I take 2-4 flights a week, 1-2 red eyes a month, and every international flight I took last year was an overnight flight! And at the end of many of these flights was either Nate or work - in both situations I wanted to walk off the flight looking fresh, well-rested, and glowing! So after a lot of trial and error, I’ve gotten my red-eye routine down to a science. Read my ten tips and tricks below for stepping into the terminal looking (and feeling!) like a million bucks after being stuffed on a plane for many hours. I’m actually taking a red eye this Thursday to Virginia, so I’ve been compiling what I need and wanted to share with you!
1. Most importantly - sleep as much as you can. Learn what sleep aid works for you. For me, 1 dramamine will allow for a great nights sleep on a red-eye across the United States (lasts about 4-6 hours). I always request a window seat.
2. Wash your face and apply the thickest, most moisturizing night cream before boarding. My trick? I wash my face in one of the bathrooms, and then hit up the duty free section for all of the designer beauty brand samples, and pick and choose one of the expensive night creams to “try”. I usually even apply one of the de-pufferizing eye creams as well. In the morning before we land, I wash my face again and then apply a day cream and another eye cream (these I always bring myself).
3. If you wear contacts, don’t sleep in them and wear glasses for the entire flight. Only change into your contacts either right before/after landing.
4. Always bring: something to sleep on, an eye mask, bottle of water, healthy snacks, headphones/earplugs, socks, makeup, contacts/glasses, eye cream and lotions. I’ve invested in one of those dorky neck pillows. If you don’t want to carry one around, a scarf or a chunky sweater/sweatshirt makes for a great pillow.
5. Don’t forget own bottle of water! Staying hydrated on your own terms is super important - don’t wait for them to bring around the beverage cart. Oh, and when they do, avoid the carbonated beverages and the liquor. Drink water before you sleep and after your sleep, but don’t chug too much. That will make you uncomfortable and bloat.
6. Speaking of bloating…avoid eating foods before and during the flight that are irritants for you. Gas expands in your stomach when you fly, so sticking to healthy fats, lean proteins and whole grains is probably your best bet. I would avoid legumes, carbonated beverages, dairy, etc. I’ve walked off so many flights feeling a lot of pain and indigestion, and I’ve learned that staying hydrated and sticking to foods that I know my body always responds well to is my best bet.
7. Make a downloadable playlist of “sleep” music. I found one on Spotify, and I use it on every flight that I need to get sleep on. It’s turned into like a Pavlov’s dog thing, where the minute that soundtrack goes on my body goes into sleep mode.
8. Apply makeup before landing and have neat hair. I apply makeup with a hand mirror when I’m still in my seat. This is after you’ve washed your face again on the plane and applied an eye cream and a day cream. Make sure to use blush to make your skin seem flushed and awake, and mascara to open up your eyes. Hair is equally important - go into the flight with a hairstyle that will stay neat throughout the flight. For me, that’s straightening my hair ahead of time and brushing it whenever I can remember. I also like a low ponytail with clips to keep it in place. If you’re trying to look put together after a flight, one of the top buns with lots of strays coming out is not your best look!
9. Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in, and look good in when you walk off the plane. For me, that’s usually a pair of jeans that have a lot of stretch (I love Hudson brand for this) and some kind of sweater and boots. I remove the boots and put on socks when I get to the plane.
10. Coffee immediately upon landing.
Thanks for stopping by! 
excellent! smart girl!
Haha thanks!