Even if you’re heading to the most exciting place on the planet, long-haul flights are still hard work, and between the cramped seats, dry air, and never-ending hours, it’s no wonder that you step off the plan feeling less like your glowing fabulous normal self and more like a tired, crumpled up version! The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way, and with a few simple tricks and tips, you can arrive in your destination looking refreshed and ready to have a great vacation. With that in mind, keep reading to find out how to look and feel your best after a long-haul flight.
If there’s just one tip that you stick with after reading this post, let it be that you need to drink water on your flight – and plenty of it. The air on planes is incredibly dry, which means your skin (and body) can get really dehydrated by the end of the journey. It’s crucial in that case to skip the temptations you might be offered in the form of alcohol, soft drinks, or hot beverages, and just drink lots of water. Ideally, you’ll want to drink one glass every hour, and although that’s going to mean you have to keep asking the flight attendants for refills and you’ll probably have to use the toilet more often, it’s worth it to look and feel better at the end.
You can also invest in a hydrating mist to help you. Keep a small bottle (check the regulations to see what size is allowed) in your cabin bag and spray your face every hour or so – that can make a real difference, especially when it’s combined with lots of drinking water.
Sitting in the same cramped position for hours on end isn’t great for your health, either physically or mentally, which is why it’s a good idea to get up, stretch, and walk around a bit when you can. Not only does that prevent stiffness and circulation problems, but it can also be good for relieving boredom – it’s amazing what even a short walk can do.
Of course, you might be stuck in a window seat so you can’t get up as often as you’d like, and if that’s the case (or if there’s a lot of turbulence so the seatbelt sign is on a lot) why not try some easy seat stretches? Even just flexing your feet, rolling your shoulders, and moving your neck can make a big difference.
The dry cabin air can really cause problems for your skin, leaving it looking very dry and tired, so to combat this problem, you’ll need to prep your skin before the flight with a hydrating moisturizer and maybe even a sheet mask (if you’re brave enough to wear one in front of the other passengers, you can use it when your face feels dry mid-flight as well). Don’t forget about your lips either; a nourishing lip balm is a must-have because dry, cracked lips can be painful and they’ll never look great!
Once you’ve landed, a quick refresher like washing your face and applying some more moisturizer can make you feel so much better, and if you’re serious about keeping your skin looking young and fresh, it might be wise to invest in some Botox treatment before you fly.
Comfort is key when you’re spending hours on a plane, but with some planning, you can still look great – the ideal thing to do is to take a look at what’s known as athleisure, and invest in some comfy leggings, a loose top, and a cozy cardigan or hoodie (because it can get chilly on a plane). Layers really are the best thing you can do because you can adjust them accordingly depending on the temperature, your comfort level, and the climate of wherever you’re going to, helping you stay as comfy as possible at all times.
Slip-on shoes are also a great idea because not only are they comfortable, but remember you’ll probably have to take your shoes off when you go through security, and the faster and easier you can make that process, the better for everyone! And then, if you want to look your absolute best, adding a chic scarf can set things off perfectly. Don’t go over the top or you’ll end up being too uncomfortable, but with just the right amount of clothing, you can have a safe and effortless flight and emerge looking fantastic at the other end.
