I never travel without these beauty savors.
words by DANIELLE RANSOM • Shop The Story • Beauty
This tried and tested step-by-step guide has been key to keeping my skin in check thousands of feet in the air, helping me arrive at my destination rested, glowing and fresh like a cucumber.
As someone who spends a lot of time flying, an in-flight beauty routine has proven an important must-do for ensuring my skin remains hydrated and supple for wherever I land.
Step 1: Hand Sanitizer
Planes breed germs, which is why the first step should be to clean your hands. Byredo Vetyver’s Rinse-free hand wash is the perfect gentle cleanser for your carry-on as it kills bacteria without stripping moisture from your hands. It dries immediately and is fuss-free, which is important as I often travel with a lot of luggage and don’t have time to waste waiting in a bathroom line. I then moisturize with Grown Alchemist’s hand cream.
Step 2: Makeup Wipes
I’m often boarding a plane straight from my office so I rarely have time to go home and freshen up. I keep Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Cloths handy for this exact reason. Their portable cloth, made from vegan ingredients, conditions your skin while evening out and brightening up your complexion.
Step 3: Serum
A serum is a lightweight moisturizer that penetrates deeper and absorbs faster than cream moisturizers do, so you always want to start the moisturizing process here first then follow with an oil or cream moisturizer. I use Dr Barbara Sturm’s Calming Serum or Royal Fern’s Phytoactive Anti-oxidative Ampoules. If I need something thicker, I use Valmont’s Prime Renewing Pack.
Step 4: Hydrating mask
A hydrating mask is a great alternative to carrying around multiple creams and bottles. I like to use Colbert MD’s illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Sheet Mask at the beginning of a flight to ensure hydration is locked in from the get-go. If I plan on taking a nap, I take Barbara Sturm’s Sleep Food capsules to relax my mind and maximize the effects of my routine.
Step 5: Lip balm
If your lips chap easily like mine, Glossier’s Bomb Dotcom lip balm is made from natural emollients like castor seed oil that melt into your lips while nurturing them back to a pillow soft smoothness. This balm has a waxy texture similar to Vaseline and really locks in moisture. It’s my carry-on go-to.
Step 6: Pillow Mist & Blotting Papers
Whether long-haul or short, it’s essential to pack a scented spray like Thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray to spritz on those horrible-smelling plane pillows. Then they’re somewhat manageable. Also, Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Paper is the anti oily-complexion you need while traveling.
Step 7: Eye mask
I find Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask to be a good final touch of hydration that makes me look more awake. Eye masks get the blood flowing under your eyes, which lessens the appearance of eye bags and dark circles and is essential to achieving a dewy, glowing look post-flight. Then I of course apply an additional load (double dose!) of Augustinus Bader The Cream.
Another little secret trick I use to make flights more bearable: Tiger Balm Pain Relieving patches, these are great for any back pain or stiffness. Instant mood booster.
