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As one of the newest additions to TQE’s roster of beauty editors, I wanted to introduce myself to this wonderful community: I’m Stixx Mathews, a seasoned beauty industry veteran with brand experience at L'Oréal, Glossier and in the editorial world. I've developed a keen eye for exceptional beauty products, with expertise spanning testing, formulation and market strategy for some of the industry's finest offerings.
When I endorse a product, it's not just good —it's great. My reputation is on the line with every recommendation, so I'm incredibly selective. My philosophy? A product must be not only beauty industry curated but also Stixx top-shelf approved to make the cut. Let’s jump into my first feature for TQE!
Before the pandemic, I never considered having a dedicated skincare routine for traveling. However, in 2020, while dreaming of flying again, I stumbled upon a video Naomi Campbell had posted a year before the global pandemic on her YouTube channel. From that moment, the way I cared for my skin and health while traveling changed forever.
In the video, Campbell emphasized the importance of carrying a hydration pack for her skin while on a plane, and it made perfect sense. Sitting in recycled air is incredibly drying, so lip masks, face masks, hydrating mists and other moisturizing products are essential. Inspired by her advice, I began to curate my own set of travel skincare essentials. While my routine may not be as extensive as Campbell's, over the years, I have developed a reliable list of products that keep my skin in perfect shape during flights.
Step One
These micellar cleansing pads from Sofie Pavitt are a game changer, especially if you’re hesitant to use the water on the plane to wash your face. Before you dive into your skincare routine and apply a face mask, it's crucial to remove any dirt, impurities, and invisible particles that may be lingering on your skin during the flight. These pads ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed, setting a perfect foundation for the products you apply to deeply penetrate and work their magic by the time you land.
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Step Two
Air travel can be tough on your skin, especially the delicate area under your eyes. The dry cabin air can leave the most sensitive and thinnest skin on your face feeling parched and looking dull. That's why I never board a flight without my secret weapon: 111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks.
These eye masks are a game-changer for in-flight skincare. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and a Peptide Complex, they work wonders to hydrate and rejuvenate tired under-eyes. They're my go-to solution for combating the dehydrating effects of air travel, ensuring I arrive at my destination looking refreshed and radiant.
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Step Three
When you’re on a long-haul flight, applying a face mask can be refreshing. For an even better experience, choose a detoxifying face mask like the Clean Slate mask from Loops Beauty. This mask will help purify your skin by removing any impurities that micellar pads might have missed.
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Step Four
After cleansing and resetting your skin, it's crucial to lock in those benefits with a hydrating face moisturizer. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, a cult favorite in the beauty industry, is perfect for both at-home and travel skincare routines. Its convenient mini size also makes it an ideal travel companion. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this mask ensures your skin stays hydrated and nourished, even during flights.
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Step Five
Now that your skin is in order, it's time to give your lips the same attention. Personally, I find the plane's air makes my lips drier with every passing second, so I always reach for my Fenty Skin Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil. Honestly, I keep 2-3 of these in my rotation, pulling them out of my cosmetic bag at random, as I'm constantly applying this from TSA to landing.
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Step Six
As your flight nears its end, there's one crucial step to perfect your in-flight skincare routine: a refreshing face mist. While I always carry a facial spray, Caudalie's Grape Water Face Mist is my top choice for air travel.
This isn't just a spritz – it's a moment of luxury. Imagine: as you prepare to deplane, you pull out a sleek bottle that exudes sophistication. With a quick spray, you instantly revive your travel-weary skin. So, fellow travelers, make room in your carry-on for this little bottle of French skincare magic. After all, nothing says "I've arrived" quite like the dewy glow of perfectly moisturized skin.
We like
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Step One
These micellar cleansing pads from Sofie Pavitt are a game changer, especially if you’re hesitant to use the water on the plane to wash your face. Before you dive into your skincare routine and apply a face mask, it's crucial to remove any dirt, impurities, and invisible particles that may be lingering on your skin during the flight. These pads ensure your face is thoroughly cleansed, setting a perfect foundation for the products you apply to deeply penetrate and work their magic by the time you land.
We like
We don't like
Step Two
Air travel can be tough on your skin, especially the delicate area under your eyes. The dry cabin air can leave the most sensitive and thinnest skin on your face feeling parched and looking dull. That's why I never board a flight without my secret weapon: 111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks.
These eye masks are a game-changer for in-flight skincare. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and a Peptide Complex, they work wonders to hydrate and rejuvenate tired under-eyes. They're my go-to solution for combating the dehydrating effects of air travel, ensuring I arrive at my destination looking refreshed and radiant.
We like
We don't like
Step Three
When you’re on a long-haul flight, applying a face mask can be refreshing. For an even better experience, choose a detoxifying face mask like the Clean Slate mask from Loops Beauty. This mask will help purify your skin by removing any impurities that micellar pads might have missed.
We like
We don't like
Step Four
After cleansing and resetting your skin, it's crucial to lock in those benefits with a hydrating face moisturizer. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, a cult favorite in the beauty industry, is perfect for both at-home and travel skincare routines. Its convenient mini size also makes it an ideal travel companion. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, this mask ensures your skin stays hydrated and nourished, even during flights.
We like
We don't like
Step Five
Now that your skin is in order, it's time to give your lips the same attention. Personally, I find the plane's air makes my lips drier with every passing second, so I always reach for my Fenty Skin Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil. Honestly, I keep 2-3 of these in my rotation, pulling them out of my cosmetic bag at random, as I'm constantly applying this from TSA to landing.
We like
We don't like
Step Six
As your flight nears its end, there's one crucial step to perfect your in-flight skincare routine: a refreshing face mist. While I always carry a facial spray, Caudalie's Grape Water Face Mist is my top choice for air travel.
This isn't just a spritz – it's a moment of luxury. Imagine: as you prepare to deplane, you pull out a sleek bottle that exudes sophistication. With a quick spray, you instantly revive your travel-weary skin. So, fellow travelers, make room in your carry-on for this little bottle of French skincare magic. After all, nothing says "I've arrived" quite like the dewy glow of perfectly moisturized skin.
We like
We don't like
Wondering what to pack in your carry-on? Start here.
