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What is it about Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton and all those other globe-trotting celebs? How do they manage to exit a plane looking polished to perfection, strutting through Customs like it's the red carpet?
On the other hand, the rest of us touch down in trackie-daks, dishevelled, dry and grumpy. Beauty expert Emma Hobson offers some help, though her first tip is an alarming one: never wear makeup on the flight.
The low humidity in onboard air causes your skin to dry out, she says, which explains the clumpy lashes and lack-lustre lip-gloss. But for those who can't bear the thought of travelling free of face paint, Hobson suggests boarding made-up and removing it once you're settled.
With a blank canvas, the next step is locking in all the moisture. Hobson says a toner or spritz spray is essential for staying fresh and fabulous in the air - just ensure you don't break the liquid hand luggage security rules.
"Avoid water sprays because they evaporate," she says, suggesting instead super hydrating hyaluronic acid. It sounds scary, but this little gem holds up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture and will lock it in.
"A barrier protection moisturiser for face, hands and lips will help protect the skin against the elements, a leave-in conditioner keeps hair glossy and frizz-free, and lubricating eyedrops protect the peepers," Hobson adds. "And for the super-committed, a mini-mask applied under your moisturiser will add another layer of protection."
It's good to prep your skin a few days before travel. Exfoliate well to remove dead, dry skin - Hobson recommends a professional skin treatment before the flight.
Before leaving the plane, freshen up with a hydrating spritz, oil-free moisturiser and finish with sun-block. And then re-apply makeup if needed.
While all this external hydration will have your skin glowing, internal hydration is just as essential. "Keep the alcohol low and the water high," is Hobson's final word.
- AAP