I stepped off my 24-hour flight with glowing skin thanks to these products

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I just boarded my annual flight back to the UK – a 24-hour journey that I dread every year. It’s long, it’s boring, it’s stuffy, and I always land feeling groggy, dried out and a bit grim. 

This year, I was determined to make the journey a little better by packing the perfect skincare routine in the hope I’d feel refreshed and revitalised mid-flight. As silly as it sounds, you can always trust a good cleanser and moisturiser to boost morale. 

Sticking to a simple skincare routine made the flight feel better. So, if you’re heading over for Euro-summer or jet-setting elsewhere, here are some of my favourite travel minis that I packed. 

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing

This three-step K-beauty routine makes travel skincare a breeze. It features a dermatologist-tested foaming cleaner, a hydrating CERA-HA serum, and a ceramide capsule cream. With all three, it boasts a low-pH face wash, long-lasting hydration, and a reinforced skin barrier. 

I used the trio pre-flight to lock in moisture, and a little pump of the cleanser again mid-flight to freshen up

Skin Control Pimple Patch Glossy Pack

I always keep a pack of pimple patches in my bag for when I need them. I had a few breakouts looming, so I stuck these on to protect them from aeroplane air and germs. Plus, the fun, glossy design adds a bit of spark to an otherwise dull trip

I just popped one of these on when I could feel a spot breaking out post-cleansing. You can leave them on for up to 12 hours, but I reassessed every six hours or so – it’s a great opportunity to get up and stretch your legs with a trip to the bathroom, too

Ouai Leave-In Conditioner, 45ml

Of course, the hair is a natural extension of a skincare routine. Since the aeroplane air can often dry everything out, I opted to protect it with Ouai leave-in conditioner

This convenient travel-sized mini was easy to chuck in my bag and apply during my layover to freshen up twice mid-journey. It is advised that you reapply when your strands start to feel unusually dry or frizzy, as over-use can make your hair feel sticky or greasy

AKT The Deodorant Balm SC.02, 50ml

Obviously you can’t take an aerosol deodorant on board a flight, so this multi-award-winning option from London brand AKT was my first pick. It has a deo-barrier complex for professional-grade protection, is free from aluminium salts, and transforms from a skin-nourishing balm into an invisible powder. When you’re sitting on a stuffy plane, you need the good stuff

It typically lasts 24 to 36 hours per application, but I opted for a little pre-flight, layover, and landing top-up

Trinny London Enzyme Balm Cleanser Be Your Best Mini, 19.5ml

Before getting some shut-eye, I needed a decent cleanser to melt the day away. This active balm cleanser from Trinny London is packed with almond oil, jojoba oil, natural glycolipids, and pineapple enzyme, all of which help remove makeup and environmental pollutants, and gently exfoliate dead skin. Its refillable, super-mini size was also handy as it didn’t take up much room. 

I felt like I needed a full revamp during the layover, and this refreshing balm helped melt away the gross feeling from the first flight

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream, 50ml

TheCaudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream acts as a gentle overnight peel. Using Glycolic Acid to resurface the skin and Caudalie’s patented Viniferine to even out complexion, it is formulated to fade hyperpigmentation (like sunspots and acne scars) while you sleep, making it a handy overnight flight companion. 

When it was time for my “in-flight night”, I applied a light layer of this cream. The formula contains glycolic acid, so it’s best to use it at night and when the cabin windows are down due to UV photosensitivity

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches

Trying to avoid post-flight puffiness is no easy task. But these Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches are here to help. They are cooling hydrogel masks designed to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area

Within the hour before landing, I was sure to pop these non-slip patches on to make my eyes feel less like death and to give me a hit of hydration before arrival. 

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Pack of 2

The Aquaphor lip balm is a favourite for in-flight hydration. Its fragrance-free, petroleum-based formula locks in moisture and helps create a barrier against the dry plane air: zero fuss, high return. 

I applied this every couple of hours to avoid my lips drying out. To give myself a mental aid, I reapplied after every episode of Not Her Fault I binged

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Face Sheet Mask (Pack of 10)

A flight is the perfect time to use a simple sheet mask – you’re literally sitting down for hours on end. Designed to help skin feel smooth and supple, these sheet masks are an excellent option – and they’re on sale!

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The solution to tired eyes are in these gooey patches

I applied one of these masks about halfway through the first flight and once the cabin lights were dimmed (just so it felt less embarrassing!), to give my skin a hydration boost on the move. Since the plane air is extremely dry, I only left the mask on for 15 minutes and used a thick moisturiser (La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm) to seal the essence

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm

The cult-favourite La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm functions as a semi-occlusive barrier cream. This means it’s made with ingredients like shea butter and dimethicone, which create a breathable layer that protects the skin from environmental aggressors

I used this post-sheet mask to lock in all its skin-loving goodness

La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Ultra Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sunscreen 50ml

I had a window seat, so I was vigilant to protect my skin from the sun with a light layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen

This was essential to use when it was daylight and the cabin windows were up, as you can still experience sun damage on a plane

Frequently asked questions

Should you do skincare on a flight?

Skincare on a plane should be kept simple and minimal. It’s often suggested that you should do all the heavy moisturising and hydrating before boarding and then protect your skin in the air with SPF, an occlusive layer (like petroleum jelly, lanolin, beeswax, dimethicone, coconut oil, shea butter), and a hydrating lip balm. If washing your face on the plane, ensure that you sanitise the area first.

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What are cleansing balms and do you need one?

How to keep skin moisturised on a plane?

To help keep skin moisturised during a long-haul flight, it’s recommended that you layer a hydrating serum under a heavy, occlusive cream to lock in moisture and keep skin protected from the plane’s dry air. Reapply moisturiser and a hydrating lip balm every few hours, and remember to drink plenty of water

What skincare can you not bring on a plane?

You can take most skincare on a plane if it is 100mL or less; you just have to avoid full-sized items and aerosols containing flammable propellants are typically prohibited from carry-on and checked luggage

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   The solution to tired eyes are in these gooey patches

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   I stepped off my 24-hour flight with fresh, glowing skin thanks to these products

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