Flying High & Looking Fresh
Hey friend!
Welcome back to The Flight Attendant Nextdoor, where travel meets everyday wellness and a whole lot of real talk. As a flight attendant and mom of three, I’ve mastered the art of doing makeup quickly, efficiently, and in a way that lasts through long-haul flights, dry cabin air, and time zone hopping. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just prepping for your next big trip, I’ve got you covered with my favorite makeup application tips that’ll keep you glowing from gate to gate.
Why In-Flight Makeup Matters (Yes, Even at 35,000 Feet!)
Let’s be real—being on a plane can do a number on your skin. Between recycled air, lack of humidity, and irregular schedules, looking and feeling fresh isn’t always easy. But with the right routine, it’s totally doable. As someone who doesn't wear makeup nearly every day in the skies, yet I've trained in makeup application via cosmetology school and charm school training, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what absolutely saves my skin during those 4 AM call times.
Makeup Tips That Work at 35,000 Feet (and on the Ground!)
1. Start With a Clean, Hydrated Canvas (my favorite! See my skincare post)
Double cleanse the night before if you’re flying early. This helps clear out any leftover makeup and impurities.I start with an oil cleanser.
Use a hydrating serum and lightweight moisturizer before applying makeup. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane.
My go-to travel-friendly mist? Rose water and aloe with glycerin or Evian Facial Spray or Caudalie Beauty Elixir—a few spritzes go a long way in prepping the skin.
2. Prime Time = Game Changer
A good primer is your best friend at high altitudes. It smooths texture and keeps your base in place.
I love Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for its staying power without clogging pores.
3. Ditch the Full Face—Go Lightweight & Layerable
BB creams or tinted moisturizers give you a polished look without being cakey.
Try: IT Cosmetics CC Cream or NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer—both give glow and coverage.
For daily wear I prefer to spot conceal rather than layering on foundation. Use a creamy concealer like NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for under-eyes and blemishes.
4. Set It Without Sucking the Life Out... please and thank you
Use a light dusting of translucent setting powder in areas you tend to get oily.
Avoid over-powdering—especially in dry airplane air. Think: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder but with a light hand.
5. Long-Wear Blush & Bronzer for Natural Definition
Cream blush blends better and lasts longer in dry conditions.
My pick: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush—tiny dot, big impact.
Use a soft bronzer like Benefit Hoola for warmth without streaks.
6. Define the Eyes (But Keep It Simple)
Go for waterproof mascara—it stays put through cat naps while deadheading and unexpected layovers.
I'm locked in Maybelline. Ive used Maybeline Great lash Mascara my entire life, its affordable and the results speak for themselves. Maybeline Sky High Waterproof or L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof are my lash picks.
Skip heavy shadow. Instead, sweep a single cream shadow like MAC Paint Pot or Glossier Lidstar for a subtle sheen.
If you must go heavy, try the rich pigments of Juvia's Place.
- Optional: tightline with a gel liner for definition that doesn’t smudge.
7. Brows & Lips: The Travel Duo
Brows frame your face and instantly pull your look together. Use a micro brow pencil and set with a clear brow gel.
Lips? Go hydrating. Think tinted lip balms or glosses with treatment benefits.I find Chanel lipstick is moist and smooth.
Favorites: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip, or good ol’ Aquaphor for long flights.
8. In-Flight Refresh Kit: What I Pack
Travel-size mist
Lip balm and glosses
Dewy face care
Mini concealer
Tiny blush
Hair tie + travel-size hair hydrating mist
Flight Attendant Beauty Truths (A Few Extra Tips):
Hydration > Everything. Drink more water than you think you need. It shows on your skin.
Sleep in eye patches before early reports—it helps reduce puffiness (and feels like a mini spa session). Due to my allergies I tend to have under eye puffiness
Pack light, pack smart. Stick to products with multiple uses (lip & cheek tint, for example).
Confidence is key. Some of the most beautiful women I fly with keep their look minimal but intentional. It gives the 90's girl natural glow.
What to Avoid in Your Travel Makeup Routine:
Heavy foundations or layers that can crack or oxidize mid-flight
Matte lipsticks (unless you’ve prepped with balm or scrub)
Powder-only looks (can look dry and flat under airplane lighting)
Scented products that might irritate sensitive skin during long flights
Shop This In-Flight Makeup Bag Here’s what’s in my current rotation—perfect for travelers and busy moms alike:
IT Cosmetics CC Cream
Rare Beauty Liquid Blush
NARS Creamy Concealer
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
Glossier Stretch Concealer (on the go)
Tarte Juicy Lip Balm
Bonus: Most of these come in travel sizes or are TSA-approved!
Final Boarding Call:
CHECK OUT THIS CHANEL LIPSTICK in Rouge Coco Shine VS ELF LIPSTICK in Razzle Dazzle Red. CAN YOU TELL WHICH IS WHICH??? let me know via comments below.
Your Travel Makeup Recap The key to looking and feeling great while traveling isn’t perfection—it’s being prepared, staying hydrated, and choosing products that work with your skin, not against it. Whether you’re jetting off for business or chasing your next adventure, I hope these tips from your friendly neighborhood flight attendant help you feel confident, radiant, and ready to take on the world.
Got a go-to travel makeup tip or holy grail product? Share it with me in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for new favorites!
Until next time, stay glowing ✈
xo, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
#flightattendanttips #travelskincare #makeupfortravel #inflightbeauty #wellnesstravel #beautyblogger #travellifestyle #makeuphacks
No comments:
Post a Comment