Meet the make-up and skincare essentials for long-haul flights you wouldn’t dream of departing without, wherever your next adventure takes you.
With our sights set firmly on broader horizons this season, it’s time to explore the world of beauty anew. From downsized iterations of in-flight favourites and formulas that support travel-weary skin to make-up that will pep you up before landing and fragrances designed to transport and inspire, these are the jet-set essentials for long-haul flights.
Settle into your seat, switch your phone to flight mode and anticipate the adventures to come; this beauty routine is ready for take-off.
Skincare Essentials For Long-Haul Flights
While we might have missed jetting off on adventures, we certainly haven’t missed the havoc flying wreaks on our skin. The lack of humidity in aeroplane cabins and altitudes of 30,000 feet can lead to seriously dry skin, increased oil production, and even dullness.
Wondering how to disembark fresh-faced and ready to explore? Remove make-up before boarding, be generous with hydration (drinking plenty of water is a must), and don’t forget your SPF. Pay special attention to your eyes, nose, lips, and cuticles (or any areas that suffer from dryness at the best of times), opting for soothing balms to protect your skin’s barrier in transit. Discover our range of travel-sized beauty essentials before your next trip.
1. Cleanser
A gentle cleanser is a must-have for any flight. Whether you need to freshen up before landing or remove grime and dust mid-flight, a cleanser will ensure your skin stays clean and free from breakouts. For a two-for-one travel essential, look for a cleanser that also doubles as a makeup remover. You can also pack a tiny bottle of micellar water or makeup remover if your current makeup refuses to budge.
2. Moisturiser
Airplane cabins are notorious for dry air, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Help to keep your skin happy and hydrated throughout the entire flight with a good-quality moisturiser. Opt for a lightweight, hydrating formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid which help retain moisture in your skin and add that extra level of protection when you’re 40,000 feet up.
3. Eye Cream
From turbulence to red-eye flights, most of us never get a good night’s sleep when travelling by air. The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and prone to puffiness when you’re not well-rested, both of which are an unfortunate side-effect of travel. Applying eye cream mid-flight will keep your eyes looking bright and awake, even if you’re running on minimal sleep. Gently massage a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips and massage the area around your eyes. Not only does this mini-massage feel great, but it also helps to increase blood flow around the eyes which clears out some of the puff.
4. Face Mist
Give your skin a quick pick-me-up whenever you need with a pocket-sized face mist. Hydrating and irresistibly soothing, a face mist can help to protect your skin from free radicals and dehydration, it can be applied over makeup and other skincare, and, best of all, it makes you feel instantly refreshed. Look for a face mist with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or green tea, and make sure it’s not an aerosol can to avoid losing it at security.
5. Face Mask
Ready to take your in-flight pampering to the next level? Pack a sheet mask or a travel-sized tube of your favourite face mask for a mile-high spa session your skin will love. Look for masks with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or chamomile, and feel free to apply them once the cabin lights are dimmed. If you only need a quick pick-me-up, or if you’re a little shy about wearing a full mask, opt for some subtle under-eye masks to help de-puff eyes even further.
6. Lip Mask
Your lips can become particularly dry on a flight, so a nourishing lip mask is essential. Apply a thick layer before you settle in for a nap to wake up with soft, hydrated lips. As always, a beauty product with skin-loving ingredients is your saving grace. Shea butter, lanolin, vitamin E, beeswax and other hydrating goodies will ensure you arrive with a perfect pout in every timezone.
Post-Flight Makeup & Touch-Ups
Bring back the glamour of travel with a few golden additions to your make-up bag. Put some pep in your step once you’ve landed with a few refreshing essentials to wash the plane away. Look to a skincare-inspired foundation and mascara for the ultimate touch-ups before touching down.
7. Roll-On Deodorant
It’s not the most glamorous beauty item to pack, but it’s by far the most essential. Keep a roll-on deodorant handy with you to ensure you feel fresh and clean wherever you go. Choose one that’s compact, easy to apply, and, most importantly, gentle on the skin. A pro-tip is also to carry some wet wipes in your carry-on luggage to use before applying deodorant. You’ll feel that much more refreshed.
8. Perfume
Take your post-flight pampering session to the next level with a dash of your favourite perfume in travel form. We suggest choosing a light, refreshing scent rather than something too heavy or musky. Apply a small amount and let the soothing scents do the rest. Just make sure you only put perfume on after you’ve disembarked the plane. While you may love your perfume, other passengers may not be too thrilled if you start spraying it in the cabin.
9. Foundation
Help to mask dark circles and post-flight sleepy skin with an ultra-light, breathable foundation. Choose a foundation with a dewy finish to counteract the dryness of the cabin – BB creams, tinted moisturisers and light skin tints are your saving grace. A formulation imbued with skin-boosting actives, vitamins or extracts will help to add a little radiance to your complexion post-flight.
10. Mascara
There’s no denying the power a swipe of blacker-than-black mascara has over jet lag. Look for a mascara formulated to give your lashes instant volume to help add a little polish to your look. Some prefer a waterproof mascara to ensure it stays put all the way through passport control and beyond. If you prefer non-waterproof mascara, keep your makeup remover handy for any smudges post-flight.
11. A Clear Cosmetic Bag
Last, but not least, keep all your in-flight beauty essentials organised and security check-friendly with a clear cosmetics bag. Not only does this make travelling through security a breeze, but it also makes it easier to see where all your essentials are. If you can get your paws on a water-proof beauty bag, that’s even better.
Feeling a little flat post-flight? Book in for a pampering session like no other at your local David Jones. From luxury skincare services to 5-minute complimentary makeovers, this is Your Guide To David Jones’ Instore Beauty Services.