In case you didn’t know it — aeroplane beauty routines are totally a ‘thing’. From supermodel Naomi Campbell to former Miss Universe Olivia Cuplo, it seems everyone has an in-flight beauty routine these days. And with good reason… because our skin and aeroplane air pressure definitely aren’t BFFs.
The air pressure inside a plane zaps the moisture from your skin and can leave it looking dull, puffy and irritated. If you’re worried your skin might feel a tad ‘parched’ after a long flight, it’s best to up the hydration from the inside out. That means making sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids — best skip the alcohol for after you land — and that your skin is well moisturised.
Here are our top beauty picks that’ll help you land the perfect in-flight beauty routine:
Cleanse
Before you even step onboard, be sure to wash your face. The recycled air in aeroplanes will dry out your skin, meaning that your skin is likely to absorb makeup and dirty. This oil-milk cleanser from Skin Creamery is perfect for gently cleansing your skin without stripping it from its natural oils. It’s soap-free and alcohol-free and uses the power of plant-based oils — like sesame, shea and jojoba — to beautifully purify and condition your skin.
Skin Creamery Oil-Milk Cleanser
Moisturise
The capsules deliver a concentrated burst of vitamin-enriched hydration for the skin. Containing a blend of retinol and antioxidants, they may help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. They assist in enriching skin with natural surface oils, leaving it looking visibly refreshed and energised.
Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules
Mask it
If we’re talking hydration, we can’t forget about masks. Sheet masks have become a staple in the beauty world — so they definitely have to be part of your hydration. This one from Pond’s will not only hydrate but it boosts skin’s glow from within.
Pond's Skin Brightening Mask
Top-ups FTW
The key to preventing dry skin while flying is to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more! The average humidity in aircraft is 20% (Cape Town has an average of 71-80% humidity) meaning the air is dry AF. Low humidity may cause skin dryness and discomfort to the eyes, mouth and nose. This 4-in-1 mist is infused with anti-oxidant rich rooibos tea extract and vegan, soy-derived Kefir Ferment to help soothe and brighten the complexion. The organic aloe vera, coconut water and natural prebiotic help to balance the skin, leaving it hydrated, with a healthy-looking glow.
Pro tip: Mist your face every three hours to help lock in moisture, and by the time you land you’ll be glowing.
Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist
Lips are NB, too
While you’re keeping your skin moist, don’t forget to give you pout some TLC too. Elizabeth Arden’s eight-hour cream nourishing lip balm is enriched with eight vitamins, minerals and nutrients and contain broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm
Bye-bye under bags
You’ve got enough luggage and a carry on — so undereye bags are not welcomed. These little babies are the perfect solution to tired eyes and to get a quick pick-me-up. The Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches from Heimish, help brighten the skin under the eyes while firming and hydrating for bouncy, plump skin. The star ingredient? The Bulgarian rose water — it’s chock-full of skin-healthy vitamins and minerals, plus ultra-hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties
Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch
About to land
You’re about to get off the plane, your skin is moisturised and hydrated. Now to just add the finishing touches…
Lips
Add a pop of colour to your lips with the hydrating tinted lip balm from Revlon. It’s infused with natural fruit oils, in sheer juicy colour and offers you SPF protection.
Revlon Irresistible Kiss Balm
Hair
Liven up dull hair with some Batiste dry shampoo. It will remove excess grease while leaving your hair fresh, clean and revitalised. Oh, and this one has a lovely coconut scent that will definitely have you feeling tropical vibes even if you’re just visiting Jozi.
Batiste Coconut & Exotic Tropical Dry Shampoo 50ml
CC Cream
This lightweight tinted moisturiser covers up any blemishes and evens skin tone while keeping your skin hydrated. The result is a soft, smooth and natural look.
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer
Blush
There’s nothing like rosy cheeks to make to look youthful and bright.
Essence Matt Touch Blush
Mascara
Add some volume to your lashes with this long-wear waterproof mascara.
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
