When I travel long distances, I never wear makeup. I’ve even been known to give myself an inflight facial. But I don’t have a job that requires me to look presentable. After years of flying long-haul and disembarking with a bird’s nest on my head and shiny skin, I’m in awe of how fresh flight attendants manage to look on landing. Yes, they have the benefit of sleeping compartments, but those quarters are often smaller than a business-class seat. So, how do they achieve to look flawless over such a long period of time? Recently, a flight attendant with Emirates shared on Instagram how she keeps her makeup in place and looking fresh after a 14-hour flight and a 20-plus-hour day on duty.
Photo: danidboyy
Flight Attendant Shares the Makeup Products She Uses to Look Fresh, Without Touch-Ups, for 20 Hours
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Flight attendant and influencer Danielle shares her pre- and post-flight look. After over 20 hours in a full face and a flight from Dubai to Seattle without a touchup, I think we can all agree she looks fabulous. “I’ve ate, drank, and slept during the flight in this makeup,” she says.
I was curious about what products have that kind of staying power, and thankfully, Danielle shared some of her favorite beauty buys. Although I’ve not tried all of these, the influencer has tested them on countless long flights, and they are all reasonably priced and available through Amazon. I’m a huge fan of drugstore brands that create something brilliant (and long-lasting) that holds its own against luxury beauty companies. Here are some of the products Danielle swears by and a few of my own suggestions.
For a primer, Danielle suggests Elf Costemtics Power Grip Primer ($9.96). It’s a gripping primer, so it really sticks to your skin and lays a really solid foundation. If you’re like me and battle with oily skin, you’ll need a decent primer to stop your makeup from being broken down by excess oil throughout your day. I use Milk Hydro Grip Primer ($20.00), which has worked really well for my skin. It’s a little more expensive but it lasts forever and has some additional skincare benefits.
Danielle swears by Vichy Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation ($22.00). It’s got a built-in SPF and medium coverage. Foundation is a personal choice, but opting for something oil-free like L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation ($21.99) will stop that shine and keep your makeup in place.
Danielle opts for NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum ($9.99) for concealer. I purchased this product to try out for my wedding day this summer, and it’s staying in my toolbox.
For mascara, she suggests H.U.D.A BEAUTY 1 Coat. The price for this in the UK is around $15. But as it might be tricky to get hold of in the US, I suggest trying a tubular mascara (which wraps around each individual lash and does not smudge or damage your lashes) like L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Tubing Mascara ($9.99). I’ve been wearing this for years and am terrified it will be discontinued.
For a setting powder, Danielle is also opting for H.U.D.A with the Easy Bake ($47.88). I’d also recommend Urban Decay’s All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder ($35.00); it’s another product I’ve been loyal to for over a decade.
Danielle is also using Milani Make It Last Setting Spray ($9.99) to set her face. Although she undoubtedly has a solid foundation, this setting spray must work wonders.
Her lip is Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($5.34). There was a ton of hype about this product when it first came out, not just because the price is so great. Unlike most drugstore liquid lipsticks, which can get real dry real quick, Maybelline’s stays in place and hydrated. There’s also a great color range. 