Trip booked. Bags packed. Checked in online. Beauty treatment at the airport booked… wait, what?
I travel a fair bit yet never knew departure lounge beauty treatments were available free of charge until I attended a travel beauty event in London recently. But it’s true – at a range of UK airports you can enjoy a little pampering session before you catch your flight.
Traditionally I swiftly glide through the airport, leaving enough time for a bite to eat and a brief stop off for in-flight essentials.
However, a number of brands are offering an impressive line up of quick treatments at the airport, from hand massages at Jo Malone to hydrating facials at La Mer to ensure you board the plane looking and feeling fabulous.
And best of all, if you have time, you can indulge in a few different treatments – so it’s the ultimate boredom buster and stress reliever if your flight is delayed.
Travel beauty – our favourite airport makeovers and beauty treatments
Here are some of our favourite products to look out for at the airport from leading luxury beauty brands that minimise the effects of travel. We also have news of the exciting launch of a new beauty service at Heathrow.
MAC Look in a Box
MAC is very much a trendsetter in the make-up world, and well-known for its diverse range of colours which blend street savvy with glamour.
I am very much a huge fan of lipsticks in the rouge variety, and so I didn’t miss the opportunity to try out the Be a Firecracker Look in a Box collection, available exclusively at MAC airport retail stores.
Complete with the Retro Matte Liquid Lip colour in Dance With Me, a Live Your Edge Lipstick and the Upward Lash Mascara in black, the collection really has a Hollywood glamour feel to it.
The liquid lip colour has fantastic staying power – perfect for long haul flights. It also gave my lips more shape and volume.
You only need apply a little to create an impact so it’s a great companion for travel – and it’s worth buying a few colours for everyday wear, not just for your jet-set cosmetics.
La Mer
La Mer’s range of creams and gels make an opulent addition to your beauty regime, and the range of treatments they offer at the airport ensure your skin won’t dry out on a long flight.
Treatments are helpfully divided into different effects, so whether you want your skin to feel more hydrated, or would like a dewy, youthful look, you can select something that will work for you.
I opted for Perfecting Treatment to minimise my pores for a flawless look, and the Illuminating Eye Gel to minimise problematic dark circles.
As the therapist began working her magic, I was amazed by how light the cream felt on my skin, and yet still managed to create a smooth and sealed appearance. You can apply it under, over or in combination with your makeup, and it’s packed with properties that really get to work on your skin’s cells.
At £280 for both products, they on a luxury beauty brand. But a little goes a long way and after a day in the sun, it’s the ideal makeup base before heading out for the evening.
Clinique
I have a number of friends who are huge advocates of Clinique, and I must confess I am one of their latest converts.
London Heathrow beautician Rachel was on hand to guide us through the various products, including the classic three-step system, and she also demoed its latest sonic brush for deep cleansing and exfoliation of the skin.
The products get to work quickly, and it doesn’t leave a heavy film or residue on your skin which is a real plus. I also tested the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief on my hand and it felt unbelievably smooth, so I can only imagine it makes your face feel equally exquisite.
The hydration mist in the Moisture Surge collection is also a must-pack for your holidays. Pop it in your handbag to apply when you feel the jet lag setting in or to revive yourself from the drying effects of warmer weather.
The beauty team at Heathrow has tailored a special selection of airport treatments to offer some quick pampering, or you can batch a series of regimes together if you have more time. Ideal for that last minute treat a pick-me-up during a flight delay, or simply to get off to the right start before you board.
Indulge in a mocha and a manicure at London Heathrow
Travellers at airports around the country can enjoy an airport treatment. But Wellness at Plaza Premium Lounge in London Heathrow’s Terminal 2A takes things further to offer visitors manicures and a range of affordable treatments.
Avoid the crowded airport and save time before you fly, with the new walk-in service available to all passengers for pre-getaway pampering, including an express manicure.
Additional packages in the lounge include unlimited food and drink and comfortable seating and free wi-fi, so relaxing with a mocha and a manicure is the perfect combination to pass the time away.
Some pictures are licensed under Creative Commons 2.0: wintermay5
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