Our Insider’s Guide to High Altitude Beauty Arrive at your destination looking your very best
Air travel is one of the most tricky beauty challenges as high altitudes and the effects of pressurized cabin air can cause havoc with your skin. Lane Crawford asks five frequent flyers and beauty experts for their personal tips and regimens on how to keep your glow intact – no matter how long the journey.
Jayne Min, Creative Consultant
“Whenever I have a trip coming up, I usually book my beauty appointments - nails, facial, waxing - a few days before so I have less to think about on the road. Cabin air is so drying and brutal to the complexion, so I try to go makeup free and always do a sheet mask on long flights. If I have to be somewhere soon after I arrive, I'll do my eye makeup (anything that requires precision) before I board and save the rest of my makeup (foundation, concealer, powder and blush) for the last 30 minutes of the flight. Rather than packing every individual product I use at home, I'll try to take 2-in-1's wherever possible, like combined shampoo and conditioner or makeup remover and cleanser. Anywhere you can cut corners with time or space!”
Justine Lee, Fashion Editor
“My skin gets really dry after a long haul flight, so I always pack sheet masks with me wherever I go. As soon as I get to the hotel, I'll slap one on to rehydrate and refresh. My favourites are Karuna Luxe Skin Restoring Face Mask, and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery PowerFoil Mask. I always pack pimple cream with me too; changes in weather always make me break out. A colleague of mine recommended Kate Somerville's Eradikate Acne Treatment, and I just dab some on before I go to sleep and small blemishes are usually gone the morning. Lip balm is also an essential - I have a lip balm in probably every pocket of every jacket I pack.”
Geneva Vanderzeil, Blogger and Author
“Sitting on the plane is about the only time when my hands are still, so it's a great opportunity for a DIY hand spa. First I'll moisturise with a heavy-duty hand cream and put on some cotton gloves for a few hours while I watch a movie, then I'll get to work on my nails, using cuticle oil and buffing them. For the sake of people around me I don't use polish, but if you're on an empty flight it's definitely an option!”
Maki Ryoke, Makeup Artist
“On an airplane, the air is so dehydrating. I hate the feeling of coming off a flight with dry skin so I usually start putting on La Mer Intensive Revitalizing Mask. I put a thin layer of this cream on my face. Due to the dry air inside of airplane, you don’t need to wipe it off afterwards as the skin absorbs the entire mask and protect it from the parched air. Sometimes, if it’s still not enough, I also keep Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist handy. Lastly, I use a face oil to lock moisture into my skin. It also doesn’t hurt to take vitamins and minerals on top of this routine. If you have all those in your carry-on bag, your skin is all set! When you are ready to put makeup on, a healthy base will make the application so much easier.”
Amber Dreadon, Makeup Artist
“Having a good quality clear travel bag for carry on is an essential – I can’t bare the thought of using plastic bags so I have a sturdy clear zip up bag that always keeps my travel selection looking chic in-flight. I always have a few key basics that work so well for travelling, including a compact powder with a mirror and travel-size brush, and a creamy lipstick that doubles as a cheek colour. I usually pack a sheer peach tone that will ensure I look bright and refreshed on arrival. I apply to my lips and also apply a little to my cheeks and blend in with my fingertips to add a tint of colour.”
