How to look five years younger after a 12-hour flight

First Officer Chloe Harrison, Airbus A320 fleet

While I wouldn’t say I look 100 per cent fresh at the end of a flight, I do have a few tricks. Dry shampoo is fantastic because it stops my hair from going flat. You can buy it in small cans so it fits nicely in your hand luggage.

My luxury indulgence is my MAC eyebrow pencil; it helps me look pulled together in less than a minute. I don’t wear a lot of make-up while I’m flying, as my skin feels cleaner without it. Plus, I can splash water on my face to freshen up without mascara running down my cheeks.

Before I land, I might put on a slick of MAC lipstick and a dusting of Bare Minerals powder. It’s easy to pack because it’s not a liquid product, and is available in High Life Shop.

My travel essential is coconut oil, which I use everywhere from my lips to my scalp. It’s solid at room temperature, so I can carry it with me in an old Vaseline tin.

Jennifer Forest, Cabin Crew

My secret to looking fresh on arrival is to make sure I’m properly hydrated. I stick to plain warm water or herbal non-caffeine teas, and try to drink at least one cup every hour. It’s great for your digestive system as well as your skin.

I never travel without facial oil. It cleans skin by dissolving dirt and grime, and doesn’t leave your face dry. I like it because I don’t have to pack a separate cleanser and toner. I would also recommend bringing a mini bottle of your favourite scent on board – I find dabbing a little on my pulse points during a long flight gives me that little pep-up to get me through.

If I want to indulge, I’ll pre-book a relaxing massage for after a long flight. It helps with circulation and eases achy muscles. It also seems good for jetlag as I always sleep like a baby afterwards.

Gilly Comfort, Senior Cabin Crew

My beauty must-have is a really hydrating moisturiser to combat dry and dull skin. I’m currently using Rodial Dragon’s Blood Moisturiser.

Blusher is a must for work, as aircraft lighting tends to wash out my complexion. I use Chanel Joues Contraste in 64 Pink Explosion. My other saviour is the old classic – Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat. It really is unbeatable at hiding dark circles.

Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara and Shu Uemura eyelash curlers both do a miraculous job of making me look awake when I’m tired. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear is my go-to foundation. I’ve tried so many but this one looks the same as when I applied it 15 hours before. 

First Officer Aoife Duggan, Airbus A320 fleet

The best way to look fresh at the end of a long flight is to remove your make-up when you get on board. The cabin air is very dry and old make-up can look cakey – it’s much better to reapply it rather than topping it up. I actually prefer a tinted moisturiser to foundation, as it seems to keep my skin more hydrated.

My wonder product is Bio-Oil. I use it as eye cream, on dry skin patches and on breakouts to reduce scarring.

When I’m flying long-haul I carry a facial mist, which I spray to keep my skin hydrated. I also drink a lot of water. My luxury must-have is Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream. It’s expensive, but my skin really seems to appreciate the rich moisture it delivers.

Visit High Life Shop to browse duty free and preorder before your next flight

Interviews by Hannah Hudson

Illustrations by Sophie Melissa