Jet, Set, Glow! Your 5-Step Skincare Routine For Long-Haul Flights
No sink necessary
By Ella Wachtel | 26th June 2025Let’s be real – plane bathrooms are not the place for a 10-step skincare routine. They’re cramped, awkward, and just a bit too claustrophobic to be slathering on serums. But who says glowing skin has to stay grounded? With a few clever swaps, you can keep your skincare game strong at 30,000 feet – no sink (or stress) required.
We’ve put together the ultimate five-step, carry-on-friendly routine that’s perfect for long-haul flights and guaranteed to leave you fresh-faced on arrival.
Step one: skip the sink. Aeroplane water isn’t filtered and can do more harm than good. Instead, grab a pack of Conserving Beauty Gentle Oil Cleansing Wipes – they gently melt away makeup and SPF, and the best bit? Each wipe dissolves in water and comes in a home-compostable sachet. Planet-friendly and perfect for travel.
Next up: tone it down. Wipe away all the bacteria you’re marinating in mid-flight with Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pads which are gentle, yet effective.
Time to moisturise. The cult-fave Caudalie Grape Water is your in-flight hydration hero. One spritz and your skin is instantly plump, calm, and dewy – basically everything the cabin air isn’t.
Don’t forget your lips! Pop on a swipe of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – an ultra-nourishing, leave-on balm that works overtime while you (hopefully) nap. Soft, juicy lips incoming.
Time to mask up (the fun kind). We know, it might feel a little extra, but your skin will thank you. Innisfree Active Mask with ceramides is a hydration bomb that smooths, plumps, and softens, all while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s like a mini facial in 20 minutes.
Now for the bag. You can’t just throw your fabulous routine into a dirty old makeup bag. You need something that’s spacious, compact, and of course aesthetic. These are our fave ones to fly with.
Now sit back, press play on that rom-com, and let the skincare magic happen. Who says self-care can’t happen in seat 34A?
Imagery: @summerfridays, @emilisindlev
