I have had a really busy summer flying here, there and everywhere with work. I am super lucky to be able to count international travel as one of my work benefits, but I have had the unexpected side effect of my skin really suffering. My face is now much more oily than it used to be and my hands are more dehydrated. I’ve most definitely learnt the importance of chugging a couple of litres of water a day and I’m starting to master the art of packing flight essentials in one small, plastic bag where everything has to be under 100ml. Now is the time to pass on my wisdom!
So what do I have to have with me on a flight – whether it’s 1 hour or 10 hours?
- Make up removing wipes
As soon as I get onto a plane for a long-haul flight, I take off any make up I might have been wearing that day. This helps me keep my skin clear and clean and stops me landing at the other end with panda eyes because I’ve rubbed my eyes in the dry air. This one is dead simple, but so easy to forget. I use Boots Essentials Cucumber wipes for all skin types – they’re often on offer for 3 for £3, which is great value as each pack contains 25 wipes.
2. A super hydrating facial moisturiser
When you’re on a plane, everything gets shrivelled up and dries out like a Sunmaid raisin. You might not be able to see it, but if you fly often enough, you start to feel it very quickly. I used to always get one bad spot every time I got on a plane and I was terrified of putting on moisturiser because I thought it would make my skin more oily. In fact, the reverse is true. I was getting spots because my skin was producing more oil to make up for the fact that the air is so dry and recycled. So once you’ve taken your make up off, make sure you put on some moisturiser because if you keep your skin moisturised, it will not go into oil overdrive. I currently swear by Clinique’s Moisture Surge. It’s so lightweight, it melts into the skin without being sticky or oily. Yes it’s expensive (£34 for 50ml) BUT it lasts a long time and it’s not called Extended Thirst Relief for nothing. Find out more from the five star reviews on the Clinique website.
3. Quickly absorbed hand cream
This might be slightly cheating, but I discovered this little gem thanks to British Airways, who give it away on their in-flight goody bags. The cream I’m talking about is Elemis Pro Radiance Hand and Nail Cream. It smells really yummy and absorbs instantly into my skin, without weight or tackiness. Again, it’s another expensive treat (£25 for 100ml) but I think it’s really worth it. It’s also stacked full of anti-ageing ingredients and has won a stack of awards! What’s not to like?
4. A conditioning lip balm
This choice is a LOT more purse friendly. I love the Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner, which you’ll be pleased to hear is only £2.69 from Boots! It lasts a long time, has a neutral taste (I find if a lip balm tastes sweet I end up licking it off…), is small and easily portable and is gentle enough for regular use. Nuff said.
5. A big, squishy eye mask
It’s difficult to sleep on planes – they are noisy, often too cold or too hot, there are people all around you and the seats are not exactly known for being comfortable or in fact sleep-friendly. But it is really important to be able to relax while you’re flying. An eye mask can really help you switch off because the gentle pressure on your eyes makes you feel more relaxed. I have a personal preference for soft eye masks rather than silky ones, but the silkier fabrics are good for not dragging on your skin. My personal favourite is one I found from Body Kind online. It’s made by Aroma Home and costs £9.99. It’s big enough to not let light in around the edges, it moulds gently to my face, it has a calming lavender scent and is soft against my skin. I even bought Andrew one and now he can’t sleep without it!
While I’m here, a few other flying tips from me!
- Drink as much water as possible – it’s easy to get dehydrated
- Don’t go crazy on the booze – you’ll just feel awful when you land
- ALWAYS pack a scarf – they’re versatile, keep you warm and can double up as an eye mask or hair wrap if needs be
- Don’t wear earrings – they’ll dig in if you’re trying to sleep
- Don’t forget to carry a number of hair bobbles and hair grips with you to keep your hair off your face (pro tip – I like to plait my hair for long-haul flights to keep it in check)
I hope that has all been useful – do you have any other products you swear by when you’re on the road? If you liked this, I’ve got a post coming up shortly about what to wear when you’re flying. A topic I’ve found very difficult to get to grips with myself. Keep checking back for more updates!
♥ JH