While it feels like quite literally everyone (except us) are living it up in Europe right now, it’s hard to see through the jealousy.
Our remedy? Wistfully daydreaming of a someday trip we’ll take at some stage. Whether it’s the beaches of Mykonos or the Swiss Alps, with every passing Summer, our travel bucket list expands tenfold.
Of course, before you’re actually laying down your towel on a sandy shore, you’ll be sitting down for many, many hours in a pressurised aeroplane cabin. It’s the less glamorous side of travel, but a very necessary one given that teleportation hasn’t yet been cracked. So, depending on where you’re going and how many hours you’ll be stuck in said cabin, you’ll need to pack accordingly, because long-haul flights are all about preparation.
Comfy clothes aside, we’re all about the skincare. How can we step off the plane feeling refreshed and energised on the outside, when inside you might feel anything but. We want glowing, dewy, happy skin that’ll soothe our jet-lagged souls on the other end and let’s be honest, provide a little joy during the flight, too.
To uncover the perfect long-haul flight skincare regimen, we talked to The Iconic’s Beauty Expert, Sophie Howe.
Read on as she explains her non-negotiable products, plus her in the sky, step-by-step routine.
Happy travels!
The Best Long-Haul Flight Skincare Must-Haves In 2024
01
Philosophy One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths
$24 at Myer
Best for: removing makeup in the air
Face wipes are a must-have for melting away makeup when you’re on a plane. Sophie loves the Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths because they’re gentle, suitable for all skin types and safe enough to use around the delicate eye area. Plus, there’s no need to rinse so you can use them while you’re still in your seat.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Removes makeup, dirt and oil in one step
- Gentle
- No rinse required
02
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray
$54 at Adore Beauty
Best for: instant hydration
It’s no secret that planes tend to zap the moisture from our skin. Sophie’s best tip to injecting moisture back into the skin mid-travel? “A nourishing facial mist will keep your skin refreshed and hydrated,” she says. This one, by Clinique, instantly rehydrates and replenishes thirsty skin, without leaving behind any residue. Win-win!
Key features:
- Fragrance free
- Sulphate free
- Paraben Free
- Oil free
- Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
- $54 from Adore Beauty
- $54 from The Iconic
- $54 from Myer
Best for: getting some sleep (or looking like you have)
For maximum hydration with little effort, Sophie looks to nourishing sleeping masks. “These are great for protecting your skin and locking in much needed moisture during your flight,” she says. On long haul flights, simply apply when you’re ready to get some rest, and rinse off when you wake up.
Key features:
- Artificial fragrance free
- Sulphate free
- Reduces the appearance of redness
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Leaves skin feeling brighter and plumper
Available at:
- $48 from Adore Beauty
- $48 from Amazon
04
Weleda Skin Food
$28.95 at Adore Beauty
Best for: multi-purpose hydration
A thick, multi-purpose balm is another must-have in Sophie’s carry-on. “An absolute essential for moisturising lips, hands and any other dry areas. I love Weleda Skin Food as this multi-tasker can be used as a rich eye cream too.” Bonus points? This hard-working balm is made from 100% natural ingredients including soothing chamomile, rosemary, lanolin and sweet almond oil.
Key features:
- Cruelty free
- Sulphate free
- Can be used on both face and body
- 100% certified natural
- Suitable for dry and rough skin
Available at:
- $20.84 from Amazon
- $28.95 from Adore Beauty
- $28.95 from The Iconic
05
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
$19 at Sephora
Best for: keeping chapped lips at bay
Don’t let dry, chapped lips ruin your holiday. Keep your lips looking (and feeling) soft and plump by applying generously applying Lanolips multi-purpose salve throughout your next flight. Simply warm the ointment between your fingers, and apply wherever necessary.
Key features:
- 100% natural
- Suitable for dry lips, skin patches, cuticles, and elbows
- Paraben free
- Patroleum free
- Artificial fragrance free
Key features:
- $19 at Sephora
- $18.95 at Adore Beauty
What Order Should I Apply My In-Flight Skincare?
Unsure where to start when it comes to mid-air skincare? Sophie has you covered.
“Here’s my go-to routine that you can do without even getting up from your seat,” she tells us, “First, cleanse your skin with the Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths and then spritz with the Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray.”
I then press a pea-sized amount of Weleda Skin Food under my eye area and follow this with the KORA Organics Noni Glow Sleeping Mask to lock it all in.
Looking to save money on skincare? Check out our coupon codes for Adore Beauty, Sephora and more.
Related article:
- Say Goodbye To Dry Skin With These Expert-Approved Moisturising Face Masks
- 25 Items To Add To Your European Summer Wardrobe
- 9 Nourishing Balms That’ll Never Let Your Lips Down
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