Flying can be a massive stressor, especially long hauls to see family or overseas trips for business. But with a little bit of prep, you can step off the plane looking your best and ready to go.
Here are some tips to keep you refreshed — even after a red-eye flight.
Keep it simple
We all want to be fashionable while traveling, but it’s best to keep your statement boots, thigh-highs and bold jewelry in your carry-on or suitcase for later. Wear slip-on shoes or sneakers, and loose-fitting clothing. This will help you get through security quicker, and it will help you avoid unsightly swelling of the ankles and feet.
Avoid wearing heavy makeup on the plane, since that can exacerbate skin irritation. Try a tinted moisturizer or a BB or CC cream.
Elevate your skin care regime
If you’re brave enough to wear a sheet mask on the plane, anti-aging expert Lisa Goodman, owner of GoodSkin LA, suggests putting on the Mesoestetic Crystal Fiber Mask. It promotes cellular renovation, speeds healing time and repairs the hydrolipidic layer to retain hydration.
If you’re really serious about hydration, Goodman has other recommendations: Glide a handheld LED light over the mask; this safe light therapy reportedly helps with inflammation and collagen stimulation. (You may want to go to the lavatory for this step, though, to avoid gawking from the guy sitting in 17D.)
Alternatively, you can apply Skin Medica’s HA5 — a serum with five different hyaluronic acids that binds water to skin and decreases fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Hydration doesn’t just mean drinking lots of water (although you should do that as well). Your moisture mission requires working from the inside and out, particularly since the recycled air in the cabin dehydrates skin. Pack your tools in your carry-on for easy access: nourishing eye drops, moisturizing under-eye creams, hand and body lotions, hydrating lip balms and vitamin C packets.
Caffeine, salt and alcohol add to dehydration and should be avoided. Airplane food can be high in sodium as well. Take along healthy snacks whenever possible: fruits, vegetables, salads with protein and unsalted nuts.
Relax and try to rest
Since you will be on the plane for a while, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. On longer flights, it’s important to get some sleep to make the most of your day once the plane lands.
Inhaling essential oils will help calm your nerves while you’re in the air. Try lavender and eucalyptus for their relaxation properties.
The aforementioned sensible clothing and shoes will keep you comfortable while you try to get some shut-eye. Bring a cashmere travel blanket in case the plane gets cold and an eye mask to block out your neighbor’s reading light.
Beautify right before landing
No one wants to step off the plane looking like she’s had a rough ride. Luckily, you’ll have some in-flight time to banish the bed head and puffy face, if you plan accordingly.
Use a facial towel wrapped around some ice and place it to your eye area to reduce swelling. Apply some light makeup or a moisturizer to restore luster to your complexion. Hide unruly hair with a nice scarf or hat.
Donna Wong is the owner of allureplus travel, a premier travel provider and destination specialist. Her dedicated and trusted team offers travel services worldwide for individuals and groups.