Your Guide To The Perfect Airport Face
If airport looks are a thing, here’s us making a case for airport faces
I’d like to dedicate this piece to a friend of mine I’ve known for almost two decades. Every time I’m asked to describe him, it’s the same words that roll off my tongue: he of the many exotic travels and unbelievably horrendous skin. If you’re thinking that isn’t a kind way to talk about a friend, that’s because you haven’t seen him yet, and won’t either since respecting privacy is a virtue I hold dearly. But his skin is indeed that horrible—thanks in part to the many flights he’s taking, yes, but also the cardinal skincare sins he’s guilty of committing.
If airport looks are a thing (why ever, one wonders), here’s me making a case for airport faces. Or rather, just arrived-post-a-flight/train ride/ road-trip look. Yes, this isn’t just people taking long-haul flights—I’m coming at you traveling via train and road too. For everyone chasing their inner ‘wanderlust’ (this word should be banned!), why aren’t you packing your skincare essentials? The amount of people I’ve seen with dry skin, chapped lips and swollen under-eyes on my travels is insane. It’s not too difficult to ensure your skin looks and feels fresh and ready to go when you arrive.
A thick moisturiser will save your skin like nothing else. Man made airplanes—those notoriously drying and ruining-your-skin’s-shine modes of transport—but man also made great skincare, so the question is: why aren’t you doing the needful every time you’re hopping on a plane? Pack some skincare minis and take them with you.
Ensure you’re regularly applying your moisturiser because before you even realise, the air (or the lack thereof) would’ve sucked out all moisture from your face. You could also carry along a face mist—a couple of sprays every few hours will go a long way indeed.
Ditto for your lips and hands. Don’t just sit through your journey with them screaming for tender love and care. Also use an under-eye cream—if you haven’t slept well or at all, you don’t want your eyes to look droopy and fatigued when you’ve just arrived. You could even try under-eye patches—my personal favourites— to freshen up not just your eyes but your entire face. Long distance travel is also a great time to try out sheet masks. They can be quite relaxing and rejuvenating, besides being a great way to get a look out of your fellow passengers!
Carry some aloe vera wipes with you. There’s nothing quite like aloe vera to moisturise and soothe your skin: they can give your face a fabulous dose of moisture without carrying multiple things. But applying moisturisers won’t work alone; you’ve also got to be mindful of what you’re consuming. Drink oodles of water.
Last but certainly not the least, stay away from alcohol on flights—it dries out your skin and takes away its shine. I get that most flights offer drinks for free but do you have to take everything that’s on offer? I’d, too, but I’ll ensure I don’t ask for more.
So, for when you’re jet-setting, these will ensure your face isn’t suffering any lag.
Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Rich Cream
Use it on your face, hands, neck, elbows...no dry patches on the horizon.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Be it as a balm or mask, this one is excellent as both. There’s a reason it’s everyone’s most preferred choice.
Quench Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
They’re packed with avocado, so their hydration game is as good as it gets.
Rodial Bee Venom Eye Cream
From Vitamin C to peptides, this one’s got it all. And no, it’s not got any venom in it!
111Skin Rose Gold Facial Treatment Mask
It’s the ‘gold’ standard for sheet masks – your skin will be as good as new.
To read more stories from Esquire India's May-June 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.