Top Beauty Tips To Look Fabulous After A Flight!

There is nothing like flying off to an exotic destination or foreign city to explore some place far away. However unless you are getting your beauty sleep and pampering in First Class, it can be pretty hard to look your best as your push your trolley through the arrivals gate.

Whether it is the paparazzi, your lover or your family who are waiting to welcome you, you want to make sure you look your best. Who better to help you with tips for looking good in the air and on the ground than airline crew who need to look good at 40,000 feet.

Here the crew of award-winning airline Emirates let us in on a few tricks and tips to look fabulous

Is there one Top Tip or ‘secret’ that you convey to every member of cabin crew in training?

There is no top secret as such, but it is recommended that cabin crew follow a skin care routine that helps them deal with the different hours that they work. Exfoliation and masks are highly recommended as it helps to enhance the appearance of the skin.

They have to touch up their make-up throughout the flight; we give them tips such as: eye gel helps to refresh the eyes during a long flight and can be used over make-up. Also, it helps to remove all make up and apply a vitamin C mask during their bunk rest periods as it boosts the skin cells and gives the skin a healthy glow.

How do female crew members manage to keep their make-up on, in place and looking so fresh when they are working so hard and for so many hours?

They are trained by subject matter experts on a recommended sequence to follow. This starts from using the correct skin care products to a specific make-up routine. They use a powder over their foundation that helps to ‘set’ the make-up and therefore will last longer; they also re-apply their foundation/powder as well as blusher throughout the flight. Blusher plays a big part in helping the skin look fresh as it gives the impression/illusion of a healthy glow even during long flights. When foundation and powder is applied on to the lip, under the lipstick it will last longer as well. The use of lip gloss or lipstick that contains gloss is not recommended as this could cause the lipstick to wear off easily.

Red is the signature lipstick and yet, with so many nationalities and skin tones, there are so many colours of red from which one can choose?

Our female crew match the red lipstick to the scrunchie (red hair band worn by crew in the beige colour of uniform) and the red hat. Each skin tone is different and each individual would need to find their perfect match.

Is concealer a much-used product to disguise potential dark circles and tired eyes?

Concealer is highly recommended for dark circles, however when applied you need to have the correct colour in order for the circles not to appear darker. A product with light reflectors in is extremely good for this and works better than a normal concealer. Concealer can also be used to cover pigmentation as well as pimples. This is also the only item of make-up acceptable to be used by gentlemen.

Are there any no no’s when it comes to grooming and make-up; what’s not allowed or advised against?

The ‘rules’ of make-up that we normally teach the cabin crew is:
Your foundation needs to be as close to your natural skin colour as possible in order for your skin to appear even.
Do not use lip gloss over lipstick as the colour wears off quicker and the gloss can change the pigment in the lipstick giving it a different colour.
Be careful of using bronzer as it can make the skin appear “tired” especially in the aircraft lighting.
Be mindful when choosing mascara, as waterproof mascara tend to dry out lashes when used over long periods and for long hours at a time.
Do not draw your lip pencil outside of your lip line.
Using eye-liner on the top lid, will give the appearance of more open, larger eyes, for those ultra long trips.

Post flight, are there any tips?

Rest is definitely recommended as it helps with cell renewal/rejuvenation which helps our skin to repair itself and look immaculate. They are recommended to stick to a skin care routine and always remove their make-up after a flight. It depends on the need of the skin at the time, a face mask and eye mask can be applied. When in highly polluted areas we also recommend them to exfoliate and apply a Vitamin C mask to the skin. Anti-Oxidants are also recommended – these products contain Vitamin A, C and E.

Can you pass on any tips in terms of how to look great when stepping off your flight on arrival at your destination?

Avoid make-up during the flight, if make-up is a must use a light concealer/tinted moisturiser, a bit of mascara, blusher and lip gloss/lipstick. Use lip balm throughout the flight. Body lotion should be applied at intervals throughout the flight.

Before landing use a cleanser/daily exfoliator, moisturizer and an eye gel (mini skin care routine) – this will help with your skin appearing vibrant and feeling fresh. After the mini skin care routine is carried out – make-up can be applied. Under-eye concealers with light reflectors are recommended it helps the eyes to appear refreshed.

For a fresh look use a natural foundation and soft blusher (light pink/peach), mascara and a natural lip gloss.