In-Flight Skincare Essentials

Anyone that knows me knows travelling is a huge part of my life. While I’m fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to feed my travel addiction pretty often, the past few years have also given me a whole new understanding of long haul flights and how incredibly dehydrating they can be on my skin.

I’ve spent the last while trying to perfect my in-flight skincare routine and find the right combination of products that will leave my skin feeling fresh after 6+ hours on a plane. I’m happy to say, I think I’ve finally found a pretty good combination that leaves my skin feeling healthy and me not looking like a hot mess when I land (cause really, who wants to start their holiday with their face feeling like a raisin).

With my next trip coming up this Friday (hello Italy, Austria & Switzerland), I figured it was a perfect opportunity to share what I’ve learned and what’s been working for me. Got any good recommendations for in-flight skincare? I’d love to hear them!

1. Drunk Elephant – Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Before getting on any flight I like to make sure I wash my face with a good cleanser so that everything is nice and clean. While airplane’s (and airports) are notoriously full of pollutants, at least giving my face a little wash before boarding ensures that I’m starting fresh.

Lately I’ve been loving Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, it’s free of fragrance & essential oils which makes it an ideal match for my somewhat sensitive skin and the emollients leave my skin feeling soft and smooth without dehydrating which is key for any pre-flight skincare.

2. The Face Shop – Real Nature: Bamboo Sheet Mask

Bare with me cause I understand it might feel a little ridiculous wearing a sheet mask on a plane but honestly why not give your skin a little pamper while watching whatever latest movie’s being featured on the in-flight entertainment?

The Face Shop has always been my go-to for sheet masks and I usually stock up on a ton at once so I have them on hand. The one I’m packing for this week’s flight is a hydrating bamboo mask which is super cooling and has a really lovely soothing effect that works as a great base for my in-flight skincare regime.

3. Drunk Elephant – B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum

Whether I’m on a flight or not, I honestly can’t live without Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum. It’s super lightweight, smells so fresh and leaves my skin feeling the absolute glowiest (is that a word?)

I use this serum twice daily in my regular routine so you better believe there’s no way I’m getting on a flight without it. Its formula of B5 and pineapple ceramide leaves my skin feeling incredibly nourished. Plus, bonus points for speedy absorption and the fact that it doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue like a lot of other moisturizing serums I’ve tried.

4. Kiehl’s – Calendula Serum Infused Water Cream

Lately I’ve been on the hunt for a new hydrating day cream and I think I found it in Kiehl’s Calendula Serum Infused Water Cream. Not only is it full of great natural ingredients but the fact that its a water cream means its super lightweight, bouncy and leaves my skin with a dewy finish.

The calendula oil, which is extracted from marigolds is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which makes it super soothing and healing, especially on sensitive skin like mine that can be prone to spontaneous breakouts with heavier creams and moisturizers.

5. Drunk Elephant – Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil

Can you tell I like Drunk Elephant products yet? Their Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil is another essential for my in-flight skincare routine thanks to how incredibly moisturizing it is. Its antioxidant-rich formula helps to reduce the effect of environmental stressors and free radicals, plus, it’s naturally antimicrobial which is a definite plus given how dirty planes can be.

I genuinely can’t believe how quickly it absorbs into my skin either. Rather than sitting on top of my moisturizer, its the perfect final step to lock in moisture for a long haul flight

6. Glow Recipe – Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist

I love keeping some sort of facial mist on hand throughout a flight so I can give my skin a quick refresh and add a little extra moisture back in before landing.

I recently picked up Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist and I’m excited to bring it along with me on this week’s overseas flight. True to its name I’ve found it to be super fine and lightweight so far and its formula which is full of hyaluronic acid and hibiscus AHA is perfect for softening and moisturizing skin especially on plane’s which can be about as hydrating as the Sahara desert. Bonus points because the watermelon scent smells delicious.

7. L’Occitane – Moisturizing Lip Balm

Keeping a good lip balm on hand is so key for any in-flight skincare routine. This moisturizing lip balm from L’Occitane is my current favourite with its shea butter formula but really any good lip balm will do the trick.

I always find my lips are the first thing to feel dehydrated on a flight so keeping something on hand that can help to restore some moisture is a must. Plus, a good lip balm is probably the easiest thing ever to fit in your carry-on bag so really there’s no excuse for dehydrated lips.