My Travel Schedule as a Model is Packed: Here’s How I Take Care of my Skin
One of the exciting parts of working as a model is the occasional last-minute flight for a job. But frequent flying, early mornings, and a lack of routine can wreak havoc on my skin.
Luckily, over the years my job has made me a seasoned pro at packing skincare for trips – and I’m not one to gate keep, especially since peak travel season is just around the corner.
Here are my top nine secrets for keeping skin in top condition (or as close as possible) even when your travel schedule is packed.
1. I’ve perfected a minimal routine
Like many people, I experimented with a multi-step skincare routine during COVID. Over time, I’ve narrowed it down to just four essential steps: face wash, moisturiser, SPF, and a nightly treatment.
Image – Courtesy of writer
A game changer for me has been my Klira Special, a personalised treatment that replaces all other actives in my routine.
I no longer need to squeeze retinol, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, or night moisturiser into a tiny plastic bag – it’s all in one.
I’ve been using it for a year, and it’s game changing. It’s transformed my rosacea while helping with preventative skin ageing and just made my skin so much more reliable.
2. I Always Bring Targeted Acne Treatments
While my skin is usually reliable, long flights, lack of routine and sweating in hot destinations is a recipe for breakouts.
I never travel without a targeted acne treatment and hydrocolloid pimple patches (my go to are from Cosrx or Starface.)
They stop me from picking at my skin, and they’re also super cute!
Image – Starface
3. Sacrificing Products
If I need to sacrifice something in my kit, it’s usually my face wash – I’ll just buy one at my destination.
Since face wash is only on your skin briefly, I’m not too fussy about what I use, as long as it can remove makeup and isn’t drying.
Image – Courtesy of writer
One of my favourite memories is landing in NYC and heading straight to the Glossier store (back when there wasn’t one in the UK).
I picked up a mini face wash, doused myself with Glossier You perfume, and ran off to castings.
4. Extra Caring Skincare
A thick moisturiser is a must for me, both on the plane and after shoots. Right now, I’m loving Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream. At home, I pair it with the Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Treatment Lotion, but the bottle is too big to travel with.
My absolute must have is face SPF. I’ve tried and tested hundreds of SPF’s and my favourite is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++.
I’m cautious about trying new SPFs while travelling in case they clog pores or cause breakouts, especially when my skin is already stressed from flying.
For body SPF, I usually pick one up at the airport Boots if I’m heading to Europe. They’re often cheaper and have higher SPF ratings than what’s available at my destination.
Plus, since I’m religious about applying sunscreen, I usually finish a bottle by the end of a week long trip. If I’m heading to Japan or Korea I’ll always buy one there – their SPF filters are unmatched!
5. Skincare while flying
We’ve all seen the TikTok videos of people doing their entire skincare routines on a plane. My secret? Don’t do this.
If I’m on a long-haul flight, I make sure to minimise the risk of breakouts by doing my full nighttime routine before boarding, even if it’s the morning.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I’ll apply an extra layer of moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated and then avoid touching my face for the rest of the flight. If there’s a layover, I’ll repeat my routine in the airport bathroom.
Pro tip: Bring a small hand towel. You don’t want to get stuck using scratchy paper towels – I’ve learned this the hard way!
Before boarding my second flight, I’ll add another layer of moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated throughout the journey.
6. Address puffiness
Since I often have to step off a plane and head straight to castings, I’ve mastered the art of minimising puffiness while flying.
I used to rely on tea bags for my under-eyes after a flight, but I’ve since upgraded to cooling eye masks (the gel ones you can chill) and a gua sha tool to reduce puffiness and improve circulation.
I also prioritise getting as much sleep as possible during the flight and steer clear of alcohol completely – it makes a huge difference in making sure my face is ready for work.
7. Minimalist makeup
I often get asked about the makeup I bring abroad, but honestly, I keep it minimal.
Before a trip, I’ll usually get a lash lift and tint so no need for mascara. For my base, I rely on skin tints like Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Camo Drops SPF 35 or Erborian CC Red Correct.
I’ll occasionally bring a blush or lipgloss with me if there’s space for it to squeeze in!
8. Alternative makeup remover
While I try to opt for a cleanser that removes SPF and makeup, I have a couple of tricks for bringing a makeup remover in hand luggage.
At home, I use micellar water or an oil cleanser, depending on how heavy my makeup is. However, when travelling, I carry a makeup remover-specific microfibre cloth.
This is a trick I picked up during fashion week – all you need is water, and you can remove makeup in one wipe.
If possible, I’ll follow up with a cleanser to ensure everything is properly removed, but the cloth is a great option when your hand luggage toiletries bag is packed to the brim!
9. Hair care
I tend to travel light when it comes to haircare.
I wash my hair the night before or the morning of my flight and leave all heat tools behind (they take up too much space and the voltage is a faff).
I make the most of having freshly washed hair for the first couple of days, and after that, I simply slick it back with a balm for the ‘clean girl’ look for the rest of the trip.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Since dyeing my hair red, this has become much easier as I wash it minimally anyway.
When I was blonde, it was a whole different story – I armed myself with Batiste dry shampoo and a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (like T-Gel) while travelling.
The takeaway
After learning how to pack and travel for last-minute jobs, I think I’ve really perfected my skincare and beauty travel routine.
My top tips? Cut everything down to the bare minimum, prep as much as possible before leaving, and remind yourself that you can always pick something up at the airport if needed.
Plus, the less you bring with you, the more you can shop in other countries for their skincare must-haves – personally one of my favourite things to do!
Get Glowing!
