how to do...first class fabulous

Even if you’re flying economy – after all it’s only those who are cash rich that can afford to turn left when boarding a plane, a few good beauty tricks will have you touching down looking like you've just stepped out of first class.  

The slick and sexy Virgin Atlantic ad banishes the trolley dolly image once and for all and replaces it with a Bond-esque like vision of a very polished air hostess. All vertiginous heels, martini glasses and kissable red lips. Although this may be stretching the truth a little – surely for health and safety purposes those heels would be way too high; it’s the insider tips that make their cabin crew look radiant. The secret? They’re sent on a grooming course, so even on a long haul flight they still look fresh as a daisy.

For some up-in-the-air beauty expertise here Rebecca Creer, Virgin Atlantic’s Senior Spas and Grooming Manager shares her 10 high flying tips. Just remember to pack the custom friendly 100ml sizes.

1. Drink at least one litre of water before, during and after your flight. Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade and Sportade are also great options to keep your body hydrated.

2.  Invest in some Moroccan Oil and use on your hair before you travel. It nourishes and protect your hair and stops it drying out onboard. Use on holiday too as it’s great for the hair in the sun.

3. Exfoliate your skin the night before you fly. The fine abrasive cream will remove dead skin cells allowing for better penetration of hydrating skincare products. Apply a generous layer of moisturiser and get a good night sleep.

4. Visit a reputable salon and have your eyelashes tinted. This will give your lashes colour, length and volume and can last for up to 12 weeks.

5. Use a hydrating facial spray throughout the flight and make sure the spray contains essential oils or other hydrating properties as a standalone water spray will dry your skin.

6. To keep your hair effortlessly glamorous I like Elnett hairspray.  It will keep any style in place but without that stiff feeling.

7. Bare if you dare! Board the flight with clean moisturised skin or remove make up with facial wipes during the flight. Reapply moisturiser all over your face, neck and décolletage each time you get a fresh glass of water. A great product to carry is Bio Oil as it can be used on the face and body.

8. If like our crew you need to be fully made up then we recommend bare Minerals concealer and foundation. This make up gives great coverage yet allows your skin to breath. It also contains zinc oxide which calms the skin.

10. Use a really good lip balm and apply it regularly. Vaseline lip therapy sun protection is great and can be used on its own and under lipstick. Try applying Lip balm to your cuticles to keep your nails hydrated.