Travel Skincare + Beauty Solutions for the Pre/In/Post-Flight Experience

2017 has delivered a host of travel opportunities thus far; from adventures in London to an exploration of Chesapeake Bay, I’m fairly certain I’ve been on a flight two times a month since January.  These frequent excursions have helped me to refine my packing strategies (still a work in progress), determine my on-board favorites and figure out ways to help my skin recover from late nights and the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure. Consequently, I am excited to share skincare and beauty (and a dash of style) solutions that take me through my pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight process.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action as well as the Bottom Line…

I love taking off from LAX…we always fly over the ocean before making a major turn, providing a gorgeous view of the Pacific. 
// PRE-FLIGHT //

The pre-flight planning begins with my outfit choice; I prefer to travel in a dark pair of leggings (the ones below have clever cutouts that make them unique yet comfortable), an oversized tee (men’s shirts are the best for this objective) and a super soft sweater (cashmere, please) that can keep me cozy in the most inclimate of situations.  Additionally, I almost always wear my trusty Stan Smith tennies on the plane…they have a classic appeal and look good with almost everything. 
Style Details:
  • Michi Leggings: I adore an interesting pair of leggings and this pair from Michi does not disappoint; they form to the body and effortlessly maintain their shape, even after a 12-hour day. 
  • Long Cashmere Cardigan: I have a long cardigan in every neutral shade–gray, black and nude–and they are always on heavy rotation. 
  • Men’s white v-neck tee: Purchased in a three pack, this trio of 100% cotton tees is so versatile. 
  • Adidas Stan Smith Tennis Shoes (currently on sale!): Undeniably timeless, this comfortable sneaker is constantly within reach and looks good with pants and dresses alike; I also love that my dad wore them for most of my childhood. 

Stan Smith on the feet, Jethro under the seat in front of me…ready for take off.  
A glimpse at the Rockies from 30,000…majestic, no?
 // IN-FLIGHT //
I appreciate having a few (read: many) skincare and beauty essentials on-board with me; one never knows how long a day of travel can be and I prefer to be prepared.  From a cutting edge eye cream to a mid-flight refresh, I definitely challenge the constraints of a 1-ounce ziplock with my liquid, gel and cream choices!
In flight options. 
In-Flight Skin Details: 
  • Eye cream is essential, especially with early morning eyes that are headed into a semi-arid environment; I am loving the *BABOR Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream.  The fascinating, air tight packaging features cooling roller ball applicator and the formula itself masterfully combats puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. My eyes are left brighter and markedly more moisturized with a single application. 
  • For skin, the *Sisley-Paris Double Tenseur (reviewed HERE) lifts and tightens the skin on contact and keeps my makeup feeling fresh all day. It can also strategically be used atop makeup for additional tightening benefits.
  • For lips, I make sure to have a spectrum of balm options at my disposal.  The *BABOR Lip Repair Balm is particularly dreamy; infused with Argan Oil, this lightweight formula envelopes lips in moisture and preps them for additional lip color. It has an ultra-subtle vanilla aroma and feels sensational. I am also having a bit of fun with the new *Lipstick Queen Mornin’ Sunshine lipstick. The sheer formula offers a moisturizing veil that may look yellow in the bullet, but transforms to a delicate pinky coral on the lips (worn in some of the images at the end of this story). The Maybelline Baby Lips Glow in My Pink is another excellent “apply without a mirror” option. In my experience more hydrating than the traditional Baby Lips, it works with one’s pH levels to develop into a soft pink hue. 
  • *SK-II Mid-Day Essence (reviewed HERE): I always give my skin a spritz of this Pitera-enriched spray right before landing; it revitalizes my skin and makes my makeup look fresher than it actually is. 
  • Finally, I always apply a spritz of *Byredo Mojave Ghost (love that this now comes in a perfumed oil roll-on option, too) which is just about as close to my signature scent as one fragrance can be. Unique and mysterious without being overwhelming in close quarters, it’s all at once soothing and mood-lifting. 
Swatches in direct sunlight. 
For my most recent flight, I packed only a carry on and, consequently, had to strategically choose my beauty products…here are some of the gems that made the cut. 

In-Flight Beauty Details: 
  • *Gucci Lustrous Glow Foundation 080 (reviewed HERE): A nearly weightless foundation option with strong longevity and light-medium coverage, this formula doesn’t look cakey and  lets my skin breathe.
  • *Jenny Patinkin Petites Brush Set (reviewed HERE): Five diminutive brushes that travel like a dream and get the job done…always in my personal carryon. 
  • *By Terry Sun Designer Palette #04 Savannah Love (reviewed HERE): I am smitten by the latest from By Terry; with a host of bronzing and blush options, this palette is extremely versatile. 
  • *Kevyn Aucion Neo-Limelight Palette (reviewed HERE): For a lilac-inspired glow, this palette–which can also be worn on the cheeks as a unique blush tone–is spectacular, especially on the high points of the face. 
  • *Nude Envie Lipsticks in Cool and Mesmerize (reviewed HERE): Now available at Barney’s NY, these creamy nude gems hydrate while imparting a gorgeous veil of color. Cool is a mauve-toned pink and Mesmerize (also worn at the end of this story) is a lush peachy pink. 
  • *Le Metier de Beaute Haute Metals Palettes in Cool and Warm: These brand new palettes are everything one could hope for in a streamlined five shade compact. The Cool palette features a range of wearable green hues–brilliantly apropos for spring–while the Warm palette offers a lovely spectrum of neutrals in matte and satin formulas for seemingly endless potential.  Finely milled with excellent color payoff, both of these LE wonders (extensively swatched below) are worth pursuing. 
On-board makeup. 
Swatches in direct sunlight.  
Swatches in direct sunlight. 
The Le Metier de Beaute Haute Metals Palettes in Cool and Warm.
Cool Palette. 
Swatches of the Le Metier de Beaute Haute Metals Palette in Cool. 
Cool on the eyes. 
Cool in direct sunlight.  
Warm Palette. 
Swatches of the Le Metier de Beaute Haute Metals Palette in Warm. 
Warm on the eyes. 
Warm in direct sunlight. 
Welcome home…LA is a land of wonder (and in this image, a land of smog as well).  Regardless of the current air quality, it is always exciting to view from above.
 // POST-FLIGHT //

Once I touch down back in LA (and say a quick prayer of gratitude for the safe landing), my mind is in flight recovery mode.  The long hours and immensely dry air have wreaked havoc on my skin and I  am ready to reverse the damage. 

Post-Flight Haircare + Skincare Details:

  • For hair, I have been impressed with the *ColorProof ClearIt Up Detoxing Shampoo; the stellar ingredients (no sulfates etc.) work to cleanse my hair of the buildup that invariably happens when you travel to a new place and the water is different (e.g., harder or softer than what’s at home). It’s like a “re-start” for my hair and my locks are left bouncy and clean.  For additional care, the *Miriam Quevedo Sublime Gold Mask restores moisture, softness and impeccable shine in a single treatment; it’s truly marvelous, indeed. 
  • With the word “repair” in its moniker, it is only befitting that I embrace the *BABOR Lip Repair Balm; my perennially dry lips feel healthy and supple with each application and, as aforementioned, the weightless texture and soft matte finish play so well with lip color.
  • The powerhouse of this post-flight routine involves the intriguing *BABOR Multi-Active Vitamin Fluid. Representing the best in ampoule technology, this course of seven treatments is packed with Vitamins A, B and E to help stressed and dehydrated skin to effectively recover, restoring elasticity and glow in the process. Designed to seamlessly integrate with any skincare routine, the individually-dosed ampoules can be used for seven days, transforming skin meaningfully and incrementally for maximum results. I apply it as the first step in my skincare routine so that the vitamins get the optimal opportunity for absorption. It’s unlike any skincare I have tried to date and its singularity, coupled with its efficacy, make me so excited for this particular discovery. 
  • Finally, an ample dose of the *BABOR Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream–both day and night–helps to return eyes to a brighter and less exhausted state of being. 

With targeted purposes and the capability to be integrated into any skincare routine, the BABOR ampules are a perfect blend of genius and efficacy. 
The following images reflect all products in action…

Le Metier de Beaute Cool Palette on the eyes and Lipstick Queen Mornin’ Sunshine on the lips.  

Le Metier de Beaute Warm Palette on the eyes and Nude Envie Mesmerize on the lips. 
This BABOR  balm is sublimely addictive.  
Ready to take off on the next adventure…Dallas, here I come! 
Last look. 
–Shop the Post–


Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my travel skincare and beauty process as of late and would love to hear how you prepare for–and subsequently recover from–a flight? Do tell! 
Currently (through 5/8/17), Beauty Professor readers can get 20% off all orders from BABOR with the code BEAUTYPROFESSOR; there is a vast range of ampoules–specifically targeted to a variety of skin concerns–as well as other advanced skincare formulas including cleansers, creams and serums.  Consequently, this is the perfect time to try out the brand’s innovative product range!
Good things ahead, including a new video and a host of new product procurements; I have many exciting things in the works so please stay tuned…
xx,
–The Beauty Professor

 **PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me),  however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. Thank you to Babor for sponsoring this post. © 2012-17 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.

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Comments (3)

  • Suzanne Gabrielle Reply

    I love hearing what you use in your travels. I spend more time in the air than I'd like – fly almost every week between Florida and NYC, plus a daughter living in Australia; another in Germany; and husband's family in India and Sweden. Although I am not as young and gorgeous as you, my travel outfit is nearly the same. I use supportive travel socks and highly recommend them for all women – even younger women – especially if taking any medication or hormones. Ask your doctor! I would add a big scarf that can be used as a wrap or blanket. On the beauty front, I cannot live without a good facial spray. I am currently loving L'Occitane's Shea Butter Comforting Mist. My beauty items change depending on the length of the flight, but my go to items include Clarin's Fig hand cream, Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths, Paw Paw Ointment, Avene Eye Cream, and Sisley's Black Rose Mask. I would also recommend a saline nasal spray to keep germs at bay and Lo & Son's "The Pearl" cross body hand bag which has room for critical travel items like passport, money, credit cards. And it can double as a clutch once you've arrived at your destination. And once I get to my destination, I fumigate myself and clothing as quickly as possible. I pack a sheet mask and the SKII never fails me for bringing my skin back to life from the cabin air. I have a lot to say about this topic, but I think I better stop. Love your blog, Instagram, etc. Have a blessed week.

    April 9, 2017 at 9:21 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks so much for the wealth of suggestions, Suzanne! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts and appreciate you taking the time to share!

      Hope your summer is going well…XO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 4, 2017 at 10:52 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    I love your review! Stunning products! I would love to know if the Gucci Lustrous glow would be good for dry/dehydrated skin? I am so close to blind buying, the name is appealing! Is there anywhere that has swatches of the shade range? Thank you

    April 11, 2017 at 1:10 am

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