5 ways to look your best post long-haul flight

You’ll look seriously refreshed upon arrival

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / July 04 2017

So you’ve packed all your beauty essentials for your European getaway this season - such as sunscreen, waterproof makeup and some bright lippies - but have you thought about the loot you’ll need when you’re on the plane and heading to your final destination? Look your absolute best when you hop off the flight with the following skin care and makeup must-haves that are bound to make you look and feel incredible… even when you’ve had to endure several hours of crying babies and skin-drying cabin air.

1

Apply a face mask

We all know to slather on a thick layer of moisturiser to hydrate our face during a long-haul flight, but a face mask can give intensified results in a shorter time frame. And no, we’re not suggesting you use a cloth mask; a cream version, like Ultraceuticals Ultra Purifying Mask, can do the trick just fine without scaring the passengers around you. “Due to the lack of fresh air, a mask is the perfect companion to take on long-haul flights,” says Tracey Beeby, Ultraceuticals Global Education Ambassador. “No matter what skin type you have, whether oily, acne prone or dry and sensitive, the skin needs to be kept hydrated. A mask is an ideal way to provide a concentrated burst of active ingredients on the skin. Leave it on for the duration of the flight or prior to landing where you can freshly cleanse and nourish the skin before disembarking.”

2

Dab on an eye cream

Unless you’re flying in first or business class, it’s unlikely that you’re going to get a solid block of sleep. An eye cream isn’t going to make up for not having had your eight hours, but it can help nix dark circles and puffiness; something like Nude By Nature Bright Eyes, which is loaded with aloe vera, caffeine and Kakadu plum, can soothe and smooth tired eyes.

3

Even out your skin tone with a cushion compact

Being in the air for a long period of time can make your skin look red and blotchy, and a layer of foundation can be a quick fix for this. Camouflage problem areas with a cushion compact like Maybelline New York Dream Cushion Foundation, which can offer a buildable coverage and is mess-free to use, even when there’s turbulence.  

4

Add radiance with a highlighter

To mimic the look of thoroughly hydrated skin, pop a few drops of liquid highlighter onto the high points of your face - this being the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and even on brow bones to visibly lift your arches. Reach for a liquid highlighter over a powdered one because it  blends seamlessly with any kind of base. Urban Decay Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid has a light consistency that contains tiny pearl particles to illuminate the skin, as well as vitamins C and E to address dehydration. And don’t forget to opt for a shade that’s similar to your skin tone - olive bases should pick golden tones (like Sin), and fair skin tones should go with pink based colours (like Aura).

5

Create warmth with colour

A quick and easy way to lift your look is with a lip colour. A liquid lipstick, such as Lancôme Matte Shaker, is perfect because of its longevity and ease of use. Surprisingly, Lancôme’s version is light as air yet is richly pigmented and lasts for hours. If you’re looking to pep up your complexion, try a dab or two onto the apples of your cheeks too, and blend the colour out with your ring finger for best results.

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What's your favourite product to use straight after or during a long-haul flight? Tell us in the comments below. 

Main image credit: @taylor_hill

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.