, dab on a little colour on your lips and cheeks for that natural glow. We recommend Yves Saint Laurent Beaute’s Baby Doll Kiss & Blush. An airy whipped mousse-like texture, it can be used all over the face, anywhere you desire to add a tint of colour. If you want to sport a more flawless face, read how you can concoct a foundation cocktail to apply on right before landing.
Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Baby Doll Kiss & Blush, $55 from Sephora
READ MORE: Support local with these 12 cool online stores and warning: you’re ruining your skincare if you’re storing it like this