Flight Attendant Shares The Beauty Essentials Behind Her All-Day Glow
Beauty at 30,000 feet
By Jazmyne Purdew | 25th September 2025Ever wondered how flight attendants manage to look so polished after spending hours in the air? Between jet lag, dry cabin air and long layovers, they have mastered the art of looking effortlessly chic – even when 35,000 feet in the air.
Take it from me as a flight attendant myself, sometimes flight attending isn’t glamorous, but with the right tricks, the look always is. Here is my insider guide to staying polished, fresh and radiant – whether you are soaring 35,000 feet in the air or navigating a busy schedule on the ground.
Prep
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” – a timeless saying that proves especially true when it comes to creating your look. From long commutes to busy schedules and late nights, our skin is constantly put to the test. With the right prep and smart essentials, you can stay fresh and glowy, no matter what life throws at you. Think of skincare as the runway before the take off – smooth, lifted and ready for everything that is about to follow.
Even the most luxurious makeup products won’t withstand the journey without a solid base. The step that truly makes the difference for a radiant, all-day glow is hydration. This can come from serums, oils and moisturisers, all designed to lock in hydration and protect your skin.
My personal favourite comes from the cult-favourite, Beauty of Joseon, a brand inspired by holistic Korean medicine based on natural ingredients. I start with the Glow Serum; a smoothing product made from niacinamide and propolis extract that hydrates and calms the skin. Layered with the right moisturiser, it ensures your skin stays soft, glowy and supple ready for your makeup to last from take-off to landing.
Another must-have is a high-quality SPF of 50+ sunscreen to protect our skin. My go-to is La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen, which not only shields your skin but also creates a smooth, hydrated base. Its lightweight, radiant finish locks in moisture and ensures you look fresh for your morning errand runs to evening plans.
Makeup
With the perfect base in place, it’s time for the fun part – bringing your look together with makeup. In my opinion, a foundation is a splurge worth investing in. A high-quality formula makes all the difference in creating a flawless, long-lasting look. My go-to is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – an award winning, skin-like formula that smooths and brightens your complexion while keeping your makeup fresh from morning to night.
Now, after all the effort you have put into your look, a few spritzes of a setting spray to lock in your makeup is essential. I love the Charlottle Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, which keeps your makeup set for up to 16 hours. The formula adds an invisible shield over your makeup to prevent movement while subtly blurring any pores and imperfections, keeping your complexion flawless throughout your daily duties.
Carry On Essentials
Even after a full morning of getting ready, your look still requires a little refresh throughout the day – or as us flight attendants like to say, “touch up before you touchdown.” It’s a small but necessary ritual that keeps your skin glowing, fresh and effortlessly polished no matter what the day throws at you.
A quick spritz of the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist will do the trick. Instantly refreshing, it revives your complexion and offers a little moment of calm, while adding a subtle glow, thanks to its skincare-infused formula.
And, of course, we can’t forget about keeping those lips hydrated. A swipe of the cult-favourite, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, keeps lip soft, smooth and nourished throughout your day. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, adding a subtle sheen while also protecting against dryness, completing your carry-on essentials kit.
Imagery: @paigelorenze / @mattiegouman
