Beauty on Board
How I Beautify at 35,000 ft. 
6/26/13

Alright, folks. I've busted out my well-worn, TSA-approved quart-sized Ziploc bag with my liquids and gels under 3.4 oz. and am revealing what I can't live without inflight. It's kind of amazing how much I cram into that thing. There are three distinct categories that stood out to me as I sorted the items. Hydration, makeup/beauty, and cleanliness. I should start by saying I always carry disinfecting wipes in my handbag to wipe down the tray, cup holders, arm rests, overhead and electronic controls.  

On domestic flights, I use the hot towels to wipe my face and neck, then apply La Mer (sample size from the La Mer counter), and Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. My hands get insanely dry, and between all the Purell and hand washing, that hand cream rocks. After meal service, I apply Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream, Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm, and some Rosebud Salve if my lips need extra moisture. On international flights, United offers a mediocre amenity kit with Philosophy products. I do sometimes use the lip balm and layer Rosebud Salve over it, but the Clarins Hand Cream is far better than Philosophy's in the kit. Essentially, my bag contents remain the same regardless of an amenity kit. One key difference on international flights is that I switch to Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream since the flights are much longer and it helps you awake to a hydrated eye area that hides any telltale signs of your long journey. 

(click photo to enlarge)

When alerted for initial descent, I use a fresh hot towel to wipe down my face and reapply (lightly) the La Mer, as well as using my Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm. It's shiny, so sometimes that's all I want or have time for if I hit the "plane snooze button" and am woken by a flight attendant indicating our final descent. Yikes! I always prioritize makeup application based on time. Often the captain will order us to secure our belongings if there's "weather." First I use my YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch under and around my eyes. Next is some Diorshow Black Out Mascara and my beloved Shu Uemura Eye Light Pencil. Sometimes I'll apply my ultra shiny Lancôme Juicy Tubes lip gloss in Dreamsicle, or Sugar Rosé by fresh. Finally, I pop a mini Altoid or two on a domestic flight, or use the toothbrush & toothpaste from the kit on international flights. After deplaning, I stop and apply a little scent from my Hanae Mori or Marc Jacobs Rollerball fragrances and I'm on my merry way. I feel it's a big no-no to apply fragrance in the cabin, unless you don't mind the stink-eye from fellow passengers. 

It sounds like a lot, but I've timed the routine and the makeup only takes about 5 minutes. Ample time between initial and final descent. When you've taken an overnight flight, domestic or international, you're arriving in daylight, and it's nice to be ready for the day.  The only item I always carry in my Ziploc bag but haven't mentioned is whatever nail polish I'm currently wearing to fix chips or in case I get another manicure and/or pedicure during travel. 

My verdict? Do what works for you. Whether it's simply your favorite travel-size hand cream and lip balm, or all your must-haves, feeling pretty and refreshed after flying is priceless.