Long flight coming up? No problem! Turn your plane seat into a salon chair with these on-board beauty hacks…
An overseas flight might not be the most exciting experience, but what if we told you that you could use the time wisely and undertake a complete on-board beauty routine?
From in-flight facials to a mid-air manicure, we’ve put together our top beauty hacks that can all be done from your plane seat – welcome aboard!
For the face
It’s no secret that the air in an aeroplane can wreak havoc on our skin. At 35,000 feet, humidity levels drop, drawing moisture away from the skin, leaving us feeling (and looking) less than fresh by the time we reach the arrivals hall.
“The low humidity levels in an aeroplane can cause dehydration, leading to dryness and a dull appearance,” confirms Dr Magnus Lynch, Harley Street consultant dermatologist and surgeon. What’s more, “changes in atmospheric pressure, as well as exposure to ultraviolet radiation through plane windows, can stress the skin.”
Due to said dryness, our skin can produce more sebum to compensate, which may lead to clogged pores and congestion. The good news is that, according to Dr Lynch, there are several ways to boost hydration and protect skin in-flight so that you land looking refreshed. Here’s how…
When humidity is low, water evaporates from the skin, leaving it thirsty”
1. Give yourself an in-flight facial
Once on-board, drench the skin in barrier-boosting products. This step is especially key for drier skin types, as low humidity and recycled air can worsen skin dryness. “When humidity is low, water evaporates from the skin, leaving it thirsty,” explains Dr Lynch.
His advice? “Apply a hydrating facial mist, followed by a moisturiser or a sheet mask, to help maintain the skin’s moisture levels during the flight.” He also recommends never misting without moisturising – as a mist that’s formulated with humectants (such as hyaluronic acid) will simply evaporate and leave skin drier than before. Always trap the moisture afterwards with a cream.
When shopping for serums, moisturisers and mists, Dr Lynch recommends “looking for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful hydrator, and ceramides that reinforce the skin barrier,” as well as brightening and protective vitamins C and E to help give dull skin a well-rested glow.
2. Stay hydrated
Hydrating skincare is one piece of the on-board puzzle. Another is drinking plenty of water. According to the Aerospace Medical Association, we should drink eight ounces (about 0.25 litres) of water for every hour that we’re in the sky. So, make sure you always have a bottle to hand.
You might also want to avoid drinking too much alcohol and caffeine, Dr Lynch adds, as both can dehydrate you – and they can make jet lag worse, too.
3. Boost lymphatic flow
Before you press play on your next podcast, take a few minutes to get up and move around the plane before treating your skin to a little massage.
Due to high altitude and air pressure, our lymph flow can slow down in-flight – leading to swelling and puffiness. Apply a facial oil or silky serum before gently massaging it in with sweeping and tapping motions. This, alongside moving, can help stimulate those lymph nodes.
4. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
As Dr Lynch mentioned before, ultraviolet radiation can still reach us through aeroplane windows. To help shield skin from UV rays, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or above) prior to flying. And if you’re travelling somewhere hot, top up just before you land to help build up your defences for some holiday sun.
Travel-friendly minis to take with you on-board
Try: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for all skin types
• Removes make-up
• Cruelty-free
• Cloth included
If you’re catching an early flight, pack this hot cloth cleanser from Liz Earle and wash your face once you’re aboard (or at the airport). Creamy, gentle and hydrating, the award-winning formula is brimming with moisturising cocoa butter and soothing chamomile.
Try: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm SPF20
• Size: 15ml
• SPF20
• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Portable squeeze tube
• Moisturises lips
• Non-sticky
Dr Lynch also recommends adding a lip balm to your carry-on bag. This one, from Elizabeth Arden, has a silky, lightweight texture that melts into lips, delivering a burst of moisture that will help keep them soft and supple for the duration of the flight.
Try: Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray for Sensitive Skin
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Calms and soothes
• Refreshing feel
A refreshing pick-me-up, this light water mist from Avène instantly soothes skin with its hydrating formula that contains the brand’s iconic thermal spring water. Spritz onto cleansed skin before applying a moisturiser.
Try: Revolution Skin X Sali Hughes – Face Blanket Facial Oil
• Size: 30ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly*
• Cruelty-free
If your skin’s especially dry, reach for this golden elixir containing squalane and a blend of safflower seed, apricot kernel, olive, strawberry seed, sweet almond, avocado and jojoba seed oils. Massage two to three drops into clean skin to get your blood flowing and help dial down puffiness.
Try: Soltan Age Defence Advanced 8hr Protect Facial Sun Care SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• SPF30
• 5-star UVA rating
• Water-resistant
• Vegan-friendly*
Skincare meets suncare in this high-factor sunscreen with a maximum 5-star UVA rating. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing and enriched with hyaluronic acid, it helps protect and hydrate in one fell swoop.
For the eyes
Hey, they don’t call them red-eye flights for nothing. Between the lack of sleep and the cabin air, our eyes can also really feel the effects of flying. Even if you’re not jetting off on an overnight flight, giving your eyes some on-board TLC is super important, plus it’ll help you feel fresh for landing.
1. Apply a mask
Whether you go for a full-size mask or under-eye pads, cooling masks are a must to keep your eye area feeling fresh and hydrated. Simply put them on during the flight to keep any puffiness at bay!
2. Pop in some drops
Eye drops can be great for tired or dry eyes. Pack some in your hand luggage and pop them in during the flight to relieve your peepers if they’re feeling a little dehydrated.
Travel-friendly eye products to take with you on-board
Try: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Gel Eye Cream
• Size: 5ml
• Lightweight gel texture
• Non-comedogenic
• Ophthalmologist-tested
The skin around our eyes is thinner and more delicate than that on the rest of our face – which is why it’s especially prone to dryness up in the sky. To boost moisture and help reduce puffiness, apply this water-gel eye cream that’s laced with hydrating hyaluronic acid.
For the hair
While our skin definitely feels the dehydrating effects of flying, our hair can often be left a little frazzled too. Not to worry though, we’ve got a couple of hacks to keep your mane totally tame while on the plane!
1. Pop in conditioner
As we’ve said, hair tends to go a little lank during a flight – especially an overnight one. This is where leave-in conditioner can come in very handy.
Spritz a little on the lengths and ends of your hair during your journey to inject a bit of shine back into your tresses.
Top tip: If hair is looking a little flat, spray dry shampoo into the roots too – hello instant pick-me-up!
2. Go curly
Why not make the most of all this spare time spent in the air and get a bit of volume going? Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, a heatless curling option is a great way to get your hair destination ready.
We love a headwrap or heatless rollers for this, as they’re not only plane-friendly, but they’re great for avoiding heat damage too!
Travel-friendly haircare to take with you on-board
Try: Batiste Leave In Dry Conditioner
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for most hair types
• Vegan-friendly*
This no-rinse conditioning foam transforms the lengths and ends of your hair, leaving it soft, smooth and shiny. It’s specially designed to absorb quickly and without making a mess, and the summery scent will leave you smelling gorgeous!
Try: OUAI Leave In Conditioner Travel Size
• Size: 45ml
• With amino acid and tamarind seed extract
The perfect size to pop in your hand luggage, this multi-use leave in hair mist is infused with amino acid, tamarind seed extract and panthenol to strengthen, hydrate and condition your hair. Simply spray it in and let it work its magic!
Try: Kitsch Satin Heatless Pillow Rollers
• Pack of 6
• Soft marble shade
Once you’re situated in your designated seat, simply roll and snap these Kitsch Satin Heatless Pillow Rollers to create gorgeous classic waves. The luxury satin prevents breakage and glides through your hair without tugging, plus your tresses will thank you for avoiding the heat!
For the hands and feet
And the beauty routine doesn’t have to stop there! Between a mini manicure or moisturising socks, there’s plenty of things you can do on board to treat your hands and feet too.
1. Give yourself a mani
We’ve all been there. Last minute holiday panic and you’ve run out of time to get your nails done! But fear not, it’s super easy to give yourself a manicure on the plane.
Pack a travel size nail kit – we’re talking clippers, nail file and buffer – and use the flight time to spruce up those hands. Pop on a cuticle oil, and you’ll be ready to slick on your fave nail varnish as soon as you hit your destination.
2. Don’t forget the hand cream
As we’ve mentioned, it’s really important to keep skin hydrated on planes, and this extends to our hands too!
Make sure to bring a hand cream with you and reapply throughout the journey. We love going for a lavender-scented one as it not only smells great, but also helps us sleep!
Top tip: Give yourself a mini hand massage while you’re at it for extra relaxation.
3. Treat those toes
For the full beauty experience, don’t forget your toes too. A mini pedicure isn’t out of the question, but if you feel a bit weird about getting your feet out on the plane, why not try a pair of moisture socks instead?
Pop them on once you’re settled in your seat, and then sit back, relax, and let them do their thing.
Travel-friendly nail products to take with you on-board
Try: Fenty Skin Mini Hydra Reset Instant Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask
• Size: 30ml
• Contains plant extracts and glycerin
• Leave-on product
• Vegan-friendly*
Restore your hand’s moisture with Fenty Skin’s Hand Mask. Loaded with glycerin, fruit oils and plant extracts, the nourishing formula leaves hands feeling super soft, hydrated and smelling of tropical fruits. Divine!
Try: Burt’s Bees® Moisturising Hand Cream with Shea Butter, Lavender & Honey
• Size: 23.8g
• 99% natural
• Non-greasy
• Dermatologist-tested
Infused with baobab oil, pumpkin seed oil and shea butter, this luxurious hand cream from Burt’s Bees® nourishes and soothes hands with all-day moisture. Plus, the botanical-blend fragrance of lavender and honey is both delicious and relaxing.
So whether you’re flying off on holiday or travelling for work, you’ll be destination ready in no time with these top in-flight beauty hacks. Happy travels!
