Let’s do a quick travel checklist: eye mask? Got it. Noise-canceling headphones? Of course. Neck pillow? Yes. While those items are essential for many on the go, they aren’t the only things you need to pack. Remember the last time you took an early flight and noticed that your eyes were red or irritated by the time you got to your room? You might have assumed that your tired eyes were a side effect of your 6 a.m. departure time, but in actuality, the airplane cabin was the likely culprit.
The conditions inside a plane can be harsh on the eyes. Low humidity levels (usually 10% to 20%, which is much lower than the usual 30% to 50%), reduced air pressure (which drops the oxygen supply to the cornea), changes in climate and altitude (leading to dehydration) and drying high-intensity air vents can cause redness and itchiness. In short, the friendly skies create conditions for unpleasant eyes.
But with cosmetics brand Alchemy 43, there is help at 30,000 feet. The company has developed a product tailored to the jet set, the Drop Kit, that contains a pair of eyedrops to moisturize and brighten even the most inflamed eyes in one chic, portable bag.
When used together, the Hydrate and Rescue drops deliver a powerful solution for comforting relief. The former provide the remedy for hydration and protection. These drops soothe dry eyes and shield against the usual suspects, including excessive screen time, ensuring you can binge-watch Kristen Wiig’s entire oeuvre without worry on your eight-hour flight.
The Rescue drops ensure that no matter how jet-lagged you may feel, the outside world will never know. The redness relievers make even the weariest of eyes look white and bright.
What we love about this kit is that the drops not only assist with appearance, but they also improve overall eye health when used together. The foolproof regimen begins with one or two drops of Hydrate, described as a “glass of water” for the eyes, followed by a quick fix of the Rescue drops.
Nicci Levy, the founder and CEO of Alchemy 43, makes a compelling case for the drops being in every suitcase. “The Drop Kit is your secret weapon to looking and feeling your best while traveling,” Levy says. “Whether for business or pleasure, the change of environment causes additional dryness and redness in the eyes. Keeping a small and elegant Drop Kit with you and applying regularly is a surefire way to increase your comfort — and confidence — while keeping your eyes healthy and nourished.”
If that statement isn’t enough to earn the duo a place in your carry-on bag, the Drop Kit’s convenience should also be noted. The kit’s sleekly shaped box reveals a compact mirror, making applying the drops easier, even on the bumpiest of arrivals.
Hydrate and Rescue are the brand’s first forays into the eye wellness space, expanding beyond its original focus on reimagining the cosmetic injectable as a self-care ritual. Alchemy 43, named for the 43 muscles in the face, has aesthetics bars staffed by licensed medical practitioners in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston and Dallas, with plans to open in new markets.
