Air Travel Beauty Essentials
Summer travel season has arrived and not a moment too soon in my opinion. I never hesitate to hop on a plane to an exotic locale, preferably one that offers respite from the stifling Washington summer. Air travel, however, wreaks havoc on one’s looks; stale, dry cabin air can leave you with distressingly desiccated skin and hair. But don’t worry, I have some choice tips to help you look and feel gorgeous during your flight and upon arrival at your destination.
Assemble the following items in a small bag that’s readily accessible in your carry-on to create the ultimate in-flight beauty essentials kit:
Hair
To combat dryness, I like to smooth a bit of rose-jasmine argan oil on the ends of my hair before pulling it up in a messy topknot. Those whose hair tends to be oily will find dry shampoo indispensable to air travel. It absorbs oil, boosts body and keeps your hair feeling fresh.
Skin
Do not underestimate the power of the dry cabin air to undermine your good looks. It can quickly dehydrate your skin and create imbalances. I typically experience the skin around my eyes and cheeks becoming dry and flaky while the oiliness and irritation around my chin and forehead increases. To balance things out I always carry cleansing wipes on long flights. Try Yes to Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Wipes for gentle, yet deep pore cleansing. Drier, sensitive complexions may find Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water more suitable; it’s a mild, soothing cleanser that doesn’t require a sink to use.
Next, I freshen and hydrate my skin with a facial mist such as Skyn Iceland Arctic Face Mist, and slather on a sleep masque to lock in moisture. I must confess that I can never sleep on planes so I apply Sky Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels to prevent puffiness and under-eye wrinkles. My final step: a light dusting of Silk Naturals Ultimate Luxury Treatment Powder. Designed as a night treatment, this powder softens and conditions your skin with silk protein, pearl extract and rose powder.
Always pack a good hand cream on a long flight. On my last transatlantic journey I relied on Nubian Heritage Coconut and Papaya Hand Cream to keep my hands perfectly moisturized with its blend of coconut oil, shea butter, papaya and comfrey extract.
Hydration
Keep hydrated from within by drinking plenty of water (as everyone always tells you!). I suggest adding a shot of aloe vera juice to mineral water for enhanced hydration that will keep your skin glowing.
Sleep
Sleeping can be difficult, but if you can manage, it will help you look and feel better after a long flight, so it’s worth investing in a good neck pillow and sleep mask in the hope of catching some elusive in-flight sleep.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.