You know how airplanes sap the life out of your skin, leaving it dry and scratchy to the touch? Just walking down the jetway seems to zap all of my skin’s moisture. With the small liquids rule, it can be hard to decide which products to throw in your carry on and which ones to check to your final destination.
Then there’s the problem of the temperature in the plane. I don’t know why airlines have all decided we enjoy Siberia so much, but even in the dead of summer, I am so cold when I fly. And while I’m alright with wrapping one of their blankets around my legs (if they have them), I refuse to put it near my face and shoulders. I already touched on my picks for best scarves to travel with, and my travel tips post, what to pack in your carry on, but how can you ensure that you are as comfortable as possible while in the air?
Read on…
toiletries
When I travel, I try to have a face lotion (typically Pond’s Rejuveness, since I really like their product line) as well as a hand and body cream (I love ahava products.) If I’m only going a short distance, one or the other is fine, but on long-haul flights or a trip with more than one layover, I need both. I also swear by Pond’s original cleansing wipes. They don’t need to be in your liquids bag (yay!) but they’ll clear your face of the airplane look, and then you can smear on some face cream. I always put my makeup in my carry-on – dab a bit of powder and some bronzer on, and you are back on track. Lastly, freshen up with your deodorant, and don’t forget a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste! Even if you don’t sleep on the plane, you’ll find it welcoming to brush your teeth at your destination.
I also don’t go anywhere without at least five lip balms/chapsticks in my arsenal (I’m addicted!) and I swear by Burt’s Bees. I also like the rosebud salve from Anthropologie, because it’s multipurpose: use it on your cuticles, elbows, etc.
Eye drops are a great thing to have if you get dry eyes; I also make sure I have my contact solution/case, in case I need to take my contacts out. Another often-overlooked product is hand sanitizer. My mom always has one with her!
extras:
We’ve already talked scarves, so of course I recommend one, but I also generally pack a pair of slippers, or heavy socks. I prefer slippers, since I feel like I can walk around the plane in them. I love the moccasin style, and they don’t take up a ton of room.
Lastly, for those long, overnight flights, a neck pillow is a lifesaver. While I can fall asleep on any plane, at any time, I have plenty of friends and family who can’t. If you’re the sort of person who sits there and watches movies to kill the hours, you’ll want something supporting your neck. Mine has the bean stuffing, as opposed to the air or foam, and I love that it molds to my shoulders and neck. (I also *always* travel with either sleeping pills or a nighttime Tylenol – whenever you can’t fall asleep, just take two of these and you’ll wake up refreshed at your destination. Don’t do this if you have a short flight!)
So, there you have it: my travel tips for what personal care items to carry on with you. Any travellers want to weigh in? What do you recommend?