A jet-set life seems glamorous in theory, but parched skin, puffy red eyes and smudged makeup from a long-haul flight are not. Our ultimate travel style guide will show you how to look refreshed and chic every time you step off the plane.
PRE-BOARDING CALL
Before you even leave your house, give your face a good cleanse and exfoliation to and top it with a rich face moisturizer and eye cream. If you’re like me and just can’t stand going bare-faced, layer primer under foundation or tinted moisturizer and bring makeup removing wipes to clean your face before you sleep. Skip the eye makeup in order to avoid mid-sleep smudges, and finish with a moisturizing lip balm. Finally, in order to avoid static buildup, pull your hair into a loose bun or low ponytail.
To make your time on the flight a bit less stressful, book a window seat as far forward in the plane as possible so you won’t be interrupted with passenger bathroom breaks and you can have control of the window shade. Beware of the exit rows and final rows as the seats often don’t recline – use a site like Seat Guru to help compare seat options when you make your selections. When you arrive at the airport to check in, ask if there are any free or low-cost upgrades available for better sleeping arrangements, like being moved to an exit row with extra leg room.
3. Purity Makeup Removing Wipes // 4. Tieks by Gavrieli
Dress in wrinkle-free knit layers for temperature control—leggings, a nice tee, a cardigan or shawl and a scarf that can double as a head wrap at the end of the flight. Always bring socks as the plane floor can get chilly while you’re trying to sleep. If you fly frequently or are going on a long haul flight, consider purchasing a pair of compression socks in a fun pattern or color (I love the compression socks from Nabee – they are so much fun!) Easy slip ballet flats like Tieks not only look chic, fold in half to fit in your purse, and are easy to get on and off,.
Pack low-sodium snacks like nuts and fresh fruit, as well as an eye mask and ear plugs. Try not to bring a carry on that will take up precious legroom under the seat in front of you – but if you must make sure that you board early so that all of the overhead space is not already taken!
IN-FLIGHT ROUTINE
As you board, make sure to grab a blanket and pillow right away in case they are in short supply. If you have room, you can always pack your own in your carry-on (I get super weird about germs, so I always bring my own).
Start drinking water as soon as it’s offered to avoid dehydration. I often bring my own reusable water bottle and fill it up with a giant bottle of Evian as soon as I’m through security. Skip caffeine altogether, except perhaps right before your flight ends if you need a quick pick-me-up.
3. Lug Travel Blanket & Pillow Set // 4. EO Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray
5. bkr 500ml glass water bottle
Try not to touch your face to avoid introducing bacteria to your skin and causing breakouts that will take up residence during your trip. Instead, occasionally mist your face with a hydrating face spray and make sure to clean your hands often with an antibacterial wipe or gel.
Immediately before dozing, apply a rich hand cream to your hands and cuticles.
Before and after sleeping, take a stroll around the cabin to reinvigorate circulation. Feeling brave? Try some airplane yoga!
PREPARE FOR LANDING
There’s nothing like being awakened from a drooling, zombie-like slumber only to hear “Ladies and gentlemen, if you look to your right you’ll see the Eiffel Tower” and realize that you desperately have to pee but the seatbelt sign is back on, and that it’s time to put your seat back in the full upright position. Instead of experiencing pre-landing panic, set an alarm on your phone so you have some time to wake and freshen up before disembarking.
Ask the flight attendant for a couple ice cubes and a napkin to hold against your eyes to reduce any puffiness, or use an eye serum with caffeine an a rollerball to de-puff your eyes and diminish under eye circles. The bathrooms can be fairly gross (and busy) by the end of a flight, so a light-up mirror can be your best bet for some post-flight grooming.
3. Shiseido Oil-Control Blotting Paper // 4. Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up Highlighter
5. Tweezermate Travel Lighted Mirror // 6. Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder dry shampoo
A couple of drops of Visine will do the trick for red eyes, and blotting papers will help to combat oily skin. For an oily scalp or flat hair, apply a bit of dry shampoo and brush it through.
Dab on some concealer where necessary. Wake up your face with a bit of highlighter on your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and toward the inner corners of your eyes. Finish with a swipe of mascara on your top lashes and a bit of lip balm.
And of course, if all else fails, pop on a pair of sunglasses à la your favorite celeb.
What a great post of travel ideas, I loved it……thanks Erika!
This is such a great post, thank you! I’ve been wanting to try the all about eyes. If it works is be soo thankful!
You won’t be sorry – it is one of my absolute favorite products!
Oh my gosh I sooooo needed to read this today! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad you found it useful!
I saw that same travel pillow/blanket set on Oprah and have been coveting it since. I think you can even have it monogrammed at Neiman’s (you know us southern gals love our monograms!)
Yes! I love anything monogrammed! Super cool that Neiman’s does that – thanks for the heads up!
I love this! What a great article. I’ve been wanting to try a good highlighter – maybe I’ll give the Benefit one a go!
You’ll love it! One of my top 5 must-haves now.