Travel – How to arrive at your destination looking fresh

by Colleen

You’ve just been airborne for the last 12 hours, you’re exhausted, your body is stiff, your tummy isn’t quite right and your hair is a static mess and let’s not mention what your makeup might look like now after wearing an eye mask intermittently with staring at a video screen two inches away from your face. You just want to get off the plane and breathe…and there as you pass the exit to the plane you see them, those flight attendants (usually the ones on Asian airlines) thanking you for flying with them, smiling, perfect makeup and not a hair out of place! How do they do that?? So annoying! (ok maybe it’s part of their job)

Having travelled extensively over the years for my work I have managed to figure out some kind of a method to at least looking fresh, if not feeling it, upon arrival. I used to travel regularly to Tokyo where upon arrival my agent would take me directly to castings!! Hello jet-lag! At least then we weren’t limited to how many liquids we could carry on board and I would travel with a large bag full of masks, sprays, makeup and snacks.

Fast forward to 2014, we need an arsenal that’s compact enough to fit in a ziplock but still brings us some kind of pleasure knowing we will be able to look presentable and maybe make our flight a little more bearable like a spa in the sky.

Tip #1- grab yourself as many of those samples they give out at Sephora and other places, they are the perfect size and you can take the opportunity to try out something new.

Tip #2- Don’t wear much makeup or none at all when boarding the plane. If you do, bring a pack of mini wipes to remove it once airborne.

Tip #3- It’s extremely drying for your skin up there at 30,000 ft. so make sure one or more of your samples are rich moisturizers. Put this on as soon as you can along with tons of lip balm.

Tip #4-Drink lots of water and no alcohol (ok a glass a wine to put you to sleep) and bring your own snacks as airplane food is less than satisfying these days and full of salt.

Tip #5- Feel free to try a mask or better yet a sleeping mask that you don’t need to rinse off. Don’t worry no one will notice, they are all sleeping or watching movies. I always travel with a big scarf or wrap because I’m always freezing and it can be used to look chic on arrival. You can also wrap your entire head in it and sleep in private, maybe even with your mask on.

Tip #6- At least an hour before arrival go to the bathroom (because later there will be a line guaranteed and just as it’s your turn the captain will turn on the fasten seat belt sign!) Brush your teeth, splash water on your face and moisturize again. Apply a bb cream, like this compact from Laneige since it’s not a liquid and use concealer sparingly but especially under the eyes. Curl your eyelashes and apply mascara (you can get travel tube sizes) dab some cream blush on the apples of your cheeks to coax some modicum of life into your face and apply lip balm again and gloss or lipstick. Brush you hair and I recommend either a ponytail or a bun. Finishing touch- a roll on version of your perfume to make you feel fresh.

Smile at the immigration officer!