Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl
Okay I know, nobody looks their best after a flight. Somewhere between the recycled air, lack of sleep, and questionable cabin humidity, even the freshest complexion can end up looking a little worse for wear. Add in puffy eyes, dehydrated skin, and static-prone hair, and But before you go grabbing your hat and sunglasses and spending the flight looking like a celeb trying not to get recognised, the good news is this: landing fresh doesn’t require a 12-step skincare routine or a carry-on full of products. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks can make all the difference. Here’s exactly what I do before, during, and after every flight.
Before You Fly
Hydrate Before You Board
The best time to start thinking about hydration isn’t once you’re in the air – it’s the day before. At least. I try to increase my water intake in the lead-up to a flight and avoid relying solely on coffee once I get to the airport. It sounds obvious, but hydrated skin starts from within. Electrolyte sachets are easy to keep in your handbag, add to your water at the airport, or use in the days leading up to a flight. Not to mention they help you feel more awake and refreshed once you land, too.
Focus On Barrier Support
The night before travelling, I skip anything overly aggressive. No strong acids, peels, or retinol. Instead, I focus on hydrating serums, nourishing moisturisers, and barrier-supporting ingredients that help keep skin calm and comfortable throughout the journey. Weleda’s iconic Skin Food is a firm favourite – and comes in handy mini sizes. If it’s good enough for Bella Hadid…
Don’t Forget SPF
If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, SPF still matters. UVA rays can penetrate aircraft windows, making sunscreen a worthwhile final step before take-off. Many modern SPFs are also amazing for defending against blue light, pollution, and other aggressors, helping protect against whatever’s lurking in the cabin.
Ultra Violette ‘Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+’ – £34
In The Air
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
Cabin air is notoriously dry, so I always travel with a hydrating serum and moisturiser in my carry-on. Rather than constantly layering products, I’ll apply a generous amount once I’ve settled in and top up if my skin starts feeling tight. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll use a hydrating mist or I’ll whack a sheet mask on. It’s worth the strange looks you might get.
Augustinus Bader ‘The Rich Cream’ – £80
Never Fly Without Lip Balm
If there’s one product I refuse to board a plane without, it’s lip balm. Lips are often the first thing to suffer at altitude, so I keep one within easy reach throughout the flight. Lip masks are perfect if you can get your hands on one before you fly.
Laneige ‘Lip Sleeping Mask’ – £22
Add Eye Patches
Whether I’m heading straight to dinner, a meeting, or simply want to look more awake when I land, eye patches are one of my favourite travel beauty hacks. They instantly refresh and help reduce puffiness and make tired eyes look brighter, and they’re now totally socially acceptable thanks to pretty much every celeb under the sun donning them on board.
111Skin ‘Sub Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks’ – £50
Catch Some Zzz’s
No serum or sheet mask can compete with actual sleep, which I understand is a lot easier said than done when you’re sandwiched in a middle seat. A silk eye mask, comfortable neck pillow, and earplugs have become non-negotiable travel companions for helping me get as much rest as possible while flying.
Slip ‘Silk Neck Pillow’ – £126
After You Land
Cleanse And Start Fresh
One of the first things I do after arriving is cleanse my skin. After hours spent in recycled air, it instantly helps me feel more refreshed and ready to start the trip properly. Don’t go for anything over-foamy or packed with actives, as your skin will be more sensitive post-flight and needs something gentle and hydrating.
Kate Somerville ‘Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser’ – £16
Reach For Vitamin C
If my complexion is looking a little flat, vitamin C is usually my first port of call. It helps brighten the skin, restore radiance, and make me look significantly more awake than I probably feel. Just remember to apply your SPF after, of course.
Naturium ‘Vitamin C Complex Serum’ – £22
Wake Up Your Eyes
A few drops of hydrating eye drops can work wonders after a long-haul flight, helping to relieve dryness and reduce redness. Follow with a little concealer and mascara, and you’ll look considerably more rested.
Add A Fragrance
A travel-sized fragrance is always in my handbag. After hours on a plane, it’s the quickest way to feel refreshed, put together, and ready to start your holiday. The Jo Loves perfume paintbrushes are particularly perfect for travel and make it so easy to apply your scent wherever you are without having to coat everyone around you in fragrance.
Jo Loves ‘Orange Butterflies A Fragrant Paintbrush’ – £42
Get Your Steps In
My first instinct after landing is usually caffeine, but a brisk walk often does more for post-flight puffiness and sluggishness than another flat white ever could. Getting your circulation moving again helps reduce fluid retention and leaves you feeling far more human. This is a great time for those rehydration sachets, too.
