Drop your under-eye bags at baggage claim: Beauty essentials for long travel

Nobody looks like a goddess when they get off a long-haul flight and airport terminals are hardly fashion runways, but the right beauty products can help you power through baggage claim and border control without bringing those pesky under-eye bags along.

As an international student, I have had my fair share of red-eye flights and long train journeys. Learning how to manage boredom and restless legs during a nine-hour flight takes a lot of practice, and so does learning how to deal with chapped skin, greasy hair and flaky mascara that smears the second you try to get some sleep. Here are my top tips for feeling like your best after a tiring journey.

Recirculated air on airplanes can take its toll on your skin, so a reliable face moisturizer and hand cream are essential. Before arriving at the airport, I always make sure to give my face a good wash and moisturize. Your skin will thank you later!

I do my best to travel fresh faced, since wearing makeup during the flight can make my skin feel a bit heavy. I also ensure to apply hand cream to keep my knuckles and elbows from cracking. Lush’s little charity pots are the perfect size to pack in a carry-on. Nivea also makes travel size hand creams that do the job.

Towards the end of a flight, I usually nip to the bathroom to freshen up. This routine involves face wipes to make me feel refreshed, a dab of concealer beneath my eyes, and depending on the day, a swipe of Glossiers’ go-to mascara. My favourite products are Simple face wipes (these are biodegradable and affordable), and Maybelline eye-eraser concealerwhich is not only budget-friendly, but a little goes a long way. As a rule, I also avoid waterproof mascara as it can feel clumpy and can irritate tired eyes.

Next-day oily hair is inevitable after a long flight. I find the best solution is prevention, so I try to coordinate my hairstyles with my travel plans. Simple French-braids and messy buns are my go-to as they take minimal effort and are less likely to get stuck under backpack straps when you’re rushing to collect your baggage. However, even the best low-maintenance hairstyles can’t cover up a bad hair day, so Batiste’s original dry shampoo is a saviour. The brand makes security-friendly size bottles, and this product has truly earned its place in every carry-on. A quick spray truly does wonders for grimy, oily hair.

While no-one expects you to look your best while travelling, following a few simple tips can make you feel all the better. While nothing feels better than a post-airport shower, I know a quick face wipe, a spritz of dry shampoo, and a dab of concealer can work wonders.

Edited by Michelle Almeida