Be it a family beach holiday or just a trip back home to meet family, narrowing down on what essentials to take can become confusing. HEALTH meets with some of Dubai’s jetsetters who reveal their absolute must-take products for travel.
KELLY LUNDBERG, INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY STYLIST AND TV STYLE EXPERT
“I always pack ‘In Transit Camera Close-Up’ a 3-in-1 mask, moisturizer, and primer that’s perfect for extra thirsty skin. Also cream blush; currently I’m loving ‘Hi Jinks’ by MAC which comes in a compact pot, is moisturizing, and gives an instant glow to tired cheeks. Then upon arrival, a bright lipstick; my favorite is Lipstick Queen’s ‘Velvet Rope.’
RANA EL EID, ENTREPRENEUR AND CHIEF WELLNESS OFFICER
“I always take along lip-gloss, scented hand-cream, my favorite perfume, shimmering tinted body oil, a basic make up kit, with a preference towards Bobbi Brown, Nars, Dior perfumes, and Guerlain.”
JOANNA EID, MARKETING MANAGER AT EIDEAL
“Avene SPF 50 Sunscreen is my companion. I have sensitive skin and Dubai’s sun doesn’t make it easier, which is why sun block is a crucial part of my skin routine. For my hair, I tote ‘EIDEAL’s Curl Guru’ for the most effortless Beach waves. Also, Davines Salt Spray to hold my waves and give me that extra BOHO effect. For makeup, I always carry ‘Rockateur Blush’ from Benefit for a natural healthy glow that we all need and Smashbox’s ‘Full Exposure Mascara’ which is my go-to mascara.”
AHLAAM ALI, LIFESTYLE AND NUTRITION COACH
“I love travelling with minimalistic makeup on my face otherwise I arrive feeling exhausted and gritty eyed. I have to have the following products with me on board: Destress Harmonizing Mist from Spa Ceylon – it’s great for making me forget the world and winding down completely, Dermalogica Hydramist – for hydrating my face and neck and avoiding that horrible tight feeling after hours of flying. Kiehl’s Night Recovery serum – even if I travel in the day, I apply this serum as my skin feels absolutely refreshed and supple by the time I have snoozed and woken up. Lush Lip Balm – for slathering on and I arrive at my destination completely ready for lippy. Dermalogica hand cream – to moisturize my hands before I get comfortable and snooze. Dermalogica eye cream – If I am absolutely exhausted before the trip, then I will use it.”
NAJLA KADDOUR, MAKE-UP ARTIST AND BEAUTY BLOGGER OF WWW.NAJLAKADDOUR.COM
“Sheet masks; they’re very useful when airport staff is looking to see if I’ve kept the 100 milliliters rule. It’s not considered liquid so I can take as many as I like in my handbag. Sheet masks rescue puffy, stressed out, thirsty skin and it’s great to use 20 minutes prior to landing for radiant skin. Wipes; to wipe down dirty tables, clean sticky hands, sanitize cuts or scrapes, or use them just to remove your make-up with. Lip balm; not only does flying make the skin thirsty, it also dries out the lips so I always need to have a lip balm on-board. Eye patches; it brightens skin around the eyes, reduces puffiness and visibly diminishes fine lines and dark circles which is exactly what I need after a long flight.”
AMY KITCHINGMAN IS A TV PRESENTER FOR PHYSIQUE TV WHERE SHE HOSTS HER OWN TRAVEL SHOW ‘ON THE GO!’
“Cleansing wipes– No matter how short or long the flight, once I reach my destination I like to feel fresh. A quick cleanse is a great way to freshen my skin after travel. Then a hydrating mist as flying can be really dehydrating on the skin so in addition to drinking plenty of water, I also use a hydrating mist on my skin. A tinted moisturizer since I don’t like to wear make-up whilst flying as I think it dries the skin more. But just before touchdown, I like to add a little tinted moisturizer so I look a little more presentable before going through immigration. And a pop of color which brightens up the face and makes you look a little more awake, even if you might not be feeling it.
SAMIRA OLFAT IS THE MAX FACTOR BRAND AMBASSADOR IN MIDDLE EAST AND THE FOUNDER OF MAX FACTOR MAKEUP ACADEMY
“In my bag I always carry Max Factor Facefinity powder compact, black kohl, and Voluptuous Lashes from Max Factor, a lip balm and water spray.”
DR. CLAIRE ALKAAI, DERMATOLOGIST AT CHARME POLYCLINIC IN DUBAI.
“There is nothing better than a dose of Growth Factors to get your stem cells working. That’s why I always keep the AQ Active Serum with me no matter where I am, in Dubai or traveling. It not
only keeps my skin hydrated and moisturized, but also is one of the best anti-ageing serums in the market that really works. Also, a good SPF to protect your skin; I like the Nimue Tinted SPF40 which gives a dewy finish and light coverage so you don’t need to pile on too much makeup on your face. Last, but not the least, I always have Nimue Vitamin C Moisture Mist in my bag. This is an excellent antioxidant, hydrating spray on mist which can be used after makeup to settle it or to refresh your skin in the heat.”
ANNA GEDMAN, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BEAUTY SOLUTIONS
“Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Tonic is a lifesaver for your skin during long-haul and even shorter flights. Also, Rodial’s Stemcell Super-Food Glam Balm Multi which I use on my lips, hands, cuticles and even as an eye balm. Then, the Sachajuan Hair Perfume, which moisturizes and even gives a gorgeous glossy shine with UV protection.”