23 July, 2015
Jet-set glamour in today's travelling climate is an impossible aspiration for most of us, especially on a flight when the stranger sitting next to you is using your shoulder as a pillow. When it comes to battling skin-drying air conditioning, dark circles from jet lag and staying fresh after a 10-hour flight, we could do with some expert advice.
Who better to turn to than the ladies who do it for a living? We spoke to four air hostesses about their beauty tips and secrets for looking beautiful mile high.
Angelina Sabatino is a flight attendant from Abu Dhabi, UAE, with Etihad Airways.
Favourite destinations: Los Angeles, NYC and Maldives.
What beauty essentials do you take with you on a flight?
Lip liner and lipstick - we can never be seen without our lipstick so I am constantly replenishing. I also take a strong-holding hairspray to keep all those baby hairs in place and my Estée Lauder Double Wear powder foundation.
What beauty item do you always pick up in duty free?
Whenever I get a chance I tend to stock up on all my everyday essentials. Dior Star Lumiere foundation and concealer are always first in my basket. Also Estée Lauder Doublewear foundation, it's amazing for flight attendants as sometimes I am working up to 20-hour shifts and you can really rely on this foundation to stay in place.
Have you ever had a beauty mishap at work?
A really dodgy hair dye in Bangkok that left me with red hair.
How do you hide jet lag?
With a smile and lots of coffee! It's always a constant battle with tiredness, different time zones and long hours but we can never show it; so, impeccable makeup and keeping hydrated.
Anoushka Urban is a flight attendant from Manchester, UK with Thomas Cook and blogger at Anoushka Loves.
Favourite destination: Las Vegas
What beauty essentials do you take with you on a flight?
Kiehl's In-Flight Refreshing Spray, Chanel Les Beiges pressed powder, my lipstick of choice for the day and YSL Touche Éclat to keep myself looking awake.
What are your favourite beauty travel miniatures?
I've recently discovered Mio, and I have a travel set that contains a firming body oil, muscle motivating gel and a firming bust cream. They are perfect for a post-flight pick me up once I've reached my destination and the muscle motivating gel is great for my tired legs.
How do you keep your skin hydrated during a flight?
I drink a lot of water - in a 10-hour flight, I probably drink around 2.5 litres if not more. I also keep my Kiehl's spray to hand. The night before a flight I use Clarins facial oil and a rich moisturiser before bed.
Are there any common beauty mistakes you see passengers make?
I have noticed a growing trend in people wearing rollers while on their flights.
Georgia Leigh Williams is a flight attendant from Abu Dhabi, UAE, with Etihad Airways.
Favourite destinations: Phuket and Seychelles,.
Have you ever had a beauty mishap at work?
I was getting my roots done and we used a toner all over my hair afterwards and it turned slightly grey, I was up all night scrubbing my hair to try to get it out.
How do you hide jet lag?
Well it can be difficult, but I've found that my YSL highlighting pen does a really good job at hiding the bags under my eyes.
What beauty item do you always pick up in duty free?
My last buy was Estée Lauder Double Wear light - I decided to go for the light so it wouldn't be as heavy on my skin, which is a good thing when it's on for a whole long haul flight.
Isa Yiu is a flight attendant from Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and blogger at StyleKooky.
Favourite destinations: Tokyo, London and Dubai
What beauty essentials do you take with you on a flight?
I always take my Lucas Papaw ointment. It can also be used for minor burns, scalds, nappy rash and dry lips. Another favourite beauty product for me is the Dior Addict Fluid Stick. Since we need to wash our hands many, many times when we work, Hand Food from Soap & Glory is a great product.
How I deal with dry skin in the flight: first I spray my face with Kuan Yuan Lian cucumber water from Taiwan and wait for 15 seconds, then use tissue paper to remove excess water, oil and dirt from my face. It's soothing, refreshing and hydrating.
Have you ever had a beauty mishap at work?
Once I forgot to put on sunscreen before work, and on the flight, my crew seat was near a big window. When I got back to my hotel room after the flight, I found that half of my face was tanned.
Are there any common beauty mistakes you see passengers make?
I've seen many girls that don't apply facial cream or spray to their face at all during the flight. I reckon most of them have no idea how dry the cabin can be. A little bottle of moisturiser, and lip balm should be with every girl all the time.
