As the season of summer travel kicks into high gear, plane-bound beauty aficionados will be faced with an entirely first-world problem. How to master the art of the perfect in-flight beauty routine, and how to ensure one’s beauty upkeep is maintained à l’étranger while still keeping things chic and convenient?
Allow us to point you in the direction of three stylish jet-setters for inspiration: Michelle Lin, a globetrotting content creator based between London and Valencia; Iman Fandi Ahmad, Singaporean singer-songwriter and artist; and Li-Chi Pan, South African-based art director and photographer. For these personalities, traversing the globe is a pleasure in the name of both work and play. As is somehow always looking good while doing so—how exactly do they manage?
All three agree that in-flight hydration is key, courtesy of nifty essentials like a trusted lip balm, rejuvenating facial mask and concentrated moisturiser. Opting for a clean complexion allows the full benefits of said skincare to soak in. However, for a dose of pre-arrival glamour, look to the likes of a quick brow touch-up, multi-tasking beauty stick across the face’s high points, or a few drops of fragrance to make a polished impression upon landing.
Peruse the in-flight beauty secrets of Michelle, Iman and Li-Chi below:
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Michelle Lin
Instagram: @michellelin.lin | TikTok: @michellelin.lin
Tell us about any exciting travel plans that you have lined up!
Right now, I’ve got a few exciting trips coming up! Ibiza, Santorini, Copenhagen and New York are all on my calendar.
What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on?
I always keep it minimal but essential:
- SPF—I’m currently loving one from Beauty of Joseon.
- Moisturiser—The Cicaplast Baume B5+ from La Roche-Posay is a must.
- Lip balm/oil—At the moment, I’m obsessed with Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oils. Merit Beauty‘s Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oils are also great.
- A travel-size perfume—I like to switch it up, but currently I have Matière Première’s Parisian Musc and Aesop’s Aurner in my bag.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine that keeps you looking and feeling refreshed?
I reapply SPF regularly, especially on long flights. Keeping my skin hydrated is the top priority—the Cicaplast Baume B5+ and lip oil come with me every time. I also sometimes carry a mouth refresher spray to feel extra fresh mid-flight.
With such frequent travel, how do you stay on top of your beauty game?
Post-flight, I love to put on a hydrating face mask like the Gold Hydralifting Mask from Omorovicza to counter the dry cabin air. Honestly, I don’t change my skincare routine too often—I like to keep things simple and consistent. Once I find something that works, I stay loyal! My skin thanks me for not constantly switching products.
Can you share a beauty lesson from your travels and time spent living amongst different cultures?
One thing I’ve learnt is that less is more, especially when you’re on the go. Different climates and water types can affect your skin, so sticking to a gentle, reliable routine helps maintain balance. Also, beauty isn’t one size fits all—seeing how different cultures approach skincare and self-care has really opened my eyes to new rituals and ingredients I might never have tried otherwise.
What are your favourite local beauty products to stock up on while travelling?
Whenever I’m back in Taiwan, I stock up on mascara and mascara primers—they’re just made differently in Asia! My go-to products are:
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Iman Fandi Ahmad
Instagram: @imanfandi17 | TikTok: @imanfandi
Do you have any exciting trips planned this summer?
Yes, I do—in early July I’ll be heading for a two-week trip, travelling between London, Bulgaria and Berlin. It will be my first time to Bulgaria and Berlin so I am really excited.
What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on?
- A really good lip balm—I’m currently using Mentholatum‘s.
- At least two to three lip glosses in different shades to suit however I’m feeling, like Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Ice and Stix, Yves Saint Laurent’s Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss and the Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter.
- A good, quick cream blush. I’m currently obsessed with the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Stick in 077 Candy.
- Another quick fix I feel pulls a look together is having full brows, and I carry L’Oréal Paris’ Brow Artist brow pencils.
Please outline your in-flight beauty routine for us—how do you stay looking and feeling fresh?
I moisturise really well before my flight and apply sunblock. I’ve been told that less is more so I always try to just keep my skin hydrated and carry a face mask, especially on longer flights. I like to use Romi Beauty’s Glow Getter Treatment Mask if I have time; otherwise, I’ll use a face mist like Pixi’s Hydrating Milky Mist or the travel-size Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray.
What is your favourite travel beauty tip?
Always hydrate your skin and protect it from the sun by applying sunblock. I also travel with my own hair curl cream, which I apply after being in the ocean or when my hair is really dry and I want my curls to bounce. I use Fenty Hair’s Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment.
Where in the world do you feel the most beautiful?
Anywhere with a beach. I love travelling to places where I can feel the ocean breeze and sun, and there’s just something about dressing up in tropical sundresses that makes me feel beautiful. Even if I happen to go for a more city-like destination, I try to stop somewhere where I can still surround myself in nature.
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Li-Chi Pan Lin
Instagram: @lichipan | Website: lichipan.com
Do you have any exciting travel plans lined up this season?
Yes, I will be taking a 10-day trip to New York and Boston this summer. My first cousin is getting married so I will be travelling for his wedding.
What beauty products do you always pack in your carry-on?
When it comes to carry-on essentials, simplicity and hydration are key as well as TSA-approved sizes. My must-haves are:
- A hydrating face mist like the N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum-in-Mist to give my complexion a dewy and luminous glow.
- I swear by Sulwhasoo’s travel-sized Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream and First Care Activating Serum VI.
- If I’m taking a red-eye flight, I’ll bring Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Real Deep Facial Mask or a travel-sized Laneige Water Sleeping Mask_Ex.
- Hermès’ Lip Care Balm, Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel can also be found in my carry-on bag.
Optional extras would be a silk eye mask, travel hairbrush and essential oil roller.
Do you have any beauty or wellness rituals that you maintain to feel at home while travelling?
In order to feel grounded and at home no matter where I am, I stick to my skincare routine. I stay consistent with double cleansing and moisturising, using travel-sized versions of my essentials. I usually travel with my Omnilux Contour Face—a red light therapy mask—and use it as downtime once I’m in bed. A warm cup of chrysanthemum or barley tea also helps maintain my internal balance, which can be disrupted during my travels.
What beauty product makes for the best travel souvenir?
Locally made skincare or fragrance that uses native or local ingredients. A stand-out for me would be Officine Universelle Buly’s Baume des Muses. The lip balm is a celebration of natural ingredients and is housed in a compact box where you can have your initials embossed in gilt letters, adding a personal touch.
Please share a beauty lesson that you have learnt from your travels.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt from my travels is that beauty is about rituals. Skincare should not be rushed. Cleansing should be mindful and deliberate. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realised that it’s less about chasing flawless skin and more about embracing the process of caring for your skin with intention.
