Knowing how to look good while traveling is a handy talent, particularly if you travel for work and need to be ready to go as soon as you land.
But while frequent travel does have its perks, it can make it harder to maintain a consistently fresh visage.
Time zones and irregular sleep patterns, dehydration and poor diet from in-flight meals are just some of the problems that can be experienced when one’s life is regularly up in the air.
Starting from the inside out, here are some ways to make sure you’re keeping up appearances.
Hydrate
It’s one of the easiest things that you can do to keep your skin and energy levels in check. Water, and plenty of it, not only prevents your skin from looking tired (aircraft cabin humidity is notoriously low) but will help fight the effects of jet lag when you land.
Adding a slice of lemon and the Vitamin C it brings will give your immune system a much-needed boost.
Moisturise
Keeping your body hydrated is the start. Investing in a good moisturiser and eye cream will help with puffiness from sleep, or lack-thereof, and provide a barrier against the drying cabin conditions.
Rather than piling it on and risking a breakout, cleanse your face every five to six hours and then apply a layer of moisturiser or a moisture-rich energising mask.
Sleep
Getting a decent sleep on a plane sounds almost contradictory, particularly when negotiating the tight fit of economy class.
One way to achieve this is to download to your phone or tablet a guided relaxation. This has the dual benefits of blocking out noise while teaching you how to relax. Learning how to take naps as they come is an important skill to master in order to look good travelling.
Be comfortable
Avoid clothing that is restricting or prone to irritating. Natural fibres such as Merino wool and cotton will help regulate body temperature, while being soft enough to accommodate being seated for long periods of time.
The same can be said of blanketing. While most aircrafts provide blankets, packing your own in natural fibre such as Merino wool will help maintain a healthier body temperature, making it easier to sleep. They’re also hypoallergenic, so won’t irritate either the skin like synthetics do especially on longer flights.
Eat well
As best you can, anyhow. Which means avoiding the fast food options at airports in favour of freshly prepared meals that include vegetables and fruits.
Mid-flight gets a little trickier, but the vegetarian options can sometimes be the best choice. Otherwise, avoid complex carbohydrates like pasta – which breaks down into sugars – and choose meals that are higher in protein content.
Want to know more? See our guide to the best wrinkle-free travel clothing and tips for packing lightly.
