Best TSA Friendly Beauty Products
illustration by Amelia Giller
by Hannah Haghighi
We all know that flying can make an already long day in the airport feel like an eternity. From long nights with no sleep to early mornings standing in the security line, pretty much everyone in the airport looks like a zombie (and probably smells like one too). So what can be done to avoid the gross ‘just got off the airplane’ feel? How can one look fresh and clean for their important meeting when they’ve been on the plane all night? With the right products and tricks under your belt, no one would ever be able to tell that you sat in a middle seat that didn’t recline in front of a crying baby.
The first thing to consider is whether or not it is good for your skin to wash it on the plane. At first glance, this may seem like a great idea; airplanes have sinks for a reason! But one must remember, airplanes use recycled air, so washing your face and applying products to it mid-flight may not be the best idea. This is because applying lots of product can attract the dirt and germs flying around in the recycled air. On a 10 hour flight, nothing feels better midway through than a clean face, but if the flight is only 2 or 3 hours, try to avoid applying too many products until your next layover in an airport bathroom.
So what products are TSA approved, but also do what they’re supposed to? Stick, or solid, products are the way to go. Measuring out ounces of product is a practice of the past for stick product users. The best part of stick products? No more messy spills in your bag. The ALLEYOOP CLEAN SLATE ALL-IN-ONE ($22) is a stick cleanser that can be rubbed onto damp skin and foams into a fresh, purifying cleanser. Green tea leaf extract is an antioxidant that controls oil, combats fine lines and hyperpigmentation, depuffs, and soothes. The cleanser also includes spinach leaf extract with Vitamin C, E and A that works to improve against natural defenses, which is a must have in the airport. Post flight breakouts will be no longer!
After cleansing follow up with a solid moisturizer such as Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Balm ($25) founded by model Miranda Kerr. This is a thick, heavily moisturizing balm that can be used not only on the face, but also the hands and body as well. The Noni Glow Face Balm can also be used under makeup for a naturally dewy, glowy finish. Kora Organics is also vegan and cruelty free, which is always a definite plus.
For freshening up on the plane, there are plenty of products that can be used to give you the ‘fresh out of the shower’ feeling, when all you have is an airplane bathroom to work with. These Shower Sheets by Yuni ($16.49 for 12 sheets) are 12 inch by 10 inch body wipes can be used to freshen and deodorize the skin with natural aromas and ingredients. The wipes are individually packaged and are the perfect size for your carry on bag. There is nothing better than sustainable, environmentally friendly brands, and not only are they a perfect packable shower, but they are also biodegradable and crafted in a clean, solar powered facility.
To avoid the inevitable dark undereye circles we all get after flying, the Peace Out Puffy Eyes ($25) eye patches will do the trick. Hop off the plane looking like you got a full night's sleep. The packaging of these under eye patches is perfect for travel: a small little paper container with individually packaged patches. Not only are they extremely hydrating, but the leftover serum can be rubbed on the face for an extra refreshing feeling.
There is one last issue to be discussed that no one really wants to talk about: airplane breath. It has happened to all of us. Whether it’s been a really long day in the airport or you ate some really pungent airplane food, it is always a good idea to have a minty solution on hand. Enter: Lush Cosmetics solid mouthwash tabs ($12.50 for 1.5oz). These little tabs fizz up in your mouth with the help of a sip of water. They also come in a toothpaste version that react similarly to water for extra fresh breath. Never again will you have to worry about toothpaste oozing out into your purse or carry on bag!
