My Pre-Flight Beauty Routine (and what I bring on the plane)


Beauty, Travel / Friday, June 14th, 2019

If the thought of getting into a closed cabin full of strangers, germs, and dehydrated air for several hours has you a little freaked out like me (hello, anxiety, party of one), then this post is for you! My simple pre-flight beauty routine can really help take the edge off and give your body what it needs to comfortably survive the luxury of air travel.

There are a few simple things I like to do in the days leading up to my departure, as well as while on the plane (scroll down for my on board checklist). My pre-flight beauty routine is easy and affordable, so you won’t need to spend a bunch on a lot of products. These are just my suggestions and as always, consult your doctor if you have any special health requirements and do what is best for you!

Pre-Flight Beauty Routine, What to Bring on the Plane | Cathedrals & Cafes Blog

Details: Panama Hat | Palmgrens Rattan Bag (similar here) | Ferragamo Sunglasses | Tissot Watch

Drink lots of water

Step one of my pre-flight beauty routine is to drink lots of water. Planes are pretty dehydrating to your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Although newer model airplanes are incorporating technology to safely increase the level of humidity, you’re likely going to be flying on an older plane most of the time. So it’s not a bad idea to drink up before, during, and after your flight.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize (hands, face, lips)

This part of the routine goes hand in hand with the above. On overnight flights, I prefer to wear as little makeup as possible. A tinted moisturizer is great if you still need some coverage. But I prefer a clean face that’s been washed and moisturized. In an effort not to scare people, I also apply mascara. Hehe… Prior to landing I’ll use a facial cleansing cloth to freshen up and then reapply moisturizer.

As you know, I really like the Hydro Boost line of skincare from Neutrogena. I prefer the Hydro Boost Water Gel for my face and the Hydro Boost Lip Treatment for my lips, which always get really dry when I fly. I also pack a travel size of this Kiehl’s hand cream.

Related: The Proper Order to Apply Your Skincare Products

Pre-Flight Beauty Routine, What to Bring on the Plane | Cathedrals & Cafes Blog

Take low-dose aspirin

I am on a daily low-dose aspirin regimen for my migraines, but my doctor has always advised me to also take it when flying. Don’t forget to get up and stretch your legs a couple times, too. Blood clots are no joke!

Reduce foods with high salt or that cause bloating

My daily diet is pretty low in sodium, but leading up to a long flight I am extra conscientious of what I’m eating. Flying can make me feel bloated and lethargic so I try to stick to healthy foods that are high in energy and low in carbs and salt. I also avoid anything that might be problematic when it comes to the bathroom situation, i.e. nothing too spicy, no sushi or raw foods, or anything “exotic” that I wouldn’t normally eat. Hey, just being honest here. I also try not to overdo it with caffeine or alcohol. I like to sleep on overnight flights if I can, and both those things can interrupt any shuteye I hope to get.

Paint nails a clear coat

This part of my pre-flight beauty routine may seem a little strange but it works every time, and I think it’s worth mentioning. Pedicure aside (because I always get one of those before a trip), I prefer to travel with a clear coat on my nails. This way my nails stay protected and I don’t have to worry about chipping. There’s nothing worse that having a giant chip in my nails as soon as I arrive. I will end up obsessing over it and picking at it. I’ve used the same nail strengthening top coat for years from Sally Hansen, and I apply it the day before our trip.

Pre-Flight Beauty Routine, What to Bring on the Plane | Cathedrals & Cafes Blog

What to Bring Aboard Your
Overnight and/or International Flight

-Anti-bacterial wet wipes (I’ve used hand sanitizer on a tissue in a pinch), because that tray table is DIS-GUS-TING!

-Hand sanitizer

-Hand lotion

-Facial moisturizer

-Lip balm

-Tissues

-Eye drops

-Deodorant

-Toothbrush/toothpaste

-Hair brush

-Hair bands

-Eye mask – I bought this eye mask last year and love it because it doesn’t press down on your eyes (which also smears mascara) and it completely blocks out light. It’s a pretty good deal at around $12.

-Neck pillow – I use an inflatable neck pillow so I can pack it in my bag. Using a non-inflatable version is a no go for me. I can’t stop thinking about all the stuff it touches when it just hangs off your bag. I’m a germaphobe if you haven’t noticed by now.

-Healthy dry snacks like trail mix or nuts

How do you like to prepare for a long flight?

xo – Erin

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6 Replies to “My Pre-Flight Beauty Routine (and what I bring on the plane)”

  1. Erin, these are such great tips!!! Some of these I would have never thought like the clear coat nail polish.. but its such a good idea! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Thank you, Marisa! I’m so glad the nail tip is helpful. Sometimes it’s the littlest things, you know? 🙂 xo – Erin

  2. I like to think of myself as “germ-aware”. Disinfectant wipes on a plane are a must!

    Love the nail polish tip!

    1. I’m so glad I could help, Kelsi! I’m sure you’ll be hooked on international travel after your first trip. Where are you headed? 🙂 xo – Erin

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