Long-haul flights are exhausting, and in my opinion, overnight flights are even worse. I’m not one of the people that sit down, fall asleep and wake up when the pilot’s cheery good morning blares through the plane. Usually, I don’t mind arriving at my destination totally bedraggled and ready to collapse on the next sofa or bed, but lately I’ve been in the position where that wasn’t an option and I had to at least fake looking somehow awake and like a human being. These are my recommendations for achieving exactly that – with the help of the must-have items in your liquids bag!
Tip 1: Have a look at this post if you want to know what beauty items you can pack into a carry-on, my tips to pack smart and the deeds about the liquids bag (how much, how big, what should go inside). Have a look at this post if you want to know if and how your skin suffers on a plane, and what you can do about it.
Tip 2: Pack two liquid bags. In one go all the liquids, and in the other pack all the items you might need during the flight – earplugs, chewing gum, medication, a pen etc. Minimizes the need to rummage helplessly through your carry-on at 1am.
Tip 3: Here’s a refresher on what to pack where and your bags allowance on the official Lufthansa site.
Prep
That’s one of the most important parts to get off the plane and looking like an actual human being! I always board planes with a freshly cleansed face, totally makeup-free. I try to use the most hydrating products I own – so load up on hydrating serums and a heavy-duty moisturiser! A Vitamin C serum wouldn’t come amiss, either, as the Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that will fight free radicals on higher altitudes. When I’m on a daylight flight, I add a good sunscreen. When I board in the evening, though, the key is using a good occlusive sleeping pack on top of your moisturiser. Try the famous Laneige Sleeping Mask, or my fave, the cosrx Ultimate Moistutizing Honey Overnight Mask!
Liquids bag contents
Again, hydration is key. I swear, the minute the plane takes off, my whole body feels like a shrivelled prune. That’s the reason I pack saline solution for my eyes and nose, a good chapstick, and a heavy-duty hand cream.
To help me sleep, I carry a lavender scent that I spray on my travel pillow. Don’t know if it helps, but it has some kind of feel good vibe to it that’s desperately needed on long airplane journeys.
And yeah, I’ve become that annoying person that carries anti-bacterial wipes and will totally wipe down every surface in my vicinity. Call me granny.
A mini toothpaste and toothbrush, because ew!
On-flight skincare routine
My skincare routine for the morning is somewhat minimal, and so designed that I can do it in my seat. (Bathrooms after a long flight… Shudders.) If I were more IDGAF, I’d totally do a sheetmask, but I’m not, so these eye patches from Estée Lauder are very unobtrusive and make my eye area look less puffy and more awake. I cleanse my face with a cleansing milk and then some micellar water. I then put on some hydrating eye cream, moisturiser, and a combo product like a primer/BB/CC cream with a high SPF. You can do that in five mins without too much faffing around and annoying your neighbours.
Prior to landing
I also have some makeup minis in my liquids bag. I use a bit of mascara, some tinted brow gel, a dab of concealer, some powder and a nice lipstick to make myself feel somewhat polished and actually to look awake. A spritz of a light, inoffensive perfume also help. Don’t break out your Opium or Shalimar though – think of your fellow travellers!
Done! You know can face the immigration officer with a smile and hop on that taxi and begin the day at your destination!
(Btw, that Sephora clear bag that’s in every pic in this post – it’s crap. I used it on two vacations, and the zipper broke after the first one. Don’t get it.)
