From Soap and Sleepy Makeup to Skincare on the Go

I was never, ever a skincare girl. For years I washed my face with plain soap and called it good. I never got facials, never stuck to a routine, and I used to fall asleep in my makeup more nights than I can count. Just ask my friend Paula, it used to make her so mad! lol

Eventually, I graduated to makeup wipes, but that still wasn’t a real skincare routine. That all changed when I hit my 50s. My skin started telling me it needed more…. more hydration, more care, and more consistency.

Now, at 54, I actually look forward to my skincare rituals, and yes, I even get facials on the regular. I’ve learned that great skin doesn’t happen overnight; it happens when you finally decide to care for it.

And as someone who’s constantly in the air, on a plane almost every month, I’ve had to find ways to keep my skin looking fresh through all the travel. In the last three and a half years alone, I’ve been to Italy four times, and somewhere between red-eyes, time zones, and espresso, I’ve built a routine that helps me arrive glowing no matter where I land.

Even my granddaughter teases me about it. One day she looked at me and said, “Gigi, you travel a lot for work. You’re always on a plane! That’s how you get to work!” In her world, airplanes are my office. And in her sweet honesty, she also said, “Gigi, you’re old… but you don’t look old.”

That one stuck with me, it made me realize that I am doing a great job now when it comes to taking care of my skin!

So today I’m sharing the top three skincare steps I never skip before traveling—practical, easy, and designed to help you arrive hydrated, confident, and glowing, no matter how many stamps are in your passport. And I hope there are many!

If you’ve been following along, you might also love my post on The 15-Minute Lift: Quick Beauty Tips That Work. A few small steps that give big results, even on busy mornings.

Step 1: Deep Hydration Before You Go

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry. Humidity can drop below 20 percent, which pulls moisture right out of your skin. Before every flight, I double down on hydration.

Here’s what works:

The night before: Apply a hydrating serum and a rich barrier-supporting moisturizer.
The morning of: Reapply both before heading to the airport.
In-flight: Keep a mini mist or serum in your carry-on to refresh mid-flight.

Pro tip: Don’t forget your lips and hands, they dehydrate first. Keep a balm and hand cream in your bag.

Step 2: Protect and Prep Against Stress and UV

People forget that UV rays are stronger at altitude, even through airplane windows.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before every flight.
Avoid exfoliating or using strong acids the night before travel.
Keep makeup minimal and hydrating so your skin can breathe.

Your skin is already working overtime dealing with stress, dry air, and lack of sleep, so think soothe and shield, not strip and stress. I don’t usually travel with makeup on, just my skincare.

Step 3: Glow From the Inside Out

Even the best serums can’t save you if you’re dehydrated and exhausted.

Drink water before boarding, and keep a refillable bottle handy.
Alternate every coffee or wine with water (I know, that’s hard in Italy).
Stay consistent with collagen or supplements that support your skin from within.
Try to rest—even 30 minutes mid-flight helps your skin recover.

Travel is hard on your body, but it shouldn’t dull your sparkle.

Bonus Tips for Frequent Flyers

Use a silk pillowcase in hotels—it’s gentle on your skin and helps prevent creases.
Keep a pre-packed skincare pouch so you’re never scrambling to pack.
Skip makeup on travel days to let your skin breathe.
Use a gentle cleansing wipe or micellar water during layovers.

My Pre-Flight Glow Checklist

Ready to See What Your Skin Really Needs?

If you’re not sure what products your skin actually craves, take my quick Smart Skin Quiz.
It’s a two-minute quiz that helps you pinpoint what your skin needs most, hydration, firmness, brightness, or balance. So you can simplify your routine and get results that actually last.

Take the Smart Skin Quiz →

I used to think skincare was complicated. Now, it’s one of the simplest ways I take care of myself.
Whether you’re flying once a year or every month, a little preparation goes a long way.

With these few easy steps, you can arrive looking refreshed, confident, and ready to take on whatever adventure comes next, whether it’s a business trip, a speaking engagement, or a stroll through the streets of Rome.

Because when your granddaughter looks at you and says, “You’re old, but you don’t look old,” that’s the best compliment there is.

3 Skincare Steps Before Travel