Looking good after a long-haul flight, whether it be Dubai to Hong Kong, or Bahrain to Tokyo, can often be something of a challenge. However, for flight attendants at Cathay Pacific, the art of looking polished after working the aisles in the sky comes naturally.
Having worked for the Hong-Kong based airline for more than eight years, Cathay Pacific Flight Purser Margaret Lai says the art of stylish travel is all about being prepared: “It seems second nature to me, but by following a few simple steps before, during and after a flight will leave you looking and feeling refreshed.”
Pre-flight beauty regime
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, I aim for eight cups a day, but I never managed to drink as much so I just try as much as possible. Normally I’ll only manage 1 liter on a 15-hour-flight (before, during and after the flight).
Rest: Try to get plenty of sleep before your flight and only wake up a few hours before having to leave for the airport.
Moisturize: I always use a moisturizing mask (cream/sheet) before I put my makeup on. To save time, I always use the mask while I do my hair. My face is then prepped for my makeup.
In-flight care
UVA protection: Makeup wise, don’t forget to use products with SPF to protect your skin from the sun, especially if you have a window seat.
Hydrate: Try to use products that will keep your skin hydrated; body oil is a good option, though lotion will do. A facial spray will refresh your skin with or without makeup on. Remember to drink plenty of water during the flight and avoid food with high levels of sodium.
Sprayed, not powdered: Set your makeup with a spray setting instead of over powdering your skin as it will make your skin look cakey due to the dryness inflight.
Lip balm: Especially for long-haul flights, I like to remove my lip color during rest periods and pamper my lips.
Wear a mask: If you would like to use a mask when you travel on a plane, I would recommend using gel/cream mask that doesn’t have a significant color. I avoid using a sheet mask inflight, just because I don’t want to scare people off. However, it would work just as fine if you don’t mind that. Do remember to remove the sheet mask after 10-15 minutes as it will start sucking moisture from your skin instead of replenishing.
Rest: It’s really important to get as much sleep as you can on your flight. Skipping out on sleep can affect your skin’s appearance and your ability to fight germs (and you may get sick easily).
Post-flight touch up
Bright eyes: I use eye drops to freshen my eyes, sometimes I may refresh my makeup with facial spray and touch ups.
Dry shampoo: When I travel leisurely, the roots of my hair tend to get oily due to the dryness in the air. I bring a small bottle of dry shampoo and just a spritz would freshen up the look.
Having worked for the Hong-Kong based airline for more than eight years, Cathay Pacific Flight Purser Margaret Lai says the art of stylish travel is all about being prepared: “It seems second nature to me, but by following a few simple steps before, during and after a flight will leave you looking and feeling refreshed.”
Pre-flight beauty regime
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, I aim for eight cups a day, but I never managed to drink as much so I just try as much as possible. Normally I’ll only manage 1 liter on a 15-hour-flight (before, during and after the flight).
Rest: Try to get plenty of sleep before your flight and only wake up a few hours before having to leave for the airport.
Moisturize: I always use a moisturizing mask (cream/sheet) before I put my makeup on. To save time, I always use the mask while I do my hair. My face is then prepped for my makeup.
In-flight care
UVA protection: Makeup wise, don’t forget to use products with SPF to protect your skin from the sun, especially if you have a window seat.
Hydrate: Try to use products that will keep your skin hydrated; body oil is a good option, though lotion will do. A facial spray will refresh your skin with or without makeup on. Remember to drink plenty of water during the flight and avoid food with high levels of sodium.
Sprayed, not powdered: Set your makeup with a spray setting instead of over powdering your skin as it will make your skin look cakey due to the dryness inflight.
Lip balm: Especially for long-haul flights, I like to remove my lip color during rest periods and pamper my lips.
Wear a mask: If you would like to use a mask when you travel on a plane, I would recommend using gel/cream mask that doesn’t have a significant color. I avoid using a sheet mask inflight, just because I don’t want to scare people off. However, it would work just as fine if you don’t mind that. Do remember to remove the sheet mask after 10-15 minutes as it will start sucking moisture from your skin instead of replenishing.
Rest: It’s really important to get as much sleep as you can on your flight. Skipping out on sleep can affect your skin’s appearance and your ability to fight germs (and you may get sick easily).
Post-flight touch up
Bright eyes: I use eye drops to freshen my eyes, sometimes I may refresh my makeup with facial spray and touch ups.
Dry shampoo: When I travel leisurely, the roots of my hair tend to get oily due to the dryness in the air. I bring a small bottle of dry shampoo and just a spritz would freshen up the look.
