Top Natural In-Flight Skincare Essentials (2021)

Air travel can take a toll on your skin and energy. Here are my top natural in-flight skincare essentials so you arrive at your destination looking more refreshed than when you got on the plane.

Natural In-Flight Skincare Essentials

1. Primally Pure Cleansing Oil ($20)
2. Primally Pure Plumping Cream ($38) OR Primally Pure Soothing Cream ($42)
3. Primally Pure Soothing Mist OR Primally Pure Plumping Mist ($24)
4. Primally Pure Lip Balm ($4) / Set of 5 Lip Balms ($18)
5. Primally Pure Gua Sha Facial Tool ($35)

My In-Flight Skincare Essentials Routine

Cleanse

First, make sure your skin is makeup-free, especially before a long haul. My usual makeup removal/skincare routine is a bit more involved, but when traveling, I keep the Primally Pure Cleansing Oil in my beauty bag, so I can dissolve all makeup and thoroughly yet gently cleanse my skin without drying it out. I use the normal version, but they also have one for oily skin or dry skin.

At just 2 ounces, it’s perfect for your carry-on. I keep mine in a mini Ziploc bag within my beauty bag. When I can’t wash my face before I get to the airport, ideally I’ll do this in the bathroom at the airport or lounge.

Hydrate

I always travel with a hydrosol, a gentle hydrating water-based mist made from the distillation of fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. After cleansing, I spray on one to two pumps before putting on moisturizer, and then I continue to mist my face every hour or so on the plane, especially on long haul flights, which can zap the moisture from your skin fast.

I also spray my nostrils with the soothing mist throughout the flight, whenever they start to feel dry, which often happens on long-haul flights. (I generally spray in that direction and inhale deeply).

Moisturize

Next, I apply a generous layer of moisturizer. If you’re acne-prone, go for the Primally Pure Clarifying Cream or Soothing Cream, otherwise, I prefer the Plumping Cream, to add a little extra volume to the skin, naturally.

All of the creams offer intense (but not heavy or greasy) moisture, skin protection, and inflammation-reducing ingredients. Your skin will drink them in. I recommend reapplying every few hours on long-haul flights or whenever your skin starts feeling a little dry.

If your face tends to get puffy and bloated, consider adding a couple of minutes of facial massage each time you apply your moisturizer. You can use your hands or a gua sha stone to gently lift, sculpt, and drain your face. The tool promotes lymphatic drainage, clears congestion, and increases oxygen flow to the skin.

Lips

I also slather on a few swipes of my favorite Natural Lip Balm, which I can’t live without, and reapply generously throughout my long-haul flights. I buy the set of 5 lip balms and keep one in my travel bag, regular beauty bag, bathroom, purse, and coats so I’m never without it.

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Other Travel Essentials

1. Blue-Light Blocking Glasses ($30)
2. Light-Blocking Sleep Mask ($7)
3. Lavender Melatonin Spray ($13)

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses

I’m obsessed with these Blue-Light Blocking Glasses, which look like regular, fashionable glasses with clear frames, yet protect your eyes from the blue light emitted by electronic screens that can leave your eyes feeling red, itchy, blurry, and tired, and even mess with your circadian rhythm and keep you awake. At just $30, these are one of my most treasured finds.

Traditionally, blue light blocking glasses have been yellow or orange, which are OK in your bedroom. But they are not a good look when you’re on a plane. I wear these on the plane so I can more easily fall asleep after watching TV or working on the computer. I actually wear them all the time when working on the computer at the office. Your eyes will feel so calm, even after looking at a screen for hours!

Sleep

If I’m having trouble falling asleep for any reason or I want to make myself sleep so that my body is on my destination’s time clock, I use this natural lavender melatonin spray to help me fall asleep.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your internal clock. High relative levels of melatonin help signify that it is time for your body to sleep. Thankfully, I don’t have trouble sleeping at home, but on a plane, this is a lifesaver. It won’t knock you out like a sleeping pill but rather signals to your body that it’s bedtime and will help you easily and gently doze off.

I’ll take a few sprays of melatonin, and then slide on this Light Blocking Sleep Mask, and I’m usually asleep in minutes. The sleep mask is like having your own personal black-out curtains – there will not be an ounce of light creeping into this mask. Another lifesaver on a long-haul flight.