How to Look Beautiful After a Long Flight

It’s a universal fact that flying wreaks havoc on your appearance. There’s the under-eye bags, wrinkled clothes, grey lifeless skin, and don’t even get us started on the hair. But really, given the less-than-glamorous conditions of modern-day air travel (recirculated air, salty in-flight food, grimy seat cushions), who wouldn’t look like a complete and utter train-wreck post-touchdown?

The celebrity clients (Miley Cyrus, Emily Blunt and Michelle Monaghan) of Hollywood facialist, Biba de Sousa, for one. Unlike us regular people, these A-listers emerge from the airport looking like they’ve come from a day at the spa. Their secret? To find out, we called up LA-based de Sousa, who shared her in-flight beauty routine plus all the products she uses to look good on the go.

Before you board…
Chill out:
“Reducing traveling anxiety is key. Go to bed early, avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink lots of water."

Go au naturale:
"Board the plane with clean, makeup-free skin. This is especially important for flights longer than 5-7 hours, because makeup, skin salts, oil and dead skin cells can get trapped under the dehydrated top layer of skin. This in turn causes breakouts and blotchiness.”

Use protection:
"When you’re flying at high altitudes above the clouds, you’re that much closer to the sun, and as a result, you’re being exposed to very strong UVA light. Make sure to moisturize with SPF to prevent sun damage.”

Mid-flight…
Pass on the Bloody Mary’s:
"Unless you’re flying first/business class where they serve premium liquor, I’d recommend steering clear of alcohol. Cheap booze is going to cause puffy face syndrome as well as fatigue."

Stay hydrated:
"Drink lots of water and avoid excess caffeine. I like matcha green tea because it contains 1/3 less caffeine than coffee but also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.”

Don’t be afraid of the sheet mask:
"I personally think sheet masks are genius — they’re easy to pack, can be used refrigerated or at room temperature, and are super easy to apply and discard. Don’t forget to pre-cleanse your face before using one.”

Say no to the cookies and pretzels:
"Salty, spicy and greasy foods can cause disturbance in your gut balance. Such foods will also cause facial puffiness and bloodshot eyes.”

Post-flight…
Give yourself a mini-facial:
"After arriving, the skin should be cleansed and treated with an exfoliant. A scrub or an acidic toner will help to slough off the buildup that’s accumulated on the skin’s surface."

Take your vitamins:
"Vitamins C, D and the Omega 3s should be taken at this time along with four glasses of purified water. This will restore the body’s homeostasis."

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