Former flight attendant explains why popular make-up product isn't ideal for flying and what to use instead
Everyone knows flying can wreak havoc on your skin, no matter how short the journey.
It doesn't matter whether you're travelling first class to the Maldives or with Ryanair for a hen do, flying can often cause breakouts and dry skin.
Everything from air pressure and low humidity to jet lag are to blame, so many of us opt to go sans make-up to give our skin a fighting chance.
But if you plan to do your make-up on arrival, a former cabin crew member has warned against a common mistake passengers make.
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"One little tip from experience: if you like touching up your make-up before landing, choose foundation with a pump rather than one in a squeeze tube," former flight attendant Marika Mikusova advises.
"Cabin pressure can turn a full tube into a tiny make-up volcano, and once it starts erupting, there's not much you can do except watch your expensive foundation end up all over your hands instead of your face."
Off the back of Mikusova's advice, you're best opting for a pump foundation and if you don't have one, decanting your favourite product into a leak-proof bottle.
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For additional security, you can even place the bottle into a sealed make-up bag.
Liquid restrictions vary depending on the UK airline you're flying with.
For instance, new CT scanners at airports such as London Gatwick and London Heathrow mean travellers can take more than 100ml and no longer have to put their liquids in separate clear pouches.
If you're unsure about the liquid restrictions on your upcoming flight, you can find out more here.
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For those of you opting to go without make-up for a flight, Mikusova has picked up some tips and tricks during her time in the industry to make sure your skin stays hydrated on board.
"A face mist is a favourite because cabin air is extremely dry," she says. "It helps keep your skin hydrated and leaves you looking refreshed instead of like a cracked porcelain doll after a long flight.
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"Korean skincare was also hugely popular among me and my colleagues. Some passengers are even confident enough to put on a sheet mask mid-flight and remove it just before landing.
"I have to admit I'm a little jealous - I would have loved to do the same when I was working as cabin crew, but unfortunately that wasn't exactly part of the uniform!"
Is make-up classed as liquid on planes?
Yes, make-up is considered as a liquid on planes, so that applies to any liquid, gels or aerosols in your hand luggage.
Liquid restrictions vary depending on the airline, so make sure to double check before you fly.
Most UK airlines will allow you to take up to 100ml per item.
Which UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule?
As mentioned above, new scanners have been introduced to select UK airports including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Below, you can find the UK airports that have ditched the 100ml liquid rule:
- Belfast International
- Belfast City
- Birmingham
- Bournemouth
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
Danielle Fowler