I’ve always been a traveler. Being a traveler means my skin goes to hell and back every time I fly. I was not always as conscious as I am today about skincare, but I’ve gotten better over time. Other than drinking a liter or two of water each time I fly, I’ve also carefully created a skincare routine for both my work and pleasure trips. This is definitely more for my dry and combination skin girls, but nonetheless, it’s full of essentials for on-the-go. All of my essentials are tucked into my makeup bag from Béis, which is Shay Mitchell’s travel company that I love! I’ve got a couple of their items and they’ve definitely made their way into my must-haves!
Water Bottle
Alright, technically, this isn’t “in” my makeup bag, but a 750-1L bottle comes with me everywhere I go. While I can’t drink the water before security, I make sure to fill it up as soon as I get through security and drink it before I get off the flight. Flying is very dehydrating, so being sure to stay hydrated during a flight. Dehydration is one of the quickest ways to dry out the skin, especially since you’re supposed to drink 2L a day or 8 8oz glasses.
Cleansing Cloths
In the effort to be more sustainable, I’ve stopped using cleansing wipes because they’re awful for the environment. I bought reusable cleansing cloths from Amazon that I soak in micellar water, rose water, and witch hazel toner. They soak in a Ziplock reusable bag and once I’m on the plane, I’ll wipe my face down with them. When I land at my destination, I quickly wash them, let them dry, and place them back in the same bag to soak again. Then repeat! They’re great for washing your face during the trip and great for the environment!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is my spot treatment product of choice. I swear by The Body Shop’s tea tree oil, which has been one of my skincare essentials for YEARS now. I don’t go anywhere without it and it’s the perfect size for travel or checking!
Eye Patches/Face Mask
For the brave at heart, you can use a full sheet mask, but for us scaredy cats, I just prefer using eye masks. I bought these G9 Skin eye patches over the summer and they’re fantastic. They come in a pack of 60, which will last me a few months as long as I have a separate set for home. These are nice because they are transparent and aren’t as visible as a full sheet mask.
Face Spray
I have a love-hate relationship with face sprays. Sometimes, they make my face break out, so it’s taken me a while to figure out that I like this Cosmedica Skincare Vitamin C serum and this Mario Badescu spray. Vitamin C really helps prevent UV damage and collagen stimulation, which can help prevent premature wrinkles. These sprays are both very hydrating and when flying, your skin needs as much hydration as possible.
Elixir/Serums
The last two steps that I take when I fly are to lock in moisture. The first is this Jayjun Black Pearl First Repair Serum, which I am almost out of because of how much I use it. It’s an essential part of moisture retention and a little bit goes a long way to keep the face moisturized.
Moisturizer
Basic, but one often people forget about. A good moisturizer will make or break your face, and people often forget about this essential step. I really like Korean moisturizers, purely because I feel like they work with my skin the best. The air on a plane is incredibly drying, so using a moisturizer is taking that extra step to make sure your skin is well hydrated.
Sunscreen
This can go 2-in-1 with a moisturizer if you have a good moisturizer with SPF like Aveeno, Supergoop, or Murad, but if not, don’t ever forget sunscreen! SPF 40 or SPF 50 is a great way to keep your skin protected once you get off the plane and it should really be a part of the last step of all skincare.
Lip Balm
Don’t forget about your lips! Your lips will be super chapped after a flight, but don’t worry! A little lip balm will go a long way and there’s many hydrating options! A tinted lip balm is great to give your face a little color after being on a plane, while also helping your chapped lips.
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