Let’s face it; unless you’re travelling first class on a premier airline, air travel is not exactly the most relaxing activity. When you’re in an airport, and you see a group of people who’ve just come off a ten or fifteen-hour flight, you can see the collective stress on their faces, and most of them could use some freshening up.

In this blog, we’ll go over some tips to keep you fresh and radiant once you disembark, despite flying for long periods of time. All it takes is a little help from some primary beauty products and a little know-how of how to work them into your flight’s schedule.

Remove your Hours-Old Makeup with Clean Hands

Air travel can be dehydrating and stressful for your skin. To ensure your skin remains healthy and hydrated throughout your journey, it’s essential to establish a pre-flight skincare routine. This routine focuses on cleansing, moisturizing, and minimising the impact of air travel on your skin’s delicate balance.

1. Prioritise Hand Hygiene:

• Clean hands are essential: Before touching your face, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This prevents the transfer of dirt and germs to your skin.

2. Remove Makeup Gently:

• Use gentle cleansers: Utilize makeup remover wipes or a gentle cleanser to effectively remove all traces of makeup, including foundation, mascara, and eyeliner.
• Consider skipping foundation: For shorter flights (approximately five hours or less), consider skipping the foundation application before leaving for the airport. This simplifies the makeup removal process upon arrival.

3. Time Your Skincare Routine:

• Plan for in-flight touch-ups: If your flight is five hours or less, aim to complete your skincare routine approximately one hour before landing.
• Avoid last-minute routines: Performing your skincare routine too close to landing may prevent you from using the airplane’s lavatory as the cabin crew may instruct passengers to secure their belongings and remain seated.

Don’t Forget to Moisturise

Air travel can significantly dehydrate your skin due to the low humidity levels in the cabin. To combat these effects, it’s crucial to incorporate a mid-flight skincare routine:

1. Cleanse and Hydrate:

• Gentle Cleansing: After several hours of flight, gently cleanse your face with travel-sized makeup remover wipes or a mild, alcohol-free cleanser. Ensure your hands are clean before touching your face to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
• Hydrating Toner: Apply a hydrating toner to replenish moisture and balance your skin’s pH.
• Moisturize: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or other humectants to counteract the dehydrating effects of cabin air.

2. Enhance with Sheet Masks:

• Intensive Hydration: If time permits, consider using a hydrating sheet mask for an intensive moisture boost. Look for masks infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts to nourish and revitalize your skin.

3. Body and Eye Care:

• Body Hydration: Apply a travel-sized body butter or balm to combat dry skin and maintain skin elasticity.
• Minimize Under-eye Puffiness: Utilize under-eye patches to minimize the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

4. Hair Care:

• Prevent Dryness: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to nourish and protect your hair from the drying effects of cabin air.
• Minimize Frizz: Consider braiding your hair to minimize frizz and protect it from friction.

Enhance Your Routine:

• Warm Compress: After removing makeup, consider asking the flight attendant for a hot hand towel. This will open your pores, allowing for better product absorption.
• Hydration from Within: Drink plenty of water before and during the flight to maintain adequate hydration levels from within.
• Travel-Sized Essentials: Pack your skincare products in travel-sized containers to comply with airline regulations and for easy access during the flight.

Ready for Some Makeup

Air travel can leave your skin feeling dull and your complexion looking tired. To ensure you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and confident, consider a quick in-flight makeup touch-up. This guide provides tips for achieving a natural and polished look while adhering to airline regulations and maximizing your comfort during the flight.

1. Timing is Key:

• Plan Ahead: Aim to begin your makeup application approximately 45 minutes before landing, allowing ample time for application while adhering to flight crew instructions. Avoid applying makeup during critical phases of flight.

2. Minimalist Approach:

• Lightweight Coverage: Opt for a BB cream or a tinted moisturizer for sheer, natural coverage. These lightweight formulas are easy to apply and minimise the risk of spills or messes.

3. Conceal and Define:

• Conceal Imperfections: Conceal dark circles, under-eye bags, and any blemishes with a concealer.
• Shape the Brows: Define your brows with a brow pencil or powder to frame your face and enhance your features.

4. Eye-Catching Accents:

• Brighten the Eyes: Apply a touch of white or champagne eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the eyes and reduce the appearance of redness.
• Define with Mascara: Finish with a coat of lengthening or volumizing mascara for added definition.

5. Lip Colour:

• Subtle Enhancement: Complete your look with a touch of your favourite lip balm or a subtle lip tint for a hint of colour.

Tips for In-Flight Makeup Application:

• Travel-Sized Essentials: Pack your makeup in travel-sized containers to comply with airline regulations and for easy access during the flight.
• Minimise Mess: Use a small mirror and apply makeup carefully to avoid spills or messes.
• Consider a Compact: Opt for a BB cream or foundation in a compact format for easier application and to minimize spills.

Extra Tip: Invest in Some Sleeping Accessories

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, and it significantly impacts your skin’s appearance. During deep sleep, the body undergoes vital regenerative processes:

• Increased Blood Flow: Blood flow to the skin is boosted, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen.
• Enhanced Collagen Production: Collagen production is increased, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Improved Nutrient Distribution: The distribution of vitamins and minerals throughout the body is enhanced, supporting healthy skin function.

However, the confined and often noisy environment of an aeroplane can make it challenging to achieve restful sleep. To optimize your sleep quality during flight and maximize the beauty benefits, consider these strategies:

• Invest in Comfort:
  • Travel Accessories: Pack comfortable travel accessories such as a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones to create a more restful environment.
  • Optimize Sleep Position: Adjust your seating position to maximize comfort and minimize discomfort. Consider using a small pillow or rolled-up clothing to support your neck and head.
• Dietary Considerations:
  • Avoid Stimulants: Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption before and during the flight, as these substances can disrupt sleep patterns, dehydrate the body, and exacerbate the effects of jet lag.
  • Light Meals: Opt for light meals and snacks before and during the flight to avoid feeling sluggish and bloated.

Don’t Worry About Your Car

If leaving your vehicle in an airport stresses you out, keeping you from getting your rest and looking your best, Alpha Airport Parking has got your back. We offer safe and secure airport parking services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

We can also treat your car to some professional washing and detailing services while you’re away, so it’ll look as beautiful as you when you get back. Visit our website today to secure your reservation.