In-flight beauty

Visiting family and friends this holiday season, travelling to a super-warm and sunny island for a much needed vacation, or flying out to meet the big client. Whatever the reason for the next flight you'll be on, you want to make sure you look your best when you arrive at your destinations.

Flying can take a toll on your skin and hair (not to mention your back) and we all want to exit the plane looking fresh and put together.
Best way to achieve this? Don't wear makeup on the plane.
Yea. I laughed as I wrote that myself, but it's true.
Your skin is set up for failure when smothered in foundation, powder, mascara, eyeshadow etc, as these are bound to shift, move and smudge around as they settle on the skin, essentially moving the drying out process right along.
But if you can't stand the thought of a flight without your face on ('cause I sure as heck can't), there are a few alternatives.
The below routine can serve for both your pre-flight face as well as your departing routine:

- Moisturizer - a solid moisturizer is your best bet on a flight. Toss the water atomizer as it's only going to dry out your skin as soon as the water evaporates. This will also leave you more allowance for liquids in flight, any way.
- Skip foundation and opt for concealer and a super light dusting of powder to set the concealed spots.
- Opt for a quick lash curl and a swipe of clear (or dark brown) mascara and avoid liner and shadows
- A slathering of your favourite moisturizing chapstick
- I'm a huge fan of cream blush and that can be the one addition to the in-flight makeup routine that really pulls the 'I'm awake and stunning coming right off a 12 hour flight' look together.

The suggestions to keep yourself looking neat and together are quick and easy for a reason. I hate-hate-hate the uncomfortably small and smelly bathrooms on planes, so all of the above can done in your seat.

You've got the makeup under control, but what about the rest of it?
Realistically, what you need to do to ensure your skin and hair are manageable should be happening days before your flight:

- Sleep - a good night's rest before the flight will perk you up your skin no matter what, so get your 8 hours of dose
- Hydration - being dehydrated is the main reason for your skin and hair feeling parched after your flight and even having to deal with bloating. So drink a lot of water before you fly out (days, in fact) and try to avoid coffee, booze and caffeinated soft drinks.
- Pack a small amount of dry shampoo to keep oily hair at bay. Try Bumble & bumble hair powder (offered in 5 shades).

- A small amount of leave in conditioner, placed on the ends of your hair and then, sparingly applied to the rest of your hair should keep fly aways and frizzies in check.

You've got a lot on your mind when preparing for a flight, so the list of things you'll need to take with you and do to ensure a look of composure before departing the plane are short and sweet. Which also happens to be how I like my flights. Bon Voyage!