Aloha from Hawaii! After an 11-hour journey from New York City, we finally touched down in Oahu, just in time to celebrate my birthday. The flight may have been long, but stepping off the plane into warm island air instantly made it worthwhile.
We booked with Hawaiian Airlines for this trip, and I have to say—it was one of the more comfortable long-haul flights I’ve taken. The seats were spacious, and we lucked out with an entire row to ourselves. That little luxury made all the difference, giving us room to stretch, spread out our bags, and settle in for the marathon ahead.
Packing, however, was its own adventure. Between straw hats, basket bags, and outfits for two weeks, my luggage situation quickly escalated. In the end, I had to check two suitcases just for my things, plus my carry-on. What can I say? Accessories deserve safe passage too.
Starting the Flight Right
Once we were buckled in, my partner and I pulled out my trusty flask (filled with vodka, naturally) and mixed ourselves morning screwdrivers with Tropicana orange juice. A small ritual to toast the start of vacation. We’d grabbed soggy sandwiches at the airport as backup, but Hawaiian Airlines surprised us with a much better option: bow-tie pasta with salad, plus complimentary drinks that didn’t stop flowing.
Food, drinks, and legroom sorted, I shifted gears into what has become one of my favorite travel rituals: my in-flight beauty routine.
Keeping Skin Happy at 35,000 Feet
Airplane air is notoriously dry, and on long-haul flights my skin tends to look dull if I don’t prep. This time, I came prepared.
Step one: pulling my hair back into a ponytail and wiping down my face with Collosol Milky Wipes. It was my first time trying this French brand, and I loved how each wipe was textured and saturated enough to actually clean, rather than just smear.
Before leaving for Hawaii, I raided my friend Lara’s (of Pretty Connected) beauty stash and came away with some serious travel treasures. She generously sent me off with Glow Recipe’s travel kit, complete with their signature clear pink tote. I’ve always loved their Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer, but on this flight I got to try their cult-favorite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask for the first time.
I slathered a generous layer of the mask over my face and neck, followed by Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask under my eyes for extra hydration. My lips got a glossy coating of Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil—a product I swear by for both beach trips and year-round moisture.
With my skin taken care of, I slipped on my headphones, watched The Favourite until I dozed off, then woke up just in time for snacks, water, and round two: A Star is Born (which, for the record, I still think could’ve been trimmed by 45 minutes).
Working at 30,000 Feet
Somewhere over Utah, with six and a half hours still to go, I decided to make good use of the uninterrupted time. I pulled out my Google Pixelbook, a lightweight device that’s perfect for editing photos in Adobe Lightroom, writing drafts, and even reading books from the Play Store. It’s much easier to manage in tight spaces than my heavier work laptop.
I spent the next couple of hours editing client photos for Glamazon Photo, my budding photography business, and outlining future blog posts. Getting ahead on Hawaii content during the flight made me feel both productive and relaxed—it was a rare chance to work without distraction.
Freshening Up Before Landing
With about 45 minutes left before landing, I decided to refresh one last time in the surprisingly roomy Hawaiian Airlines bathroom. Their larger-than-average restrooms gave me enough space to do a mini cleanse:
- Tula Probiotic Cleanser to wash off the buildup of the flight.
- A quick swipe of Pixi Glow Tonic for gentle exfoliation.
- And the pièce de résistance: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask.
The directions suggest 10 minutes, but with time to spare, I wore it for the full 20. By the time I peeled it off, my skin was plump, hydrated, and glowing—ready to meet the Hawaiian sunshine head-on.
Why I Swear by My Airplane Beauty Routine
Some people might find the idea of a mid-flight spa session over the top, but for me, it’s a ritual that makes long-haul travel feel more indulgent than exhausting. It passes the time, keeps my skin from revolting, and helps me arrive feeling human instead of haggard.
It’s not just about the products—it’s about creating a small pocket of care and calm amid the chaos of air travel. Whether it’s mixing a celebratory drink at takeoff, editing photos in the quiet hum of the cabin, or putting on a sheet mask before landing, these little routines make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Final Thoughts
By the time we touched down in Oahu, I felt refreshed, relaxed, and surprisingly radiant for someone who had just spent half a day in transit. Hawaiian Airlines impressed me with their comfort and service, and my carefully curated beauty bag proved its worth once again.
Travel days don’t have to be a blur of dehydration, jet lag, and dull skin. With the right prep—and maybe a vodka screwdriver or two—they can feel like the first chapter of the adventure itself.
