Skincare and Makeup Tips for Flight Attendants

V wrote to me a week ago after reading my post, Beauty Tips for Long Flights and she wanted to know more specific tips for those who are in planes very frequently – aka, working in one!

I was wondering if you had some advice for me. I am a soon-to-be air stewardess and I will be exposed to very dry atmosphere most of the time.

So do you have any advice on how I can keep my skin healthy? Our thick makeup doesn’t help either. I’m worried about my skin because I can’t afford to look like I sped up my aging process!

I can relate to air stewardesses who are wary about speeding up the aging process – those working full time in cold, dry offices also have the same complaint (like my friends!). Thing is, unfortunately, I’m aware about the makeup stewardess are required to wear daily, so it’s quite a challenge. No worries though, I have a few tips up my sleeves!

Here’s an idea to start you off - even though it’s just a plane, you can actually just research “winter skincare tips”, because, as you’ve guessed it, one of the main factors is the extremely dry temperatures. They have tons of tips for dry climates and would definitely help in your work environment!

Before the Flight

First of all, it’s vital that you start by cleansing your skin very well before your flight. Try switching to a cleanser made for dry skin. While in the shower, avoid very hot water as it will just dry out your skin more. Instead, opt for a luke warm temperature, and really clean your face well. Basically, leave the cleanser on your face for at least 30 seconds to really let it work.

I’m not sure if they give you makeup to wear or if it’s your own, but if it’s your own, I highly recommend finding a mineral/organic foundation, as this will not clog your pores and irritate your skin. Find formulas made for dry skin, preferably a tinted moisturizer made for dry skin. Since you’ll be traveling a lot, you can go overseas and find winter-related skin care products that would cater to extremely dry weather conditions.

During the Flight

As for a face mist, you can always try it on top of your makeup. From what I know, the one I reccomended by Clinique in that post says it can be used while you have makeup on. I consulted my friend who uses it over her makeup and she said it still works, though she’s not on a plane everyday, so I’m not too sure. Either way, you can always give it a try – with products, it’s all about trial and error! Just make sure you spritz it a little distance away from your face. After misting, take a facial tissue and gently press it over your face, so that it doesn’t smudge your makeup, just in case.

After Your Shift

Now I’m totally ignorant on this, but I believe that you only “freshen” up (aka, take a shower) in hotel rooms, or at the airports once the flights are done, especially for overnight flights? Someone please educate me on this! For long-haul flights, is it expected that you leave your makeup on? If so, there are some ways to cleanse your skin even if there is hardly a shower available. It is ideal to remove all makeup and cleanse before you sleep, so even though I can imagine it’s quite a hassle, please try to cleanse your face morning and night – this will already make a big difference.

For removing your makeup on board, buy a packet of cleansing wipes and use them to remove every trace of makeup (you can find these at drugstores, they work very well! I recommend Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes.)

After removing all makeup, once again, cleanse your face with your cleanser and leave it on for some time – the longer the better! After that, wash it off and pat dry. Apply moisturizer immediately after, and let your skin ‘breathe’, meaning no more makeup or products on it until the morning.

In the morning, cleanse thoroughly once again, moisturize and then apply your makeup.

This is also optional, but it may be a good idea to buy a primer (a natural one) that can go on as a ‘base’ after your moisturizer, as a way to protect your skin from the foundation that is coming on the next layer. I used to do this when I did some modeling – at photoshoots they would LOAD on layers and layers of foundation like no body’s business and I was always scared my skin would break out. So I would always ask the makeup artist to apply a primer that I brought from home, and that helped greatly.

If it’s short flights, I think applying a normal skin care and makeup routine you do everyday is fine, as long as you remember to cleanse twice a day thoroughly. It’s the longer flights that are a bit tricky!

So in conclusion, just remember:

• Cleanse your face twice a day for the best results.
• Moisturize your face thoroughtly.
• Try finding products made for very dry skin.
• If possible, buy organic/natural/mineral alternatives to makeup, as they are less harsh.
• Buy a primer to go under your heavy makeup.
• Try out a facial mist and see how you like it.

What do you think of my tips? I hope that has helped you, V, and any other flight attendants! If you have any more questions on the topic, leave a comment and hopefully myself and my readers will have extra tips and ideas for you!