Before you fly, put these items in your carry-on to arrive looking fresh
I always keep my travel kits (one for in-flight and one for on-ground) packed and ready to go. Press-seal bags sectioned out into categories such as teeth, fragrance, skincare, make-up and medication, are the key a happy travel life. The bags will also seal in any unfortunate leaks.
The first in-flight beauty essential is wearing a hydrating mask such as La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask ($675) for a big moisture boost. Throughout the flight, applying a facial oil such as Sunday Riley Lunar Sleeping Night Oil ($91) will also help to lock in moisture. Patchology Rosé Eye Gels ($25 for a pack of five pairs) are great for hydrating and de-puffing eyes, while Sheglam Pillow Lips Care Cream ($5) will pump moisture back into your lips. For a reviving spritz, you can’t go past Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol ($33).
When it comes to hair, keep long locks anchored in a low plait and carry a hair powder to soak up excess oil whether your hair is short or long – we love Aveda Shampowder Dry Shampoo, $46. For a bit of hand love, try Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream ($52), paying particular attention to your cuticles. And if you are a silk pillowcase devotee at home, try Slip’s Jet Setter Silk Travel Pillow, $139.
That’s carry-on taken care of. In your checked luggage, pack Grown Alchemist’s Travel Essentials Kit ($42), with its four must-haves: body cleanser, body cream, shampoo and conditioner. And try to fit a full-sized hairdryer, such as the Parlux Advance Light ($292.50), into your luggage, as hotel dryers have zero grunt.
For a mini styler, we like Cloud Nine “The Micro Wand” ($249), which is great for creating texture on the go. Also pack a mini hairspray such as L’Oréal Paris’s Elnett ($7.50) and the most essential item of all, Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oatmilk ($7). For tackling tangled hair, wet or dry, we love The Wet Brush ($19).
When it comes to perfume, roll-on scents are your little friends. Our go-tos include Kai Perfume Oil ($90), full of intoxicating gardenia, and for the boys Deeta Von Teese x Heretic Parfum Scandalwood Rollerball ($79).
You all know the drill by now: keep sun damage at bay with SPF50+. Dermalogica Age Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 ($115), is a nifty little product that you can add to your moisturiser. And if, heaven forbid, you get sunburnt, pack Shiseido After Sun Intensive Recover Emulsion ($86).
On the make-up front, travel palettes are a godsend and we especially love Bobbi Brown Bare Nudes Eye Shadow Palette ($96) – serious eye candy in every wearable shade. Round off your essential travel pack with Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezers ($16), the Beauty Blender Micro Mini Pro Makeup Sponge ($18), and an eyelash curler such as the Shu Uemura ($31.50).
ASK STEPH
How do I re-apply sunscreen over make-up during the day?
Use a setting spray such as Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist ($40) on top of your make-up. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and Kakadu plum, meaning it will give your skin a moisturising boost as well as protecting it from the sun.
Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.