Beauty essentials every traveller needs

In case your inability to get out of your cosy bed in the morning or refusal to part with your Ugg boots on the weekend weren’t big enough clues, winter is well and truly here. And that often means an exodus to sunnier, warmer climes. Or on the flipside, snowy spots. My point is, the time is ripe for travel, and while you’ve probably got suitcase packing down pat, you may not have even considered what to chuck in your in-flight kit – beauty-wise, that is.
So here’s a handy guide of the beauty essentials that will leave you looking and feeling fresh when those wheels hit the runway at the other end of your journey.
Short-haul flight
If you’re just heading interstate and won’t be on a plane for more than two hours, you don’t need to pack too much in your bag.
A nourishing lip balm is a must, though. While you may not realise it, the air pressure in a plane cabin can totally dry out your lips, leaving them chapped and rough. Pop one of the Chapstick Jetsetter Lipkits in your bag for instant hydration for your lips and a sweet treat for your senses (each kit contains Aloha Coconut, Mango Sunrise, and Watermelon Splash – YUM!). Not only are the tins adorably designed, but they make it so much easier to find that lip balm that always seems to nestle itself into the corner on your bag. Plus, nice to give your short trip an international feel (planning for the next trip, perhaps?).
Medium-haul flight
When you’ll be in the air for six or seven hours, you need a few extra goodies in your beauty kit.
First up, that lip balm (of course). And with three flavours to choose from, you can give yourself small time markers (like, after 2 hours, use the coconut, and after four, use the mango).
You’ll also want to throw in a thick, hydrating hand cream. Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream works to soften and smooth hands and cuticles, and fits the liquid limit (in case they’re being super picky at security).
Your face will also feel the effects of being on a plane – you may not feel it immediately, but trust me, flights zap moisture like nothing else. So, keep a hydrating face mist (try: In Essence Rose Water Hydrating Mist) or facial oil, like Thursday Plantation Macadamia Oil, in your bag and use it every few hours. Both formulas absorb quickly and help to keep skin nourished.
Oh, and if you tend to board a flight with your ‘face’ on, definitely use a nourishing face wipe to remove any dirt and make-up soon after you board. You can also use them to refresh your skin throughout the flight.
Long-haul flight
When you’re creeping on double digits for an international flight, it’s hard to feel fresh when you land. So what should you add to your kit? All of the above products we’ve mentioned (fun idea: match your Chapstick Lipkit with your destination if possible!), plus a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste – because no one feels good if their breath is stale. The same goes for your body odour, so be sure to pack a deodorant. Just make sure it’s not an aerosol, as that will be confiscated before you’ve even hit duty free.
If you’re like me and your hair looks wretched after a long journey, add some bobby pins and elastics to your kit. They’ll be a your saving grace when your hair gets greasy and a little unruly.
And if you really can’t stand that greasy-hair feeling, take baby powder or Klorane Dry Shampoo (in the non-aerosol pump) to freshen your locks when you land.
Not going away? Well, firstly, may we suggest investing in one (or all!) of the Chapstick Jetsetter Lipkits to at least make you feel like you’re going on an adventure? Secondly, enter Chapstick’s Ultimate Jetsetter Trip. Simply purchase any Chapstick product, and head to www.chapstickjetsetter.com.au to fill in your personal, receipt and product barcode details, as well as why you and your friend want to win a Chapstick Ultimate Jetsetter Trip to be in the running to win flights, transfers and four-star accommodation to your choice of London, New York, or Tokyo.
What are your in-flight beauty essentials? Do you have any beauty advice for travellers?
72 Member Comments
Very interesting article. Love reading things like these. Beauty heaven has some really great informative articles. i always have a bottle of avene thermal water too
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I am sure my saviour this winter will be Lanolips 101 ointment.
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I bring a large water bottle with me and fill it after the border, but before boarding. Also plenty of sleep for overnight flight.
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Never have enough to do anything on a plane and the loo is so yuk
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Bringing an empty water bottle and getting the cabin crew to fill it up is a great way to remind myself to rehydrate during long flights. I also choose aisle seats so I can go to the bathroom and wander around the plane (I can't stay seated for more than 2 hours otherwise my butt gets sore!).
My skincare and beauty essentials are: Lucas' paw paw ointment for lips and super dry hands, hand cream, hydrating facial moisturiser and jojoba oil. I usually travel with a bare face, except for eyeliner (otherwise I look like death warmed up!).
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On medium and long flights I pack my little zip lock liquid bag full of beauty goodies. I always make sure I have a good sink in mask as well as hand cream, eye cream and a rich lip balm. I'm sure people sitting near me might think I'm a bit odd but I no longer care. I will take a few odd stares for fresh skin when I get off the plane
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Good article I do hate the feeling my skin has been through the wringer after a long flight.
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Those new lip balm tins are adorable - I want them all!!
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This article covers all of my must haves.
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I don't go on planes, but I used to travel by train a fair bit. I always packed items such as pain relief medication, ginger tablets for nausea, toothpaste, deodorant, a bottle of water, a small bottle of lavender or tea tree oil etc.
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I take aerosols when I fly - just little ones. I take face mist, deodorant, toothpaste, about 43423 lip balms, a little hand cream and wet wipes! Oh, and hand sanitiser.
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Totally agree with carrying lip balm.......I carry mine everywhere with me, love it
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I am always traveling medium and long haul and the liquids issue is very restrictive, I can't take my facial mist (I have one in a can, and while not an aerosol as such, they said no as it looks like one) same with the dry shampoo. I always give my face a good wash cleanse/tone/moisturize in the airport bathroom before boarding then after landing head straight to bathroom and do same and apply some light mineral powder foundation and the eye basics and tinted lip balm. Keep all your samples for liquid skin products and use them, don't risk your full sized ones.
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Some great tips here but we can't bring the Klorane dry shampoo on board the plane can we because it is an aerosol?
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I would never wear makeup on an aeroplane, I feel like I would just get annoyed by it! Especially after a tiring day! Great ideas! I would love to try the chapsticks soon! I always need at least my lip balm, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush and defiantly face wash.
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Short, medium or long 1. Lucas papaw ointment 2. Jurlique mist 3. Hand cream of any sort, Aesop is my personal fav 4. If you really want to freshen up, bring an entire kit, complete with facial wash, mist, facial oil etc.. Thalgos extreme comfort cream is heavenly on super long flights. And lots of water!
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Those tins are so cute! I always take my trusty Nuxe lip balm with me and moisturiser.
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Awesome tips!! I know I need a really good moisturiser on those long trips...those planes can really strip the skin dry!!!
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Lipbalm, tissues and wet wipes!
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Thanks for sharing this great article with lots of helpful advice; lip balm and a good moisturiser are always my top beauty must-have's amongst many others.
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Great tips. For the long haul, I find using Fess Eucalyptus nasal spray every few hours really helps me avoid catching everything going - it keeps the nose clear and germs at bay.
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I also normally pack clear face mask to pamper myself on at least a medium haul flight!
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Excellent tips - I definitely take wet wipes and some makeup for touching up before landing and definitely lip balm. I am also going to add in a face spray for my upcoming 8 hour flight I think.
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Baby wipes are my go to item when traveling
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