travel

'I write about travel for a living. Here are the 7 beauty products I won't fly without.'

Visiting and writing about amazing destinations as part of my job is pretty neat-o, but if all the plane travel that requires has taught me anything, it's this: flying can wreak havoc with your skin.

Luckily, I've also had the opportunity to trial a lot of truly phenomenal products in my career – which means I've been able to get the packing of my carry-on beauty bag down to a fine art. 

These days, I know exactly I what I need on hand to take care of my skin while I'm 40,000 feet in the air, and step off a 23-hour flight looking fresh as a daisy (even if I feel like a squished bug).

Listen to You Beauty: "Don't Have A Hot Shower" & Other Skincare Secrets For Travelling. Post continues below.


The main issue that requires attention when we're up in the air? Dehydration. And whether you already tend towards a dry complexion or you're an oily-skinned babe, in-flight air con is the all-time enemy of stepping off a plane looking like a rockstar.

Along with chugging plenty of water during a flight, having a handful of top-tier beauty buys at the ready will ensure you've got those fresh vibes sorted from the moment you touch down. Here are some of the best beauty products you can pack into your carry-on to make sure you step off the plane looking holiday-ready.

1. The MVP oil. 

Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil, $75 (50ml).

Image: Sephora.

This little beauty bag MVP is a total all-rounder. Honestly, if I could only take one product on board, I would literally die it would be a pure oil like this one. Why? Because a 100 per cent pure argan oil Does It All. Rub a few drops between your palms and press into parched skin mid-flight. Massage into sad cuticles and nails, dried-out elbows (you know what I'm talking about)... Mix with your fave moisturiser, work through the ends of hair to quench thirsty strands... honestly, what can't this baby do? The hydrating queen, this bottle.

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2. The best face spritz ever (IMHO).

Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist, $55 (100ml)

Image: Adore Beauty.

I've sprayed a lot of s**t on my face in search of the best hydrating mist and can hands-down say, Jurlique is, imho, the top of the leaderboard. It smells divine, the lavender is beautifully calming (may be helpful if you're an anxious flyer *puts hand up*) and it injects your complexion with the moisture it's begging for. It's perfect for spritzing on mid-flight, and can be used solo or over makeup. Another team player on the beauty field.

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3. The non-negotiable dry shampoo.

Shampowder Dry Shampoo, $36 (56g)

Image: The Iconic.

Plane seems to dehydrate every bit of me... except my scalp. Yep, by the time I've hit my destination, my head looks like I've spent the past 12 hours bent over a grease trap. Dry shampoo is a non-negotiable in these situations, but for the sake of other passengers, I prefer not to go nuts spraying aerosols around. I mean, I guess I could? But it feels rude, you know? That's why I'm obsessed with dry shampoo powders. They work in the same way, but instead of spritzing on, you tap out a little of the powder, work it in with your fingers, brush it through and let it work its magic sopping up unwanted oil. Genius.

Watch: Things I've Learned About Beauty & Skincare. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

 4. The lip balm I'm obsessed with.

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Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm in Coconutter, $14.95

Image: Adore Beauty.

Chapped lips? I'm not about 'em, and while a LOT of balms could bump in for this spot, this right here is the one I always reach for first. I have three tubes of the stuff on the go at any one time (what? One for each bag...) and I don't think it's a stretch to say I'm obsessed. Coconutter is my fave flave – it smells like a tropical dream – and also doubles as a bit of an 'everything balm' for any deeply dry bits you want to inject a little moisture into.

5. The hand-bag sized hand cream.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $17 (30ml)

Image: The Iconic. 

When I was still at uni, I had a part-time job at L'Occitane for a hot minute. I was obsessed with this hand cream – and while many things have changed over the (many) years since I graduated, one thing that hasn't is my obsession with the infamous silver tube. There's a reason it's their best-seller, guys, and the mini version is perfect for sliding into your on-board baggage to soften up your mitts mid-flight.

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6. The perfect 'freshen up' foundation. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, $71

Image: Adore Beauty.

There's a reason this foundation constantly makes beauty editors' must-buy lists. Before those seatbelt signs flick on at the end of the flight, I like to hit the bathroom for a freshen-up, and this is the tube for the job. As a CC cream, it smoothes the complexion without looking too foundation-y, and is packed with hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients, plus SPF, so you're protected from the moment you step back out into the sunshine.

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7. The best cheek tint for livening up your skin.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Amp'd Up Apple, $71

Image: Adore Beauty.

Another essential part of my get-gangway-fresh routine before we begin our descent is injecting a bit of life back into my face by way of a colour pop. Because after 15+ hours on a plane, I can pretty much guarantee I'm looking washed-out, and a delightful cream blush stick will laugh in the face of all those hours I spent sitting in recycled air. I always opt for a cream formulation that will melt into my skin for a fresh-AF flush, rather than a powder blush, which can settle into fine lines.

Happy travels! 

Alix Nicholson is Mamamia's Managing Editor. Want to catch more of her adventures in travel, beauty and lifestyle? Head on over to her Instagram.

Feature image: Supplied; Sephora; The Iconic; Adore Beauty.

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