Top 13 in-flight beauty essentials to get ahead of your next holiday

When flying, air pressure can greatly impact the skin, so it is important to have a few beauty essentials in your handbag. While the goal is protection from the many assaults of air travel, a well-stocked airplane bag is also a delightful indulgence; massaging yourself with creams and balms makes you feel cared for and glowingly fresh upon arrival. As you can only bring beauty products less than 100ml, and all of them fitting inside a plastic bag, you will have to use samples and travel sizes.

Wipes

Wipe down dirty tables, clean sticky hands, sanitize cuts or scrapes, or remove your makeup. One wipe will clean away makeup and dirt from your face.

Beauty elixir

A facial spritzer is always handy when you need to freshen up the face without much effort – it is perfect for short flights. A little of this spray helps maintain skin moisture and keeps you looking fresh. This bottle’s all-natural ingredients feel silky when applied, leaving a fresh and dewy glow, unlike plain water, which can strip skin of moisture. The great thing: it comes in travel sizes so you can keep it in your handbag.
Caudalie, Beauty Elixir $18

Lip balm

Not only does flying make the skin thirsty, it also dries out the lips. This wonder balm is a must-have during a flight. With all organic ingredients, it nourishes dry, chapped lips and plumps them. Kiehl’s, #1 Lip balm $7

Eye drops

Eye drops are a must-have for those suffering from sensitive or dry eyes. Emerge from the plane with bright whites by squeezing in a few drops as needed.

Sheet Mask

This little beauty miracle is useful when airport staff are looking to see if you have kept to the 100ml rule. It is not considered liquid, so you can take as many as you like in your handbag. This luxurious mask rescues puffy, stressed out and thirsty skin. Apply this at the end of the flight when skin is feeling a little thirsty, and your face will thank you for it. It will immediately result in a visibly radiant and crystal-clear complexion, as if you just woke up from a beauty sleep.
SK II, Facial Treatment Mask $135

Eye patches

Follow up the facemask with these genius, jelly-like patches. They are like a liter-bottle of Evian for your under-eye area. They brighten skin around the eyes, reduce puffiness and visibly diminish fine lines and dark circles. Fifteen minutes with Starskin’s fast-acting eye mask will reduce any crow’s feet caused by dehydration. If possible, refrigerate the eye patches 10 minutes prior to using for better results.

Toothbrush, toothpaste

Even though some airlines give them to you on the plane, having a toothbrush and mini-sized toothpaste in your handbag always comes in handy. It helps you feel fresh at any time, especially after a long flight.

Mouthwash

Airplane food is not known for its nutritional value, or for being good for the breath. A mouthwash might help after every meal.

Face moisturizer

The most important beauty essential on board is an über-hydrating facial cream to lock in moisture. Since you are 30,000 feet closer to the sun, the cream you pack should also provide sun protection. The lightweight formula of Kiehl’s “Ultra Moisturizer” with SPF 15 absorbs easily (without looking greasy) while hydrating, improving overall texture and protecting skin from the rays coming through the windows.
Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizer, $19

Night cream

Flying at night? Forget the SPF and put your skin to work while you snooze with a rejuvenating moisturizer. ‘’Murad’s Essential-C’’ night cream moisturizes but also firms and soothes overnight. You will be soft and supple when the plane has landed.
Murad, Essential-C Night Moisture $65

Sample sized perfume bottle & deodorant

Traveling can be stressful, so make sure to stay fresh by carrying a mini-sized deodorant and perfume bottle.

Hand cream

This fast-absorbing hand cream is enriched with nourishing shea butter to lock moisture into the skin for silky-smooth hands. The award-winning hand cream contains 20 percent shea butter to intensely hydrate. Coconut oil, honey and marshmallow root extracts are also blended in to create a powerful formula for supreme softness. Comes in travel sizes too.
L’Occitane, Hand Cream $12

Pouch

Last but not least, a large pouch to fit all of your essentials in.
Victoria’s Secret, Travel Case $26