In-Flight Beauty on the DL: The Best Skincare Regimen You Can Do on a Plane

My skin hates airplanes. It feels like each new stamp in my passport brings with it an epic breakout or bout of angry dryness. I once read that there’s more germs on an airplane seat than a public toilet — the thought of which brings gag-worthy flashbacks of every time I’ve ever thoughtlessly eaten a rogue pretzel that’s gone astray on the tray table. 

So when I recently found myself seated beside a woman whose carry-on looked like she was fresh off a Sephora haul, I was more than impressed — I was inspired. From takeoff to landing, I observed through watchful peripherals as she carefully cleansed, toned, masked, misted, massaged. By the time we touched down, her #glowup was palpable while the forboding sting of an imminent zit buzzed on my chin. 

While I applaud this aero-skincare rebel’s dedication, I have to admit: the thought of spending precious in-flight Vanderpump Rules-binging time on shuffling bottles and dealing with fickle sheet masks sounds unreasonable at best. Not to mention the glares from fellow passengers as second-hand rosewater mist wafts into their tomato juice. So, if you’re a jetsetter like me who wants to keep post-travel skin woes at bay without all the fuss, check out the below (TSA friendly!) products to help you glow up mid-flight on the DL. 

Chocked full of skin-loving ingredients like rosemary leaf, lavender and hot spring water, this micellar cleanser will make coach class feel like a spa. 

Pamper your pout with this easy-to-use sugar scrub made from coconut, almond and jojoba oils. Plus, since it’s all natural, simply lick your lips to remove! 

This tiny tube will save you from long, moisture-sucking flights. Pat on chaffed skin, chapped lips or cracked cuticles for a simple and soothing solution. 

If layovers and delays have your skin looking dull, pop on this peeling mask does double-duty brightening though fruit acids and crushed volcanic rock. And since it applies translucent and rinses easily, your fellow passengers will hardly know you’re glowing up in the D16. 

Spritz this herbal tonic on your face and neck to re-hydrate and soothe tired, travel-worn skin. Nervous about misting your neighbor? Spray on a cotton pad before dabbing on. 

Avocado and apricot kernel oil sink into skin to instantly quench parched skin. Smooth on when the lights go out and wake up hydrated. 

Ditch the awkward eye-patches for this inconspicuous treatment that de-puffs on contact with it’s cooling metal applicator. You’ve never looked more rested on a red eye. 

Add this powder to a bottle of water to help you glow from the inside with a beautifying dose of collagen, hyalauronic acid and probiotics. 

This ultra-hydrating oil is packed with antioxidants to fight environmental stressors and free radicals. AKA, the airplane petri dish doesn’t stand a chance against your skin. 

Swipe on one of these wipes enriched with caffeinated matcha, vitamin C, and aloe vera just before landing for a quick pick-me-up that rejuvenates and hydrates.