How to Look Good After a Flight

Few people emerge from a flight looking fresh. While those celebrity paparazzi shots aren't staged, they also don’t show the first-class cabin, the team of stylists and makeup artists, and the expensive treatments they’ve undergone pre-trip. Can you sit for 13 hours in economy and not emerge looking haggard? It's going to be a lot of work, but it’s not impossible! Here are some tips on how to look good after a plane ride.

When getting ready, avoid applying heavy creams and oils too close to the scalp. This can cause unwanted oil buildup that won’t look fresh upon landing. Instead, apply a lightweight serum like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum on the lower half of your strands, down to the ends. This will keep your hair from looking frizzy and add softness and shine without weighing it down. If your scalp does get oily, apply a small amount of baby powder before landing to boost the roots.

You can’t keep you from wearing makeup on your way to the airport, but make sure to remove all of it after the plane takes off. Think of your flight as your bedtime — you don’t sleep with makeup on, do you? Use a micellar cleanser on a cotton pad or antibacterial wipes to remove oil, product, and bacteria from your skin and prevent breakouts.

The air up there can get very dry. Airplane cabins have low humidity, making your skin, eyes, nose, and throat dry and itchy. After cleansing, apply moisturizer all over your face to prevent this. Oil-free is best for long flights because dry air can make your skin oily enough as is. 

Hydrate your body by sipping instead of gulping water. According to the Kidney International Journal, gulping water means taking in more than the body can store, so it just flushes it out. Avoid frequent trips to the lavatory by sipping your water, which allows the body to process it more efficiently as well.

Ultimate traveler Anthony Bourdain famously once said that he never eats on a plane (save for some cheese and Port) because he likes to arrive hungry. But what if you are hungry? There's no escaping airplane food, especially if you’re on a long-haul flight. The service is a nice break from sleeping or watching a K-drama series. Just avoid foods that cause bloating, such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, chips, and gassy vegetables, which can make you feel uncomfortable throughout the flight.

One of the best tips on how to look good after a flight is getting some sleep — but it’s easier said than done. Make your trip as comfortable as possible to get the sleep you need. Bring a neck pillow if you have a problem dozing off while seated. Have lavender essential oil on hand to prompt your senses to relax. Wear an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones (if it’s comfortable for you) to create the optimum sleeping environment.

A mini face roller is a nice treat that’s perfect for short or long-haul flights. Whip it out whenever you feel like it and give yourself a quick face massage. It can help de-puff your face as well as keep you relaxed.

Follow these tips on how to look good after a flight and practice a little self-care in the skies.