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Saturday, December 29, 2012

If you can't find me at home, Heathrow seems like a good place to start looking. I've been on plane after plane recently and my hectic travel schedule doesn't look like slowing down.

Looking after yourself on long-haul flights is something that isn't discussed as much as it should be. Flying can wreak havoc on your skin so it's important that you bring you beauty regimen on board with you. Whilst I haven't yet succumbed to applying face masks on the plane I certainly enjoy my diy spa sessions.

Before I get on a plane (only when I'm flying long distances) I make sure that I slather some oil on the ends of my hair (olive oil works the best but if you want to avoid smelling like a runaway Caprese salad then Moroccan Oil is your best bet). Use more than you generally would after showering, this will lock in extra moisture and leave your hair silky soft after you're shower to rid you of lingering airplane smells.

I always bring a little kit with me on the plane, this is void of all make-up. I never really understood women who slap on foundation, concealer and other pore-clogging goodies for a trip.

Swap your airport security friendly clear plastic bag for a metallic woven Bottega Veneta makeup bag (now on sale at Net-a-Porter here).

These are my necessities:

1. Lip Balm
I generally bring a couple of these with me but recently it has been By Terry's Baume de Rose (here) and Lucas Papaw Ointment (here).


2. Hand Sanitizer
I've certainly got the potential to develop OCD a la Howard Hughes. I do my best to avoid using my hands to open doors, touch surfaces and other nasties in public spaces so hand sanitizer has become my new best friend. I pick up the mini bottles from Bath & Bodyworks in the US which come in all different scents. I've recently been using Gingerbread but all in all they mostly smell of germ stripping chemicals (no complaints there).


3. Hand Cream
One of the many things my mother taught me is the importance of hand cream. Since your hands are the first place to give away your true age it's important to look after them. I keep various hand creams next to my bed just to remind me once a day to look after my paws. My favourites so far are L'Occitane  Shea Butter Hand Cream (here) and Laura Mercier's Creme de Pistache (try Fresh Fig here) which smells so good you want to eat.


4. Evian Spray
I always travel with this to give my parched skin a light shot of moisture (available from Boots). This is the first step of my on-board cleansing programme. It also acts as a natural alarm clock giving your skin a wakeup call when it's time to land and all you want to do is curl up in bed and drink one Venti Starbucks after another.


5. Cleanser/Toner
I recently discovered a sample of Vichy's Purete Thermale Toner. I soak a cotton pad with this and run it all over my face to remove any excess dirt or grime which has parked itself on my skin throughout the flight. This is an instant pick-me-up for your skin and helps replace a little of the lost moisture.


6. Moisturiser
I recently discovered the new La Mer Gel de la Mer which is a lighter formula to the cult favourite Creme de la Mer. Again I try to bring as many sample sized products as possible to avoid turning my carryon bag into my own medi-spa. This has a beautiful texture which is light enough to avoid causing acne but moisturising enough to really leave skin looking refreshed and plump.


7. Eye Gel
I wasn't enamoured with the Garnier Caffine Eye Roll-on however it's perfect for travelling (available from Boots). It's a compact pen-sized product which really cools and refreshed tired eyes. I wouldn't use this every day but applied over the duration of a long flight it's fantastic.


8. Perfume
There is nothing worse than smelling like you've been rolling around the emergency exit on a plane. That horrible musty plane smell is never chic. It's important to carry a little travel sized atomiser which can give you a boost and leave you smelling impossibly fresh at baggage claim. I try to stick to lighter, classic smells which aren't overly musky or floral. Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle is perfect; you can buy it in a refillable travel sized spray which wouldn't look out of place in Grace Kelly's...Kelly. Find yours in duty free.


I hope that my travel beauty tips have been helpful, let me know if you have any other recommendations for your onboard spa sessions.

Happy travels!













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