I live for adventures, but part of me always looks forward to getting home after a long trip and getting back to normal. Travelling throws your body into a bit of a tailspin and while I love pursuing new experiences all over the world, I tend to crave rest and some self-care by the time I’ve boarded the plane home.
The combination of dry air on long-haul flights, changing temperatures and jet lag – not to mention the fact I tend to forget about my usually strict skincare regime when I’m away – means I often feel a bit gross when I get home from a trip.
Here’s a little post-trip pamper routine I’ve created to restore order. An hour or two to myself in my own bathroom followed by some time chilling on the couch with Tom really helps my body and mind recover from every trip.
The products mentioned in this post were gifted to me by Very.co.uk.
How I revive my body and mind after a trip
My best tip for making life easier for yourself when you’re going away is to clean the house and put fresh sheets on your bed before you leave for the airport. Coming home to a clean and tidy environment is such a blessing after feeling grimy on a plane for hours.
I know when most people think about pampering, their minds go to bubble baths. But after a long flight, I’m sick of sitting around so the last thing I want to do is climb into a tub. Instead, I jump in a long, hot shower – but only after getting my blood pumping again with a dry body brush.
Body brushes are cheap and apparently prevent cellulite, but I just use mine to boost my circulation post-flight. I swear it makes me feel revived!
Bloom and Blossom Night-Time Bath & Shower Gel washes away the grime from the plane and it has a calming scent of organic aloe vera, frankincense, honey murtle and rose geranium that helps me drift off.
I’ll do a hair wash too, because flying makes my hair really lank and greasy. I like to do a hair mask every few washes, and Garnier’s Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Damaged Hair Mask Treatment is my current favourite. I also like to leave a little bit in the ends when I go to a gym class or yoga, so the heat can help it really penetrate the hair shaft.
I’ll cleanse my skin as soon as I’ve jumped out of the shower then follow that with a face mask. In a perfect world, I’d get a professional facial but Elemis Superfood Berry Boost Mask is the next best thing.
While the mask is drying, I’ll moisturise my whole body. Garnier’s is one of the only body lotions I’ve ever re-bought, it’s just so hydrating.
Once the mask is washed off I spritz a toning water all over my face. I was sent Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro-Mist in the gifted box from Very and I’m impressed with it so far. Organic Rose Hydrolat softens and soothes the skin from dehydration, while Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica, helps to support the skin’s moisture barrier.
Next, a thick layer of moisturiser. I’m not loyal to any brand – I’m trying out Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Hydragel Cream at the moment. I’ve been wanting to incorporate hydroclauric acid in my skincare routine for a while so it ticks that box.
Pyjamas on, I like to spend some time on the couch with Tom next, catching up on Netflix and telling him about the trip if I’ve been away for work without him. I chug as much water as I can to rehydrate and we’ll usually order Italian food, then I’ll do a food shop the next day and stock up on loads of fresh veggies so I can get back into a balanced diet. Healthy eating tends to slip when I’m away!
I also try to book a yoga class for the next day if possible, or just do a practice at home to stretch out.
For my first night’s sleep back in my own bed, I use a pillow spray and whack on a thick layer of a lip mask I got in Primark. My lips suffer terribly with dryness and cracking, especially after a flight. I’m still on the hunt for a wonder product that will fix them. Please let me know if you have a recommendation!
Is your post-flight routine similar to mine?