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When I’m traveling, one of the big considerations is my beauty routine — I am a beauty editor after all. My typical multi-step morning and evening routine has to be pared down and carefully curated to multipurpose products in travel-size containers to save space and fit TSA-requirements for carry-on bags. However, I still want to maintain my healthy glow and keep my skin feeling and looking good on vacation. Plus, that super dry plane air can wreck havoc on your skin.
So I turned to the travel pros — flight attendants — to learn about their favorite skincare products and the beauty items they always bring for long flights and travel days. Keep reading for the list of essentials they pack to keep their skin in top shade while traveling.
The Pre-Flight Routine
IT Cosmetics ByeBye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
“This is one of my travel OG products,” says Merci Mig, a JetBlue Airlines flight attendant for 10 years and a licensed esthetician for the last 13 years. “From the first time I used this I knew it was something I could not take flight without — it’s rich in Vitamin C, Rosehip (my favorite hydrating ingredient), ceramides and shea butter, all super hydrators that help to prep my skin for the harsh airplane air. Not only does it remove all my makeup, giving me complete and refreshed cleanse, but I also use it as a hydrating mask. I place it all over my skin and let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and it leaves my skin so bright and hydrated! This product is a must-have!”
Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
“This toner helps retain moisture for the duration of the flight,” says Jasmine Sanchez, Director of Trip Support for Speedbird, a private jet charter service. “It only takes a few spritzes of this to achieve plumped and revitalized skin. You can re-apply as often as you want and never feel dry throughout the flight.”
IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Eye Opening Mascara & Lash Serum
“I love this mascara for so many reasons, but the wear time on it truly is the standout,” says Mig. “The unique brush also allows me to use as much or as little as I would like and to really get an even coat along the entire lash. No touchups needed, no fall off and no shadowing. It also washes away with ease at the end of a travel day.”
Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
Eye serums are the perfect go-to for long trips because they help avoid puffiness and dark circles, Sanchez says. “The rollerball applicator provides a convenient and easy way to apply the eye serum and results are quickly visible.”
While In Air
Holika Good Cera Super Ceramide Moisture Balm
This balm specifically works in many capacities, because you can use it anywhere you have parched, dry or cracked skin, Mig says. “I love to use it as an additional moisturizer on super long travel days. This product carries an acidity level of 5.5 which is optimal for the skin. Using my ring finger I’ll allow the product to warm up, then I’ll dab some around the orbital bone, lips and tip of my nose and cuticles. A very little goes a long way with this balm.”
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
These are the best for a quick pick-me-up, Sanchez says. “We often don’t have a lot of time between flights, and these eye patches work in a snap. Plus, their discreet design is perfect for passengers who want to stay hydrated while in flight.”
Seraphine Botanicals Fruit Butter Lip Mask
This Seraphine lip mask is a nightstand essential, both at home and especially in dry hotel rooms, Mig says. Shea butter and apricot kernel oil envelop the lips in a hydrated and dewy finish. “Lips are the first to get dehydrated on the airplane, so taking care of them before and after the flight are just as important as the rest of your skin care routine.”
Slather this on, then be ready for airport pickup kisses!
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This hand cream is not only affordable, but also highly nourishing, making it easier to beat the harsh effects of the recycled air on flights, Sanchez says. “It’s designed for the harshest environments so you can trust it to protect your hands against the dry plane air.”
Post-Flight Skin Rehab
Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask
“This mask was introduced to me by another flight attendant friend of mine on her journeys over in the UK,” Mig says. “I will not leave home without this now. I use this over my night cream as a hydrating sleep mask and boy do you see a difference when you wake up! It’s in the perfect travel size and elevates your entire nighttime skin routine. When you wake up, skin is visibly refreshed and rested. On days where I may be on an airplane but not working, I’ll use this over my daytime skin routine for an extra boost.”
Inky List Rosehip Nourishing Night Oil
“I use this oil at night to hydrate and help aid in the appearance of texture that my dehydrated skin takes on during the day. I also use it on my makeup-free days to boost hydration,” Mig says.
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