Red-eye flights are not often the first choice for most travelers; however, they are sometimes the best (or only) option depending on your schedule and travel plans. It can be tough to stay fresh, alert, and energized after an overnight flight but with a few tips and tricks, you can keep looking your best without fancy products or a complete routine overhaul. Just focus on a few key steps before and after the flight, and you’ll be looking good as new when you land.
The Red-Eye Flight Routine That Keeps You Looking Fresh
Before the Flight
It’s important to stay hydrated and focus on drinking lots of water leading up to and during the flight. Dehydration can dry out your skin which take toll on skin appearance and brightness. Staying on top of this is key for staying fresh, reducing dullness, and looking your best.
Avoid wearing too much makeup as this can weigh down your skin and clog pores reducing the ability for skin to breathe.
I love to do a hydrating facial mask the day before a long travel day to give my skin a little extra TLC before the flight.
One of the best ways to look your best after a long flight is to get some rest during the flight. While this is easier said than done, a few things I always pack to help me sleep on the plane are my neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs. I also sometimes take a sleeping pill for extra support just before takeoff.
Skincare After the Flight
There are a few steps you can take after the flight to rejuvenate your skin and have you looking ready to take on the day. I’ll make sure to pack some essential items in my carry on so I can use them right when I land.
- Facial wipes – these are a lifesaver for a quick cleanup at the airport to remove oil and help wake myself up.
- Travel size deodorant – after sitting on a plane for 8+ hours, we can all use a little extra deodorant!
- Moisturizer – I’ll bring a travel size facial moisturizer with SPF to apply when I land to brighten up and fight dryness.
- Eye drops – these are great after a red-eye flight to lighten up my eyes and reduce redness after a subpar night of sleep (hence the term “red-eye”).
- Dry shampoo and brush – I’ll apply a small amount of dry shampoo if my hair looks oily and brush it out to freshen up.
- A cold splash of water on the face always helps wake me up and brighten up my eyes after a long, overnight flight.
- I’ll bring a small amount of makeup as well to apply at the airport – just a tinted moisturizer, mascara and a little blush to look good as new.
- Taking a quick walk outside for light and fresh air also make a huge difference for me to wake up and feel refreshed.
- If I have extra space in the carry on, I’ll bring a change of clothes as well to freshen up.
Top 5 Creams and Moisturizers Recommended by Magazines Like Vogue and Condé Nast Traveler
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream – A rich, luxury cream by a Japanese cosmetic brand for deep hydration and a luminous finish. About $72. Sold at Sephora at airports, luxury department stores, and Tatcha’s own website.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Cream – Often rated as one of the best overall anti-aging moisturizers thanks to its blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Around $155. Available at Dermstore, major department stores, and high-end skincare retailers in the U.S.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – A lightweight, fragrance-free option for sensitive skin with ceramides and niacinamide. About $24–25. Found at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – A gel-based, hyaluronic acid-rich hydrator that’s ideal for lightweight, all-day moisture. Around $17. Sold at most U.S. drugstores, big-box retailers, and Amazon.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Affordable, dermatologist-approved, and great for barrier repair with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Around $18. Widely available in the U.S. at drugstores, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
So, there you have it – although red-eye flights aren’t always our top choice, they are sometimes the best option either for schedules or budgets. By planning ahead and stocking your carry on with our go-to items above, you’ll be looking fresh as a daisy and ready to take on the day when you land.
