Beauty

These products are the key to your long haul travel skincare routine

Arrive in your destination refreshed, moisturised and glowing.
Loading the player...

As much as we love travelling, the havoc our skin goes through when we’re 35000 feet up can be a total downer on our trip.

When we fly, our skin will naturally dry out due to the recycled air throughout the cabin. The lack of moisture in the air affects our skin barrier, leaving it feeling dehydrated, irritated and sensitive.

So in order to deplane feeling our very best and ready to hit new foreign ground running, nailing your inflight skincare routine is a valuable skill.

Should you do skincare on a plane?

It may not be something you’ve considered before, but creating a skincare routine for your next flight may just save you the trouble of reviving it on arrival in your destination.

As flying dries out our skin, the focus should be on moisturising, so stay away from drying products like retinols or exfoliants.

How do you take care of your skin on a long flight?

As mentioned above, when we fly we want to focus on keeping our skin moisturised and calm.

Contrary to popular belief, you may want to avoid sheet masks or hydrating masks on planes, as they actually suck in moisture from the very dry cabin air and can even leave your skin feeling more dehydrated than it did to begin with.

For shorter flights you can often get away with doing your skincare pre-flight, however during long haul travel you want to reapply and remoisturise when you feel your skin drying out.

What beauty products can you take on a plane?

If you’re flying domestically within Australia there are no restriction to beauty products you can take on board.

When flying internationally, liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 100 millilitres (ml) or 100 grams (g) or less. This means that even if you have a partially full bottle that is larger than 100 ml, you will not be able to bring it on board. To avoid any problems, it is best to decant your liquids into smaller containers before you fly.

The best products to introduce into your travel skincare routine 2023

dettol-wipes-travel-skincare

Dettol 2 in 1 hands and surfaces wipes, $7.16 at Amazon

Ensure to clean your hands thoroughly before you apply any skincare on planes. You can also run one of these over your seat, armrests and tray table if you want to feel truly clean while you fly.

SHOP NOW

micellar-water-travel-skincare

Bioderma Hydrabio micellar water, $11.99 at Adore Beauty

In a TSA friendly travel size, ensure to take off any makeup you have on when you’re flying long haul. In the same way you remove makeup before bed, you want a clean and clear face whilst you fly. This formula is also alcohol and paraben free which makes it perfect for dry skin.

SHOP NOW

microbfibre-travel-skincare

Biologi Reusable microfibre cloth, $25 at a-beauty

Take these reusable cloths with you on the plane to use with your micellar water. They can also work with just water thanks to the microfibre materials.

SHOP NOW

embryolisse-travel-skincare

Embryolisse Lait-creme concentre moisturiser, $46 at Adore Beauty

This cult moisturiser is a plane bag essential. As it is on the thicker side, it is perfect for mid-flight hydration. It also makes a great primer for moisturiser and can even remove makeup.

SHOP NOW

ole-henrikson-best-travel-skincare

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme, $63 at THE ICONIC

In need of some added hydration for that sensitive skin under the eyes? The Banana Bright eye creme is a great option to add to your arsenal. It’s also great to apply before you land so you can de-board with only your carry on as your bag.

SHOP NOW

boost-lab-serum-travel-skincare

Boost Lab 2D-hyaluronic hydro boost serum, $29.95 at a-beauty

This ultra-hydrating serum will actually help maintain moisture by creating a film on the skin to lock in hydration whilst it reduces sensitivities and repairs your skin’s moisture barrier.

SHOP NOW

caudelie-mist-travel-skincare

Caudalie Beauty elixir, $26 at Sephora

This miracle spray is the perfect spritz to reapply and maintain moisture with throughout your flight. Enjoy the glowing effect your skin has after use and feel instantly refreshed.

SHOP NOW

alphah-oil-travel-skincare

Golden Haze face oil, $74.95 at Alpha-H

Rich with nine botanical oils and many other skin loving ingredients, this oil helps to lock in hydration and is a great top layer to your travel skincare routine. It also doesn’t feel sticky or too thick which can be uncomfortable mid-flight.

SHOP NOW

ultra-violette-travel-skincare

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ serum, $47 at Adore Beauty

If you are flying during the day you need to ensure you are wearing sunscreen. Even though you are protected through thick windows, it is better safe than sorry.

SHOP NOW

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream, $32 at THE ICONIC

A thick, ultra-hydrating lip balm is an absolute must, and the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream is one of those miracle does-it-all products. You can use this on the lips or any other dry spots of skin, along with scraps, cuts or rashes.

SHOP NOW

loccitane-travel-skincare

Shea butter hand cream, $17 at L’Occitane

A thick hand cream is a must while you travel. Packed with shea butter, honey, almond extract and coconut oil, this best-selling hand cream is a carry-on essential.

SHOP NOW

travel-bottles-travel-skincare

Alink travel size bottle set, $14.99 (usually $17.99) at Amazon

If you want to take your favourite beauty products on board but they don’t fit the bill when it comes to TSA regulations, get yourself a set of travel bottles and pots so your skin doesn’t have to suffer.

SHOP NOW

travel-bag-travel-skincare

Minimalist clear makeup bag, $29.14 (usually $32.38) at Etsy

Make security agents’ day and make your way through bag check with this clear and compact makeup bag that meets regulations yet can comfortably store all of your inflight beauty essentials.

SHOP NOW

Related stories


Unwind and relax with your favourite magazine!

Huge savings plus FREE home delivery