Keep your skin moisturized and fresh with these tips, tricks, and products.
It’s no secret that flying isn’t great for your skin—recycled cabin air can dry out your skin, lack of sleep can give you baggy eyes, and the stress of travel can lead to breakouts. If you don’t have an in-flight skincare routine, it’s time to establish one. The products you use during the flight should keep your skin clean, hydrated, and glowing. Here are our product suggestions for maintaining a healthy glow and looking fresh when you arrive at your destination.
Skip the Makeup
Yes, you want to look good while traveling, but wearing a full-face of makeup for a long flight can be damaging to your skin. If you’re getting on the plane, especially for a long or overnight flight, keep your makeup look simple by using a BB cream. Try the Embryolisse Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream, which also has SPF 20. This French cult-favorite can be found at drugstores and makes for a great all-in-one product, but you can also browse a huge selection at Sephora to find something that works with your skin tone and texture. Use a tinted moisturizing lip balm like Glossier’s Balm Dotcom for a little color on your lips that won’t dry them out. Whatever you do, skip the eye makeup. Mascara will only flake off during a flight, making your under-eye area appear dark (and making you look more sleep-deprived than you already are).
Try a Sleeping Mask
If you’re on a long-haul or overnight flight, add sleeping masks to your in-flight routine because there’s no reason you can’t give yourself a mini spa treatment to help pass the time. Sleeping masks are leave-on face masks that work while you sleep. Sleeping masks go on clear, so there’s no need to wash off the treatment. Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask is affordable and comes in a TSA-friendly size, or you can try out Night Shift from Eight Saints, which is a pricier (but overwhelmingly popular) alternative. Korean skincare brand Belif’s Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask might be the best bet, locking in hydration overnight with a delightful “pudding jelly” consistency and herbal ingredients.
INSIDER TIPRemember to drink plenty of water. Hydration happens from the inside-out, too.
Use a Silk Sleeping Mask
If you plan on trying to get some sleep, you’ll need an eye mask on the plane. Some airlines provide an eye mask, but you’ll want to stay away from material that might be itchy or irritating on your skin, like wool. Instead, opt for silk eye masks. They can be found almost anywhere: There are affordable options on Amazon, or you can channel Holly Golightly with Brooklinen’s Mulberry Silk Eyemask. The smooth fabric is gentle on the skin and the tight weave of the fibers helps hold moisture in.
Freshen Up When You Land
If your flight is landing in the morning and you have a full day of sightseeing (or god forbid, work) ahead, freshen up with a touch of makeup. A swipe of mascara does wonders to make your eyes appear wide awake. Add a dab of cheek balm or blush to look well-rested and refreshed.
