Here’s how to avoid looking like a hot mess the minute you get off the plane.
Unless you’ve got a group of stylists ready and waiting to help you look glamorous while stepping off your flight, it’s really not easy to look your best, or even refreshed when stepping off a plane. And we’re talking about travelling in a fast-moving metal tube for the past 10 to 20 hours, coupled with beating jetlag, and trying your best to get comfortable back in Economy. But we try. And more than a few years of travelling to and fro between the United States, Europe and Australia, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Bare it all
Whether you’re travelling in the day or taking a red-eye flight, let your skin breathe. This means removing your makeup before you board, as you don’t want it to clog your skin. If you’re travelling for business and have to head to a meeting right after you land, do your touch ups at the airport, or just before you land.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
The cabin’s recycled air means that it can get drying for your skin. If you can, take a small tub of moisturiser, sleeping mask or sheet mask with you onboard, so you can hydrate your skin from time to time.
3. Get some rest
It may be tempting to binge on the free inflight entertainment programmes, especially if the airline’s featuring movies you haven’t watched before. But in-between shows, try and get a few hours of rest. You’ll feel refreshed and more alert when you wake.
4. Wear the right outfit
Comfort is key. So if you’re not doing something right after you land, consider wearing something you can sleep in easily. I’m talking about an oversized t-shirt, leggings or lounge pants, and a pair of thick socks, as it can get cold onboard. If you’ve made plans right after your plane touches down, bring a change of clothes, or cop tips from celebrities like Doutzen Kross (who looked utterly chic in a button-down blouse and jeans in May 2016), Mischa Barton’s satin blouse, boyfriend jeans and oversized blazer (also May 2016) and Eva Longoria’s simple yet stylish sundress and sunnies.
5. Airplane essentials
These make a world of difference when it comes to getting comfy in your seat. In your carry-on, include: a neck pillow (very useful when it comes to preventing neck aches, especially if you’re not seated by the window), sleeping mask, noise-cancelling headphones (bid crying children a warm goodnight), a shawl or oversized jacket (not every airline provides a blanket), small tub of moisturiser (see point two), hand sanitizer, and a pair of sunglasses.
6. Skip the salts and alcohol
You may get peckish in between meals, but remember: peanuts, which are usually served as a snack, contain heaps of salt, which can make you bloated and look puffy. It’s the same with alcohol. Consuming too much of it can be dehydrating for your skin and body, and it can actually prevent you from getting the rest you need.