In our image-obsessed society, celebrities and others in the public eye are under constant pressure to look ‘perfect’. Whether they’re on the red carpet or being snapped by the paparazzi doing the school run, those in the public eye are expected to look their best at all times. It might seem as if famous people wake up looking fabulous, but it takes a lot of work to ensure they look good all the time.
It’s not just celebrities living with this pressure either. For example, air stewards and stewardesses are renowned for looking flawless, even when they’re on a long haul flight and haven’t slept for nearly a day. Since the 1960s, when commercial flights became available to the masses, flight attendants have been associated with the glamour of travel. From the minute we plan a flight through companies such as Cheapflights to the second we enter our hotel, we expect a professional service. Customers expect a speedy passage to the departure gates, the flights to be on time, and the flight attendants to be friendly, attentive and well presented – think of an air hostess and you think of smart uniforms, a big smile and perfect make-up. But just how do these women manage to stay looking fresh during long haul flights? Here are 10 beauty tips that female cabin crew swear by:
Think of an air hostess and you think of smart uniforms, a big smile and perfect make-up. But just how do these women manage to stay looking fresh during long haul flights? Here are 10 beauty tips that female cabin crew swear by:
1. Prepare your skin
Looking good starts with great skin. If you don’t have a skincare routine – get started with one. Beauty journalist Sali Hughes says in her beauty bible ‘Pretty Honest’ that the most important skincare products to use are cleanser, a serum suited to your skin (anti-ageing for example), moisturiser and sun protection.
2. Use primer
Before applying foundation, use lots of primer to get your skin ready. It will create a smooth, beautiful base and will ensure your foundation lasts for longer.
3. Find a good foundation
You need a foundation that’s not going to wear off, so look for a product that promises to be long lasting and gives great coverage without looking ‘cakey’.
4. Avoid bronzer
You might think bronzer would give you a healthy glow, but under harsh plane lighting, it can actually look very unnatural. Skip the bronzer and stick to blusher instead…
5. Use a powder blusher
A dab of blusher on the cheeks will make you look perky even if you’re exhausted, and a powder blusher will last much longer than a cream blush.
6. Drink lots of water
Hydrated skin looks plumper, fresher and more youthful.
7. Wear lip balm…
Air conditioning can make your lips very dry on long haul flights, so air hostesses remember to reapply lip balm. It doesn’t have to be expensive – any lip balm bought in a chemist will work.
8. …but not lip gloss
Gloss will make your lipstick wear off quicker, according to Emirates Airways staff in a recent article.
9. Use hand sanitiser
Air hostesses constantly clean their hands with sanitiser, as there are plenty of germs circulating the air conditioning system… Try not to think about that too much next time you fly, but do use hand sanitiser.
10. Sunglasses
Take your cue from Hollywood stars as well as cabin crew, who swear by a great pair of shades upon arrival. It will hide tired eyes and make you look paparazzi-ready.
Now you’ve read some of the secrets, you can plan your beauty routine for your next long-haul flight and look as fabulous as the cabin crew. Remember – unlike air hostesses and celebs, it’s not your job to look good when you get off the plane. It’s your job to enjoy your holiday, so relax (but make sure you bring your shades).
