I’m a pretty low maintenance person when it comes to air travel. My checked bag will tell a completely different story (#overpacker), but I tend to keep my carry on simple. My valuable electronics (camera, laptop, etc.) and reading material are the most important things in my carry on bag, but on long haul flights I usually throw in a beauty bag, as well. The beauty products I bring are great for keeping myself feeling great on the plane, and making myself look great when I land.
These are my airplane beauty essentials for long haul flights:
Hand Cream
[Not pictured – I somehow managed to misplace mine!] My hands are the first thing to go when I step on a plane. The dry air makes for incredibly stiff and uncomfortable hands, so I apply hand cream regularly while on the plane. L’Occitane hand creams are my absolute favorite, so I love when I have a travel sized cream on hand. The creams are quite heavy, so one application lasts awhile; plus, who doesn’t love the L’Occitane packaging?Concealer
I hate the look of tired eyes after long haul flights, so I always bring along concealer. I’m currently obsessed with Benefit’s Boi-ing Concealer since it’s hydrating AND provides great coverage. It’s perfect for turning post-travel look of dry and tired eyes into well-rested, bright eyes (even if it’s just an illusion).
Eye Drops
I had Lasik surgery when I was 18 and, as a result, get dry eyes very easily. I always have eye drops nearby, and planes are no exception. A drop or two in each eye right before landing can do wonders!
Lavender Wipes
My friend bought me these lavender wipes as part of my bridal shower gift, and I think they’re the most clever thing! Lavender is a great catalyst for sleep, and these wipes make it really easy to quickly cover your whole area in lavender (without bothering other passengers in the process). I wiped down my arm rests and head rest on my most recent long haul flight and immediately felt more relaxed.
Lip Balm
I probably apply lip balm every ten minutes when I’m on a plane; it’s by far the most important airplane beauty essential on my list! In fact, my lip balm usually doesn’t even stay in my carry on; I take it out right when I get on the plane and put it in my seat pocket so I have easy access! The most effective lip balm I’ve tried yet is the Blistex MedPlus pot. It’s the only thing that actually keeps my lips moisturized.
Hydrating Spray
While I don’t ever spray this on the plane, it’s the first thing I reach for when I pop into the restroom on my way out of the airport. Hydrating spray is a great way to wake up and restore some energy to your skin. I’m currently using the L’Occitane spray, but am just as happy with the Evian spray – or really anything!
Face Cream
I usually apply face cream right before I fall asleep on the plane, and then right when I get off (after the hydrating spray). A moisturized face is so essential to me, so this is the one item I really cannot forget! At the moment, I’m using the Murad Essential-C Day Cream (with SPF 30!).
In terms of makeup essentials, I usually also pack the items I know I’ll need if we don’t have time to search through our checked luggage and freshen up before going out. I keep a relatively natural look while traveling, so this is usually just foundation, concealer, blush, and mascara. At the moment, I’m loving the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick for travel since it doesn’t have to go in my liquids bag! I also usually throw a Sephora sheet mask in my bag – I don’t apply them on the plane, but I love to have them ready to go as a little refresher when I get to my hotel.
SHOP MY AIRPLANE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS (& SIMILAR ONES)
All of these products fit into a small bag, that I just throw in my carry on tote. I love having them all together because I can just pull the bag out and put it next to me during the flight; then, whenever I need something, it’s right there and ready for me! What are your airplane beauty essentials?