Aeroplane Essentials
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Whether you’re off on a mini-break or a long-haul escape, travel is the perfect excuse for a little mid-air me-time. Personally, I like to treat a flight like a flying spa (with snacks, obviously). Hydration? Check. Cosy comforts and gadgets? Packed. So, buckle up. Let’s get
Beauty Bits:
Every single product in this list is carry-on friendly. That said, airport liquid rules are changing. Some UK airports (like Heathrow) have already upgraded their scanners to allow liquids up to 2 litres. Yes, that’s two full bottles of champers… cheers to that! But just in case you’re flying from an airport that’s still 100ml max, these picks will glide through security like a dream.
Transparent, wipe-clean and roomy enough for your essentials without turning into a suitcase in disguise. Super good quality!
H-aaaaair:
Before a flight, I like to give my hair a proper wash and load it up with a good leave-in conditioner. Then I pop it into plaits which, if left to dry in the air (or blow-dried if you’re in a rush), gives you beautiful waves when you land. Just before touchdown, I take them out and run a nourishing balm (below) through the ends.
The name says it all. This soft, creamy balm smooths, de-frizzes and adds shine.
Silke hair ties are the GOAT. A lovely perfect pop-of-colour and the bobbles don’t snap your hair or leave weird kinks. A holiday essential for me!
Hands:
Two of my absolute faves for keeping hands clean, fresh and hydrated – SO important when touching areas of the pain that might have been touched by other people first!
Is there anything chicer than Aesop?! Smells like a boutique hotel lobby. A spritz of this and your hands feel instantly refreshed.
A skin-friendly mist that works everywhere. Underarms, face, hands – you name it! It’s like a sophisticated wet wipe!
Skin:
Studies show that humidity in a plane cabin can dip below 20%, which is drier than the Sahara. So, here’s how I fight back… just remember HYDRATION is key!
Hydrating, soothing and refreshing. This mist is like a mini spa in your seat. Pro tip: spritz it on your neck and wrists if you’re feeling clammy. It cools you down and smells divine.
If you’ve come to the airport with makeup on, then first step is cleansing. Cleanses, exfoliates and preps the skin in one swipe.
Packed with brightening, plumping, glow-boosting masks. Just don’t be alarmed if your seatmate stares… you’re serving sheet mask chic!
A powerful Vitamin C serum that keeps your glow switched on. Antioxidants at altitude? We love to see it.
You know how much I love this! This is like a blanket for your face. Ultra-rich, comforting and smells deliciously herbal. Dab it on cheekbones, lips, elbows, etc.
Buttery, balmy and a cult fave for a reason.
Who doesn’t love her?! Hydrates all flight long.
Another forever fave. Works on lips, cuticles, brows, burns. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of beauty.
And, if you really want to go for it… you could take a beauty tool! I do this on long haul as I find my face gets so puffy:
Amazing facial roller which is perfect for inflight puffiness. Pro-tip: I keep mine in a zip lock bag to try to reduce any germs.
One I’ve talked about many times before! Similar to a Gua Sha but made out of a lovely cooling stainless steel. I love this no fuss tool. It is little but mighty!
SPF, ALWAYS
I always pop SPF on just before landing because I know I’ll forget once I’m sipping an Aperol. Pro tip: always pack your swimsuit in your hand luggage, too. I change in the loo before we land – swimsuit on, goggles packed (yes, really… just in case we need to swim to safety, lol). It’s giving Bond girl meets boy scout. Click here to read my SPF blog
Make Up:
If you want to add a bit of makeup before you land, go for something easy and fresh.
I love this concealer. It is infused with hyaluronic acid which feels like it is doing something good for your skin as well as covering up those bags! I wear shade medium 1.
Cult classic for a reason! Like the Vieve concealer, this is full of good stuff! It's enriched with a multi-active botanical blend – we're talking magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract and vitamin E! Perfect for keeping your skin happy. I wear shade custard.
This baby is super buildable and lasts for 16 hours! Perfect when you need to land already looking super polished! I wear shade birch.
Instant holiday glow – even before you’ve left the plane. This stick version is brilliant and easy to carry.
The glowiest, prettiest flush. Can be used on cheeks and lips – so perfect when you’ve only got a carry-on!
You know how much I love this. The ultimate pre-landing lift. Your lashes but sky high!
Comforting & Sleep:
I take a hot water bottle with me on flights, its habit from when I had endo, but I still find it equally as comforting, and it helps me to nod off now. The flight attendants are always happy to fill up.
And if you don’t want to carry a hot water bottle – these are great!
The blackout mask of dreams. Thick, soft and blocks out everything. You’ll look asleep even before take-off.
Wearing lash extensions? This genius mask protects them while you snooze.
Gadgets:
All the plugs, all the ports, and one sleek little kit. Jet lag = yes, dead phone = no thanks.
Game-changer. Pop it under your legs and suddenly economy feels like a recliner.
Supportive, comfy, chic. No more head-bobbing or waking up with neck ache.
Keeps your bits organised and out of the dreaded seat pocket abyss. This is extra but honestly so helpful!
So, you and your travel buddy can watch The Holiday together with your own headphones. Love is literally in the air.
Noise cancelling, great sound and super comfy fit. Block out screaming kids or that guy loudly explaining crypto behind you.
So, that’s my full in-flight kit to keep you feeling fresh, comfy and slightly smug while soaring through the skies. Whether you’re off on a beach break or city sprint, these bits will have you arriving like that girl (even if you barely slept and ate six packets of pretzels).
Don’t forget to use LISACB for 20% off nearly everything at Cult Beauty, including all these faves. Now buckle up, mist on and mask up!
Love,
Lisa xx