I’m not going to lie – it’s been a while since I went on a long-haul flight. In the years BC (before children) I used to travel far and wide on a regular basis, so I think I know what I’m in for!
This trip is the first my hubby & I have taken together without the children, so it is somewhat of a nerve-wracking novelty at the moment. I’m currently swinging between dreamy excitement to guilt ridden worry. Hopefully the latter will quickly wear off when I realise I can go duty free shopping and actually relax at the airport!
My carry-ons:
This SUITSUIT case is really cute – I love the fact that it stands out from all the bland navy/grey/black carry-ons around, so it’s easy to pick out when I’m disembarking. The Figue tote I featured in my last blog post is great as it’s really roomy and secure with a drawstring top.
A long-haul flight is one of those (rare) occasions where comfort definitely comes before style. Soft, loose fabrics are an absolute necessity, as are flat shoes (you never know how long you’ll have to walk – or run to the departure gate!).
I always get cold on long flights – I find they always overdo the aircon – so I’ll be wearing a lot of cashmere:
These N.Peal shawls are amazing – I use this like a blanket which is absolute luxury. My neck and feet tend to feel the cold the most, so a cashmere scarf and socks (these are from Brora) are absolute essentials. In fact, if your budget won’t stretch to a full cashmere outfit, a pair of cashmere socks will make you feel like a Queen!
I love 360 Cashmere for their loose, lightweight cashmere jumpers in great colours and they feel simply amazing when paired with these incredible Chinti & Parker cashmere joggers. (The jumper & trousers I’m wearing are actually different colours to these but the same brand and style).
Lotions and potions:
As soon as we take off, I remove every scrap of makeup with Clinique ‘take the day off’. It’s great at dissolving even mascara and you don’t need to go to the bathroom to wash it off. After that I’ll apply Skinceuticals B5 Hydrating Mask – this can be left on as a thin layer for as long as you like – I often wear it overnight. It’s a bit sticky but it’s worth it as it’s amazingly hydrating and leaves even the most dullest of skins with a glow. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Protectant will be frequently applied to my lips throughout the flight (I also put it under my eyes for some super hydration). Before landing I’ll rinse off the mask and apply my Skinceuticals C E Ferulic (a great antioxidant) and then apply some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector to my cheeks, nose and upper lip to give the illusion of dewy, glowing skin. (If you don’t like spending money on skincare, just use your favourite moisturiser and keep reapplying it throughout the flight). I also always try and drink loads of water.
My hands are another area that get very dehydrated on planes – if anyone could recommend a good hand cream, that would be great. I love the look of this one:
The Caudalie Beauty Elixir I find is more of a skin freshener than an essential but is particularly useful if you have someone smelly sat next to you as it smells amazing!
A great friend has kindly lent me this Tempur travel pillow which is incredible – I’m actually looking forward to using it and usually I hate the things!
I treated myself to this Slip silk eye mask from Net-A-Porter and I have to say I was a bit dubious when I ordered it, as it’s expensive compared to most masks & I wasn’t convinced it would be that different. However as soon as I laid my hands on it I was sold – it’s so ridiculously soft & just utterly decadent to wear.
Also in my hand luggage I carry a Kindle and several changes of clothes & swimwear (just in case I get parted from my hold luggage).
Last but not least is a toothbrush and toothpaste. There really is nothing worse than getting off a flight with bad breath and a furry tongue! Horrid but true!
What are your flight essentials?
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emmawri 