Tips on how and what to put in your hand-carry luggage so you’ll still look fab right after your flight

For some, taking the plane is the worst part of travelling. No one needs frizzy hairs, parched skin or overflowing bottles of products in our hand-carries. Travelling is supposed to be great fun and a time for relaxation.

So, here are 10 of our handiest packing tips, so you can enjoy your trip while keeping your looks and sanity.

1. Make Ziploc bags your best friend

Consider investing in Ziploc bags of various sizes. They are a lifesaver for organisation; their presence will greatly reduce the amount of hassle before, during, and after your trip.

Got loose hair accessories such as bobby pins, hair clips and hair ties? Put them together in one Ziploc. Assign another Ziploc for your travel-sized beauty products (make sure they’re below 100ml, and not more than 1litre in total if you’re hand-carrying them).

It will be easier retrieving one bag with everything inside rather than having to fish out individuals from your hand-carry.

For extra protection, seal your products with scotch tape to reduce the likelihood of spillage. You’ll never know what crazy air pressure can do to your products.

2. Grab an empty water bottle

Airplanes are severely dehydrating so it’s essential that you drink up. Here’s an easy and more efficient way to stay hydrated: Pack an empty bottle in your hand-carry bag, and ask the flight attendant to fill up your bottle once you’ve taken your seat.

This way, you’ll get a constant supply of water throughout your plane ride and you don’t have to bother the flight attendants with one cup of water each time.

3. Reapply your moisturiser

Apart from keeping hydrated, you need to give your skin the moisture it needs. Grab an intensive moisturiser and reapply it every two hours or when your skin feels parched. A good tip is to spritz your face with a facial mist before putting on the moisturiser as it helps with better absorption.

4. Makeup remover wipes

Makeup wipes are one of the most fuss-free items you can bring and use on the plane. They get the job done as well as liquid cleansers, minus the risk of spillage.

Give your face a good wipe before you start your inflight moisturising routine. It’s good to choose one that’s slightly textured to help with exfoliation. You’ll be surprised to see how much dirt comes off your face.

5. Store makeup in contact lens cases

If you wear contact lenses, you’re likely to have a few spare cases lying around. Dispense a few pumps of your cream or liquid makeup.

Each compartment can hold just enough product for an overnight trip or your post-flight touch-up routine. Sounds like a great idea for saving space and luggage weight!

6. Cotton wool to prevent cracks in your powder

Pressed powder foundations always make a better bet to bring than liquid foundations simply because they are fuss-free. To reduce the risk of your pressed powder or eyeshadow cracking mid-flight, simply place a flat cotton wool pad between the pressed powder and the lid.

7. Bring multi-tasking products

Multi-tasking products are great when it comes to travel. Not only do you save on luggage space, but you’ll also only need one product for more than one functionality.

Tinted moisturisers can provide some coverage while doing the job of a moisturiser. Some highlighters may double up as blushers and lipsticks. Having some colour on the face will definitely help in making you look more put together after a long plane ride.

8. Put your samples to use

Remember those samples you got over the counter when you made your beauty purchases last month? Now’s a great time to use them. Sample sachets are made for one-time use, so it’s perfect for travel. Just pack a sachet for each functionality and you’re good to go!

9. Dry shampoo

Apart from frizz due to static, your hair may flatten a bit on a long flight so it’s good to bring along a light volumiser. Dry shampoos make good options, just make sure they are below 100ml. Simply rub some product onto your scalp upon landing and viola, instant voluminous hair.

Related read: 17 best dry shampoos that work in Singapore’s impossibly hot weather

10. If all else fails, wear sunglasses

The bigger the better. Sunglasses have a magic ability to hide most beauty issues while still making you look pretty cool. Haven’t slept enough, or don’t feel like you look great enough to meet anyone? Just throw on a pair of sunnies!