Somewhere between departure and arrival, my appearance can go from normal to, well, not. And while I can wait ‘til I get to my hotel to properly tend to the situation, time spent in-flight waits for no beauty.
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So if you’re planning on travelling anytime soon, I strongly suggest editing your beauty kit to a few of the following essential travel companions for a smooth and comfortable flight. Watch the video above to find out which of these I can’t fly without.
Want to arrive safe and sound? Don’t get on the plane without packing these first.
Sleeping mask
As someone who can fall asleep on a flight before take-off (yes, really), I take my zzzs pretty seriously. To make sure I’m not disturbed, I’ll use an eye mask to block out any unwanted distractions. This one ensures that my skin maintains moisture, so I snooze like a sleeping beauty, and not a sleeping wreck.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Lilysilk Silk Sleep Eye Mask
Lip balm
Second to sleep, the condition of my lips is super important. I wouldn’t dream of flying across the world without pucker protection. I won’t use a balm that doesn’t have SPF either, thanks to my extremely sensitive lips. I’ve been using this one for years – it’s like an extra limb. I completely trust it to do its job, thanks to all its lip-loving ingredients.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Mecca Cosmetica Lip De Luscious SPF 25, $28, Mecca
Lipstick
I’m a really low-maintenance traveller with my appearance. If I had it my way, I’d fly in pyjamas. That said, I’m not prepared to step off the plane in a mess, so while I won’t slap on a bright red lip, a quick swipe of this instantly boosts my appearance. The coolest thing about this balm is how it reacts to the natural colour of your lips to create your own unique lip colour. Low maintenance and magnificent!
bh’s Astrid recommends: Dior Addict Lip Glow, $45, Myer
Cold sore protection
And as someone who is (sadly) prone to cold sores, especially in the sunshine, I’m conscious of protecting my pout, 24/7. As much as I would rather give that precious travel-case space to something more glamorous, it’s gotta be done, because I refuse to arrive at my destination with a big, fat cold sore in tow. Even the smallest inkling of a tingle, and I’m ready to pounce!
bh’s Astrid recommends: ViraproX Lip Balm
Cheeks
To replace my favourite, powder blush while I’m mid-air, this is my go-to. The colour gives me an endless summer glow – a little insight into what’s to come. I’ll use it on my cheeks and eyes before landing so I don’t scare the other passengers with my greyed and dull complexion.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Charlotte Tilbury Lip To Cheek Beach Stick in Moon Beach, $55, charlottetilbury.com.au
Hand sanitiser
If my hands are dry, it really bothers me, and planes are the worst when it comes to dehydrated skin. This travel-size hand sanitiser is a lifesaver for a quick clean and invigorating hit of moisture to my dried-out hands, while also stopping germs dead in their tracks.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Palmolive® Hand Sanitiser in Sweet Pea
Haircare
If my hair wasn’t already prone to grease and limpness, it certainly is after 13 hours sitting on a plane. This texturising spray not only hides the grease, but helps my hair achieve lift-off, too. A quick spritz before I’m off the plane makes me a little less desperate to run for the closest shower.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Oribe Dry Texturising Purse Spray, $22, exclusive to certain salons
Perfume
I pack my perfume the same way I pack my shoes: I take a pair for every occasion. But while in transit, one will suffice. Spritzing mid-flight is risky, you don’t want the poor person next to you to get a mouthful, so a solid perfume is great for confined spaces (aka the plane). It’s always a good idea to keep any tester samples you pick up in department stores, too. Alternatively, if you’re a more reasonable packer who can get by with just one scent, a 30mL size won’t take up too much room, but won’t run out on day two of your tour, either.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau Solid Perfume, $51, diptyque.com.au, BYREDO Bal D’Afrique (sample size), Myer, Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne 30mL
Shampoo and conditioner (if you have a layover)
If there’s a chance I can wash my hair while I’m making my way to my destination, I’ll do it. But I’m also the kind of person who can start the day off with clean locks, and finish it with greasy ones, so this is a personal call. These cute-sized bottles are easy to pack and they’ve got UV protection, bonus. If you’re taking a long-weekend vacay or just need a refresher en route, pack these.
bh’s Astrid recommends: evo ritual salvation care shampoo and conditioner 50mL, $6.95
Skin boost
When you’re 30,000 feet in the sky, your skin is bound to cop some serious flak. The air that circulates inside a plane can dry your skin out in seconds, resulting in a dull and dehydrated complexion. Not the way you want to start your vacay! The answer is hydration – and lots of it.
This serum feels ah-mazing on the skin, and helps to plump for a supple, dewy, more holiday-appropriate appearance.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum
Eye balm
Along with my sensitive lips, I have sensitive eyes – lucky me, right? On top of eye drops, I’ll pack a cooling eye stick to help minimise the inevitable puff. It’s smooth, hydrating and glides on like a dream.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer
Deodorant
Thirteen hours without a shower – you’ll want this at an arm’s reach. The stick offers more moisture than a spray or roll-on, fends off sweat and keeps nasty odours at bay with the soft fragrance of cucumber and green tea. Mmmm, fresh.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Dove Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Dental
Fuzzy teeth aren’t fun for anyone, which is why I’d never step on board without a way to combat the problem. It’s amazing how much better you feel after a good brushing, and your travel companions will thank you for your consideration.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Colgate 360° Whole Mouth Clean Toothbrush
Face mist
A surge of refreshing mist on my face after a couple of hours on board feels like a trip to the spa for a facial. While others around me might be feeling the effects of the moisture-sapping air, a little spritz puts me on cloud nine.
bh’s Astrid recommends: Alpha-H Moisture Boosting Facial Mist
bh’s Astrid used…
Mecca Cosmetica ‘The Jet Set Travel Bag’, $60, Mecca
Looking forward to being able to travel again and use some of these sometime!