Use these radiance and sanity-restoring tips before, during and after your trip.
1. Fight stuffy air with aromatherapy
“When you fly, recirculated air can cause sinuses to feel stuffed up,” explains Marilyn Tomaso, spa director of D-parture Spa at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. What can help: invigorating oils delivered with massage or steam.
On the go
Rub a drop of peppermint, rosemary or sage essential oil onto temples with fingertips; at your destination, add 10 drops of oil to a warm tub, making sure to close the bathroom door to allow nasal-cleansing steam to build up.
2. Boost skin’s moisture for a radiant glow
Another unfortunate effect of plane air: dry skin. Step up your moisturizing routine before and during travel to feel more comfortable and look better. “The only way to get a dewy, beautiful look from makeup is to start with well-hydrated skin,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Shalini Vadhera. She suggests sleeping with a hydrating mask on skin the night before you travel. Intensify the impact of products by prepping skin with an exfoliator (sloughing off dead cells allows moisturizers to better hydrate the skin).
On the go
You can boost the moisture quotient in your makeup regimen by switching to light, nourishing formulas like tinted moisturizers instead of heavy foundations. Also opt for cream, rather than powder, makeup; it’s more hydrating
3. Use makeup to wake up your eyes
“Red eyes triggered by dilated blood vessels, caused by dry air and lack of sleep, can add years to your face,” Vadhera explains. To freshen up your eyes, steer clear of black liners and opt instead for navy ones, since blue makes the whites of your eyes look whiter. Then blend a creamy peach or white highlighting concealer beneath eyes to conceal dark circles and brighten the overall area.
On the go
Don’t leave home without an eye cream with Matrixyl, an ingredient that helps promote production of the skin-firming tissues collagen and elastin while smoothing and de-puffing.
4. Adjust to time shifts
The key to feeling like yourself during long-distance travel is getting your body adjusted to a new time zone (changing your sleep schedule so that it works with your destination’s time zone is the best way to do this), says Anna Doyle, director of Molton Brown Travel Spas located in the British Airways lounge. Citrus and grapeseed are naturally invigorating botanicals, so stock up on these energizers.
On the go
To get some much-needed zzz’s when traveling by plane, skip the alcoholic beverages; they dehydrate you and prevent restful sleep. Also be sure to pack a soft eye mask, socks to keep feet warm, earplugs and smoothing lip balm to quench dehydrated lips. Comfort is key to being able to rest, Doyle says.
5. Hydrate thirsty strands
“Hair is extremely susceptible to the stresses of flying,” says Bonnie Baker, spa therapy manager at the Spa at Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. If you travel a lot, you might notice more dry flyaway strands as well as more split ends.
On the go
Leave-in conditioners are must-haves for any traveler, as even those with oily hair can suffer from split ends. These conditioners add moisture to your hair and also protect it from environmental damage that could lead to additional moisture loss.
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