A Flight Attendant’s Secrets To Staying Radiant On A Long-Haul Flight
December 10 | 2 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
There’s a reason the cabin crew can travel halfway around the world in a day, battling turbulence, lack of sleep and endless passenger requests without a hair out of place. Like packing their carry-on, they’ve got their in-flight beauty routines down to a fine art.
Fergus McWhirter, an Onboard Airline Manager, tells us exactly how he keeps his glow going until the seatbelt signs are switched off at the final destination. Take inspiration for your summer getaway…
Next stop? Hydration!
Everyone knows hydration is key before any flight, especially if you’re travelling long-haul as the cabin air can suck the moisture from your skin. “I swear by my routine and stay consistent even when I get to my hotel room and am too tired to do it, as I know it really helps to safeguard my skin for future flights,” explains McWhirter, whose longest flight was a staggering 18 hours non-stop from Perth to London.
“I have a very regimented skincare routine which consists of serums like Skinstitut’s 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum to keep my skin hydrated and plump, 10% Niacinamide Power Serum to help calm my skin and improve its appearance, and 10% Vitamin C Serum to help protect and brighten it,” he says. Alongside them, he uses the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel once a week and a lip mask before every long flight.
“Plus, of course, my MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen each day,” he adds, knowing it’s even more important to wear it at 30,000 feet, given the sun’s rays are that much closer.
Carry-On Essentials
Any skincare taking up precious room in your carry-on should be focused on hydration, explains McWhirter. “I would always recommend having a hydrating spray or facial mist in your carry-on,” he says, adding, “I love the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist – it's all in the name!”
Don’t forget a nourishing lip balm or lip mask, and a sheet mask for a mid-flight dose of hydration. “I love Go-To’s Transformazing mask, and although I get a fright whenever I see passengers wearing one in the middle of the night, I love that they are looking after their skin!”
For passengers, McWhirter recommends topping up on hydration with Skinstitut’s 1% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and always packing SPF – “Especially if it's a day flight and you're sitting in the window seat!”
Secrets To Staying Flawless
The secret trick to always looking so put together and polished, even when deploying the emergency escape slide? “Anything that helps keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated is key while up in the air,” explains McWhirter. “The secret from a lot of my colleagues is that they take all their makeup off before going on a break and reapply it once they wake up so they can look and feel their best, giving their skin a break and a chance to breathe!
“You'll also hear cabin crew talk about the infamous 'touch-up before touchdown' to ensure you're landing looking fab,” he reveals.
Beauty In-Flight
It sounds simple, but brushing your teeth, using some mouthwash and a spritz of perfume can do wonders to help you look and feel fresher: “I love wearing Super Cedar EDP from Byredo as it's such a long-lasting perfume and not too overpowering for a long flight,” says McWhirter.
Of course, I'm always topping up hydration with my Skinstitut Moisture Defence Normal moisturiser, and spraying the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist constantly!”
Final Beauty Call
If you’re committed to arriving glowy and hydrated, the single most important thing is ensuring you’re drinking lots of water. “I can’t stress this enough!” says McWhirter. “It's so important to ensure your body stays adequately hydrated to step off the plane and start your holiday off well.”
McWhirter suggests bringing an empty water bottle and drinking electrolytes [editor’s note: these INTU Wellness sachets were made for travel!] to give you an added boost during long-haul journeys, adding, “A good eye mask, a comfy jumper and a spritz of the latest perfume also never goes astray.”
Now, note that your nearest exit may be behind you, and have a happy (and hydrated) flight!
