5 Fresh Tips for Looking Your Best While Traveling
Whether you’re heading to the coast to soak up the last few days of summer sun, or waiting for that 5 hour plane flight across the country back to school, you’ve got a lot of traveling in your near future. The last thing you want to be worrying about while packing and running through the terminal is looking good when you land, but unfortunately airplanes do seem to have the ability to make you look your worst. Thankfully, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Here are 5 fresh tips for looking your best while traveling.
TIP 1: HYDRATE
I know, I know, you’ve seen this everywhere – because it really is that important! Drinking lots of water before and during your flight (or train/car/boat ride) will keep your body feeling healthy and your skin looking fresh. Instead of wasting your money on overpriced bottled water in the airport, invest in a reusable water bottle. They’re great for long-term use and are way more environmentally friendly than bottled water – which is just filtered tap water, anyway, but with the added consequences of chemical leaching and pollution following consumption.
Another plus of reusable water bottles? They make way cuter accessories, like this quirky 14.4 oz glass option. (Faucet Face, $15)
TIP 2: A CLEAN FACE
During even the shortest flights your skin will absorb dirt from that gross, recycled air on planes. If you’re wearing heavy makeup, your pores will end up clogged from the dirt – resulting in a nasty breakout in the days following your trip. To avoid this fate, it’s best to go au natural when traveling and let your skin breathe. However, I know most girls aren’t willing to risk being seen in such a public setting without makeup, so here are two alternatives to keep your face clean and clear during the flight.
Cleansing Wipes: If you won’t forgo the makeup altogether, at least wipe it off on the plane before takeoff. This pack of 30 moist towelettes will remove makeup, oil, and dirt to keep your face perfectly fresh throughout the flight. (Burt’s Bees, $6)
Blotting Sheets: For those of you that refuse to remove your makeup at any time, at least try to remove the excess oil and sweat for a fresher look. This pack of 100 lavender blotting linens will keep your makeup looking precise and clean, with a lovely, light fragrance. (Ulta, $5)
TIP 3: MOISTURIZE
The high altitudes and intense air conditioning on a plane are bound to dry your skin. The best bet for fighting this issue is generously applying your daily facial moisturizer before the flight – something you can’t do while wearing makeup. In the case that you won’t remove your makeup, at least swap your foundation for a tinted moisturizer on the morning of the trip (this will also prevent your makeup from smearing while traveling).
Apparently all the celebrities use moisturizing water mists throughout flights to keep their skin revitalized, like this travel-sized Thermal Spring Water that sooths and protects your skin. You can also get a similar effect with your own spray bottle filled with tap water. (La Roche-Posay, $10)
TIP 4: LIP BALM
In the same way your skin will dry out on a flight, your lips are susceptible to crinkling and cracking. This is not okay, especially if you’re planning a dramatic reunion with your boyfriend the moment you step off the plane. While you can opt for tinted balms to keep a cute pucker, it’s really best to stick with a medicated lip balm to ensure completely smooth, hydrated lips (and then you can add a quick layer of gloss while landing).
These Eos Smooth Sphere lip balms have been all the beauty rage. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, shea butter and jojoba oil, this Medicated Tangerine Lip Balm is exactly what you need. (Eos, $3.30)
TIP 5: MULTITASKING BEAUTY
Right before your flight lands, you’ll want to run to the bathroom to put on some makeup, or touch up what you already have. You don’t want to lug your entire cosmetics supply in your carry-on, and you’ll want to be quick in the unpleasant, bumpy airplane bathrooms. The solution? Investing in a multitasking beauty stick that can accomplish all your makeup needs as efficiently as possible.
This color stick can be used for lips, cheeks, and eyes. Better yet, it’s infused with Agran-oil to help hydrate skin and it comes in miniature size, making it perfect for travel. (Sephora, $14)
BONUS: WHAT TO WEAR
While it’s not practical to wear your favorite heels and mini-dress while traveling, it is surprisingly easy to stay chic and comfortable without having to settle for one of those heinous velour tracksuits. Below, you’ll find a model outfit for those long and bumpy rides.
Note: If you’re on a cross-continental flight, I recommend bringing a change of clothes in your carry-on, so that you can feel refreshed before you even land.
Everyone should own a plain , basic tee. They’ve got that lovely, worn-in softness and can be paired with anything. I’m a fan of these v-neck, loose-fitting pockets tees from Madewell, which are always in stock in a plethora of colors. (Madewell, $22)
Instead of toting around a raggedy sweater, throw a light scarf around your neck to add some effortless style to your outfit. You can also wrap it around your shoulders as a shawl on the cold plane. This olive scarf is subtle and classy. (Urban Outfitters, $18)
When sitting for hours, you don’t want pants that will cut off your circulation, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for baggy sweatpants. These legging jeans are slim-fitting, but still comfortable. The slightly cropped cut and ankle zipper add some flair. (Gap, $70)
You’ll want shoes that are easy to slip off in the security line, and practical for walking once you land. Translation: flats, not heels. Smoking slippers happen to be a hot fall trend, and are a great way to add some elegance to your casual travel outfit. (Steve Madden, $56)
Featured Image From: Tumblr
