Sephora: In-Flight Skincare Regimen Is First-Class

A long-haul flight doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your regimen. The trick? A smarter strategy.

Opt for a routine that prioritises hydration, protection, and barrier support. Start with a gentle cleanse before take-off to remove pollution and impurities picked up at the airport. Follow with a nourishing serum packed with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture. A serum rich in vitamin C can help turn down ageing free radical damage in the air, and turn up the glow.

A sheet mask or reusable patches are a game-changing addition for long flights, flooding skin with hydration and reducing puffiness. Regular misting boosts moisture levels, and soothes the skin (and your spirit). Finish with a moisturiser or overnight mask to seal everything in.

If you’re prone to breakouts, pack a targeted spot treatment to manage flare-ups mid-trip. For skin that looks refreshed on landing, reach for a cooling eye cream in a roller ball to gently boost circulation and reduce jet lag-induced puffiness. Protection is key when you’re flying close to the sun, so don’t forget your SPF. And a hydrating lip oil helps to shield and soften lips that are especially prone to dehydration at altitude.

Finally, to make even an economy seat feel a little more first class, pack something subtly scented. A compact deodorant or mini fragrance offers an instant pick-me-up and makes you feel more like yourself, even at 30,000 feet.

Shop some of our favourite frequent flyers:

Esmi Skin Minerals The Uncomplicated Cleanser
Calms and soothes skin while it thoroughly cleans, in a size perfectly made for being in-transit.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
A potent skin-repair icon in a smartly compact size. It’s mini in size, mighty in benefits.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
It’s packed with vitamin C (to help defend against the dry air and low humidity of the cabin), plus nourishing and glow-making rose oil. In a 15mL size, it won’t take up precious space either.
Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer

Long-lasting hydration powers and a cooling, soothing texture means skin is comfortable and calm. It also comes in a size custom made for your carry-on.

Saturday Skin Cotton Cloud Probiotic Power Mask
A souped-up sheet mask that makes a killer mid-flight skin reset. It nourishes and plumps in under 20 minutes.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Have it at the ready for re-application when your complexion feels parched or whenever you need a skin (and energy) refresh.

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist Mini

A multipurpose MVP (it hydrates, primes, sets or refreshes) you can use it throughout the flight, then put it to good use when you land too.

Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots
An excellent just-in-case addition to an inflight routine, these smart stickers use a potent combo of ingredients to battle breakouts.

Slip Black Jet Setter Travel Pillow
The next best thing to an upgrade. This will ensure you get max beauty sleep.