Looking fresh-faced and immaculate after a long haul flight is no easy task, even for the most seasoned travellers. When you’re dealing with dry, pressurised cabins at 35,000 feet and above, it’s no wonder why us mere mortals often land feeling a little worse for wear.
So how is it that flight attendants always look so polished and put together? Even after 15 hours of flying, their hair is never out of place and their skin always looks luminous.
We decided to get the lowdown once and for all, and asked Margaret Lai, Flight Purser at Cathay Pacific to share her top travel beauty tips and tricks.
1. Organise & Downsize Your Beauty Essentials in Advance
In order to tackle the dry cabin air, you need a smart arsenal of beauty products on standby. Don’t be put off by the 100mL liquid limit on international trips – you can still pack your beauty must-haves in your carry-on luggage, provided you get organised ahead of time. Throughout the year, be on the lookout for gift with purchases to stock up on travel sized beauty samples. If all else fails, purchase a few sample containers from the pharmacy or a pharmacy online and fill them with your beauty products from home. I always travel with makeup wipes, blotting paper, a good face moisturiser, hydration sheet masks and a rich hand cream.
2. Skip The Airport Food
The excitement of an overseas holiday can tempt overindulgence. However, what you eat and drink has a direct correlation with how your skin looks. Airport terminals are often filled with fast food options and meals that are salt, sugar and grease laden. Avoid eating these foods as they are dehydrating for your body and skin. Rather, eat a healthy meal at home before you head out to avoid temptations, and pack some healthy snacks in your bag to curb any cravings.
3. Make Smart Drink Choices
Air at high altitudes has very little moisture, making your skin feel tight and dehydrated when flying. As a result, water is an absolute essential and should be your only drink of choice. Sip on water consistently pre, during and post flight to ensure maximum hydration from the inside out. Avoid alcohol or caffeine – both work to dehydrate the skin. If it’s too hard to bypass the inflight wine list, compensate by drinking two glasses of water for every glass of wine.
4. Pack Your SPF
There’s a common misconception that SPF is not necessary when you’re on a plane. Not quite true! Flying doesn’t make you less prone to the harmful and ageing effects of UV rays – especially if you’ve picked a window seat. The same sun safety rules apply so pack a travel sized sunscreen and apply across your face and neck after you’ve boarded to protect your skin.
5. Establish A Pampering Ritual Inflight
If you want to land with a luminous and glowing complexion, an inflight pampering ritual is a must-do. I always apply a hydration sheet mask for an instant boost of moisture. Sheet masks are a traveller’s dream because they’re disposable – always pack a few for a return trip. After the mask, seal in the moisture with a rich layer of your favourite moisturiser. If you have extremely dry skin, mix in a few drops of rosehip oil for safe measure. When flying long haul, feel free to repeat the above every few hours.
6. Don’t Wear Makeup
I always avoid wearing makeup when I’m flying as a passenger. Allowing your skin to breathe will do wonders for your skin. It also gives you the freedom and flexibility to consistently reapply moisturiser throughout the flight without the hassle of removing makeup – as per the tip above.
7. Get Your Zzz’s
Planning on staying up throughout the flight to catch up on movies? As tempting as this sounds, it’s best to aim for a good shut-eye when flying. After all, no amount of skin care or make up can trump the benefits of a good night’s sleep. This will also show on your skin! If you struggle to sleep on planes, get organised and come prepared. Pack eye plugs and a silk eye mask (these help to decrease any crinkles you get from sleeping). Add a spritz of soothing lavender spray for an extra kick.
8. Refresh Right Before Landing
The secret to looking your best when you land is all in the timing. One hour before landing, start freshening up. Blot away any excess oil using blotting paper, followed by makeup wipes to refresh and a layer of face moisturiser for soft, supple skin. Finally, apply your makeup 30 minutes before landing so that it stays nice and fresh.
Info from Margaret Lai, Flight Purser at Cathay Pacific.
Margaret Lai is a Flight Purser at Cathay Pacific. She has been part of the in-flight crew for 7 years and flies mainly between Hong Kong to New York/Toronto (15-16 hour flight).
