Have you ever wondered, how do flight attendants look so radiant and immaculate, even after a 15-hour flight?
For most of us, long haul flights are gruelling and can take a serious toll on our skin thanks to high altitude air and dry, pressurised cabins. A glamourous touchdown and a post-flight glowing complexion is almost unheard of.
Margaret Lai, Flight Purser at Cathay Pacific has been flying 15-16 hour flights for over 7 years, so needless to say, she knows a thing or two about nailing inflight beauty.
Here are 4 travel beauty tips and tricks Margaret swears by to ensure she always looks her best after flying.
Pack an Arsenal of Beauty Essentials in Your Carry On
When flying long haul, always pack beauty essentials like makeup wipes, blotting paper, face moisturiser, hydration sheet masks and a good hand cream in your carry-on luggage. Work with the 100mL international liquid limit by getting organised in advance. Stock up on travel sized products throughout the year – either through purchasing directly from your favourite brands or via gift with purchases. Alternatively, buy some sample containers from your pharmacy and fill them up with beauty products from home.
Prioritise Hydration – From The Inside Out
Cabin air can dry out the skin and in order to counteract this, you need to work hard to replenish moisture. Say no to alcohol and caffeine – both options dehydrate the skin – and stick to water only. Start sipping before you depart, and maintain this during and post flight for optimal hydration. Upon boarding the plane, pop on a sheet mask for an intense kick of hydration (these are disposable and super easy to travel with). Seal in the moisture with a rich face cream mixed with a few drops of rosehip oil. Don’t forget your hands too! Slather on a rich hand cream and slip into cotton gloves. Repeat the above throughout the flight and you’ll land with soft, supple skin.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Good skin care and makeup helps but sleep is what your skin needs the most. Avoid drinking coffee on the day of departure or any other caffeinated drinks. Pack ear plugs to sound off unwanted noises and a silk eye mask to block out light (they also help decrease any crinkles you get from sleeping). If all else fails, try a spritz of soothing lavender spray to help you relax and doze off. They don’t call it a ‘beauty sleep’ for nothing.
Get Moving
No one likes the feeling of feeling bloated after flying. Avoid the discomfort by increasing your circulation throughout the flight. Get up once every few hours to walk around, perhaps back and forth to the bathroom. Do some stretches while you’re up. If your seat extends into a flat bed, raise your legs when you sleep, using the pillows or blankets provided. Alternatively, do some in-seat exercises or wear compression socks – they work really well.
As a bonus tip – apply your makeup 30 minutes before landing to ensure you look nice and fresh.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
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).
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