When it comes to long-haul flying, your skin will thank you if you have a beauty plan in place. After all the excitement of planning your dream wedding, your thoughts will turn to getting away for R&R with your beloved. Whether that's to recharge your batteries and soak up some sun in the Maldives or take a bucket list trip to South Africa, anywhere that requires a long-haul flight can wreak havoc on your skin. But we know how you can make your in-flight experience more enjoyable and even kill a little time so you arrive looking fresh and rested for your first holiday of married life!

Pre-Flight Skin Treat

If maintaining that wedding day glow is top of your mind, try book a facial for a couple of days before you fly. A pro facial will get rid of dull, dead skin cells and oxygenate your skin so it looks fresh and radiant. Hugely relaxing, it reduces the chance of dehydrated skin on the flight and breakouts when you land. If desired, apply self-tan the day before you head to the airport to warm up your complexion for the fun times ahead. Read on for everything under 100mls that we recommend trying for a long-haul flight.

Departure Day Skin Prep

Your honeymoon beauty checklist shouldn't include retinol or glycolic acid if you are headed somewhere sunny. SPF is essential regardless, but these active ingredients are best kept at home until you return if you want to avoid unnecessary sun damage.

Hydration inside and out is top of the list for flying, so in the morning be extra gentle with your skin. Use a gentle cleanser and follow with a few layers of hydrating beauty like a rose water toner, Hyaluronic Acid serum, and finish with moisturiser. Cruising at 36,000 feet is closer to the sun than when we are on the ground so make sure you have sunscreen on your face, neck and chest if exposed.

In-Flight Treats

If you have 10 to 12 hours to kill on a long-haul flight, you can indulge in a few skincare treats to keep your skin hydrated and relaxed. Sheet masks are hugely popular for flying because they are intensely hydrating and fit with liquid regulations. Flying is very dehydrating because of the air-con, but you can flood the skin with moisture to avoid it.

Start by cleansing your face with a little micellar water and get masking. Eye masks can be worn under a sheet mask for the face for additional hydration and soothing. After removing the masks, massage the excess serum into your skin and neck to keep your skin in great condition.

Hydration Boosters

Keeping yourself hydrated from the inside out will help you to arrive feeling good and ready to switch into holiday mode. Sure, a glass of fizz to start your journey is no harm but try and stay on top of your water intake in the air. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and alcohol are diuretics and cause dehydration, so top up on water through the flight.

An alternative hot drink to help with bloating and boosting your circulation is ginger and hot water. The common ingredient is warming and soothing to the system and the tummy if you pack an empty thermos or hot cup and put some shards of ginger in a bag. The flight attendant canl fill the cup with hot water and the spice can be added to it. Alternatively, pack a few ginger teabags in your bag to keep bloating at bay.

Mist Must-Haves

Face mists are fantastic for in-flight hydration when your skin starts to feel a little dry. There are endless options. Thermal water is fantastic for sensitive or dry skin, and rose water is perfect for normal skin types. But, if you want to be a little extra in your honeymoon beauty regime go for a floral essence mist. These are heaven to use, the floral water is what is left over from essential oil distillation and it is filled with skin-loving properties.

If shopping for a thermal water face mist look at Vichy, La Roche-Posay, Uriage or Evian. If looking for something special, head to Herbivore, Caudalie, Fresh or Neom for a skin treat. Spritz as often as necessary for hydrated skin.

Fight In-Flight Frizz

Recycled dry air on your flight can cause havoc with your hair so pack a small bottle of face oil. Anything that contains jojoba, sweet almond, or rosehip is deeply nourishing for the face, neck, cuticles, and hands. Use a few drops for a mini-massage at 36,000 feet for the oil to seal moisture into the skin. Spritz with face mist first and then apply your oil and work it into the skin. Smooth any residue that's left through the ends of your hair to calm frizz and make it look silky smooth. For oils, we rate Augustinus Bader, Summer Fridays, Byoma and Charlotte Tilbury.

Your Honeymoon Beauty Checklist

• Eye and sheet mask for hydration
• Mini micellar water makeup remover and cotton pads
• Face mist for topping up throughout your flight
• Ginger teabags and a thermos
• Nourishing face oil
• Silk eye mask and noise-blocking earphones to get some rest!

Check out more hair and beauty ideas here if you're still in the wedding planning stages and see our guide to the best honeymoon ideas for every month of the year.

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