Anyone who travels often understands that plenty can occur from departure to arrival. Cabin air saps moisture, sleep patterns get thrown off, and punctual connections? Not always guaranteed. While we can't guarantee a smooth ride, we can soothe your stressed, swollen complexion with customized care at cruising altitude—every item meets TSA standards and is flight-ready.
On this journey, our destination is Pyeongchang for the Winter Games—and to gather some of the globe's most groundbreaking cosmetics. Celebrating the event, we've loaded our hand luggage with beloved K-beauty labels to recreate the legendary 10-step regimen while soaring at 35,000 feet.
Skincare at 35,000 Feet: The Full Korean 10-Step Ritual
Prior to Departure
Step 1 & 2: The classic K-beauty regimen kicks off with a dual cleansing method: start by dissolving makeup with an oil cleanser, then follow with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly wash the face. Carry out this cleansing process before you board, using Sulwhasoo's gentle cleansing oil and foam cleanser for the freshest complexion at departure.
If you'd rather wear makeup to the terminal, we recommend wiping it off at your seat as the safety demo plays. We brought Too Cool for School Takkoza cleansing wipes—they swiftly take off even waterproof mascara, leaving skin clean and moisturized.
Step 3: Now is also an ideal moment to exfoliate using My Skin Mentor Dr. G Beauty crystal peel, which softly removes dead cells. Note that these items aren't TSA-compliant, so save them for after you land.
Sulwhasoo's hydrating soothing mist spray
Step 4: Then, rebalance your skin's pH with a toner. Sulwhasoo's hydro-aid mist is ideal for flying because it calms the skin with gentle moisture. Hold the spray a few inches from your face and mist to reduce redness and dehydration. Apply generously during the flight whenever necessary.
Me Factory's three-step pig collagen nose mask
Step 5: After that, apply a hydrating sheet mask. Spend about twenty minutes in peaceful meditation as your skin drinks in the nourishing formula. We're fans of Saturday Skin's quench masks for pure hydration, but for this flight we brought a three-step pig collagen nose mask to unclog pores, placing it on our freshly cleansed faces. Outcome? A clear complexion that feels smooth and hydrated.
A hallmark of K-beauty is its adorable packaging. You'll often find a blush with dinosaur motifs or a lip balm shaped like animal ears. This is meant to remind us that skincare should be a pleasure, and thoughtfully designed items are far more delightful to apply.
Cruising Altitude: Pamper Time
Huxley's Secret of Sahara grab water essence serum
Step 6: Essences are the core of the K-beauty regimen. These light liquids prepare your skin to better take in subsequent products. Huxley's grab water essence is deeply moisturizing as well. Pat 2-3 drops onto your face using soft tapping motions before moving to the next step.
Skin Inc. hyaluronic acid serum | Saturday Skin brightening eye cream | AMOREPACIFIC lip balm
Step 7: Even though Skin Inc. isn't a Korean brand, it's popular with Korean consumers. This serum—step seven—utilizes patented Japanese technology and is packed with hyaluronic acid, instantly plumping the skin and leaving it refreshed with improved moisture retention—essential during air travel.
Step 8: Apply Saturday Skin's brightening eye cream using your ring finger to diminish dark circles and calm puffiness. Although not officially in the 10-step routine, a restorative lip balm makes a great extra.
Step 9: Now for moisturizing. AMOREPACIFIC's anti-aging gel crème delivers peak glow and moisture, locking in everything you've applied so far. Moisturizer—especially for nighttime or travel—should have the richest consistency among all ten steps, working to restore your skin as you rest.
Preparing for Descent
IPKN's moisturizing firming BB cream with SPF 45
Step 10: As the plane starts its descent, you reach the last step—and the most crucial element of any daytime regimen—sun protection. We picked IPKN's BB cream with SPF 45 to balance our skin tone while shielding our sensitive faces. Enriched with vitamin E, it helps heal scars and evens out imperfections with a matte finish. You'll be eager to deplane and head straight to Olive Young for more beauty treats.
Images and narrative by Erica Lopez
