I’m back! So let’s skip past the bit where I grovel and apologize for extending my stay in the US and launch right back into regular posts!

Air travel can be a stressful experience but that’s no reason to look like a complete wreck when you hop off a plane, especially if you have places to go and people to see immediately after landing. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you look polished after a long haul flight!

• Deodrant. You need something that’ll keep you smelling fresh and dry during the flight. Don’t bother taking this on-board because you wont be able to and the strong smell of deodrant is likely to offend anyway. Right now i’ve been using the Alluring Deo Spray from Moosehead, kept me dry and fresh for the entire flight and doesn’t smell like Lynx/Axe – what more can you ask?

• Water. The recirculated air in plane cabins will quickly dehydrate your body and skin leaving lines looking deeper and generally making you look a little worse for wear. Make sure to regularly sip on some water or fruit juice during the flight to keep yourself hydrated. If you’re drinking alcohol (which is highly recommended in case of turbulance), try to balance it out by drinking the same amount of water later on in the flight.

• Wet Wipes. These are always handy, great for wiping down your face when it feels really grimey. I highly recommend the Complete Cleansing Cloths from Matte for Men as they’re alcohol-free and made of soft yet very durable material that won’t fall apart when rubbed against stubble/facial hair.

• Eye gel. If you haven’t managed to get any sleep on a flight, an eye gel is perfect as it deflates bags and plumps up any visible lines underneath the eyes. I used the MJP (Methode Jeanne Piaubert) For Men Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Puffiness, Anti-Dark Circle Gel for Eye Contour during my flight and looked well rested by the end of it despite not sleeping for 11 hours. Simply pat on the eye gel at the beginning of your journey and then again at the end.

• Facial Spritz. This one’s optional but these little facial spritzers are excellent as they hydrate the outermost layer of your skin, making you look fresher and more awake. Spray this onto your face periodically for a refreshing break from the stale cabin air. The L’hydro Active Biphase 24 Hours from MJP is highly moisturising, very soothing (great if you shaved that morning) and smells great too! For a cheaper option try the facial mists from Evian, available at most airports.

• Moisturiser. Probably the best thing you can do for your skin during a flight, moisturising is key to making yourself look alive after a flight. Apply periodically to your face to top up the moisture levels. If you have dry or normal skin, try the Embryolisse Lait Creme – it’s highly moisturising but doesn’t break you out. If you have oilier skin, try a moisturising gel instead like the Biotherm Aquasource or Clinique Moisture Surge. If your skin is feeling particularly parched, try applying a thick(ish) layer of your moisturiser to your face like a facial mask. Let it sit on your skin for as long as possible and then massage the excess in once you’re done.

• Lip Balm. This one’s pretty self explanatory, just slick a little of this stuff on when your lips are feeling dry. You can even use your moisturiser on your lips if you want to. (Recommendations here)

• Spot treatment. Just in case. (Recommendations here)

• Tinted Moisturiser/Under eye concealer. Tinted moisturisers are great to throw on when you’re getting off a plane as they hydrate your skin, add a little colour to your most probably dull looking skin and lightly disguise your 5 ‘o’clock shadow. Try the Chanel Hydramax Active + Teint for something light, easy to apply, sheer and with natural colour. To conceal any under eye bags and darkness, go for the tried-and-tested cult classic: YSL Touche Eclat Pour Homme.

• Post Plane:

When you’re off the plane, you should be looking pretty decent but if you think you’re in need of some serious help I highly recommend investing in the Grab + Go Travel Kit from Anthony Logistics which is already packaged to be 100% Airline Approved so you can throw it in your hand luggage. This kit includes a glycolic cleanser, a facial scrub, shaving cream, astringent for post-shave, a shampoo and body wash. Pretty much everything you’d need, really.

So just grab all (or some) of those pre-flight and you’ll be looking dapper as you disembark, nobody’ll know you spent the night fearing for your life in the middle of turbulance!