Hand Luggage Must-Haves To Ensure You Land Looking Fabulous

We all do it: stock up on fizzy drinks, sweets and magazines before boarding a plane and wonder why we look like hell when we get off the other side. If we use the time more effectively and take a few handy products with us, there's no reason we can't channel our inner Victoria Beckham and land looking fabulous. Scrap the family-sized bag of Haribo, swap the Diet Coke for a giant bottle of water and fill your hand-luggage with handy products that will ensure you look and feel like you've just had the best flight ever. Here are some of my favourites...

1. Aromatherapy Associates 'Support' Breathe Essence (£17.00)
Although this is specifically designed to help you through a cold, the comforting and uplifting qualities of this oil are great for nervous travelers: just sniff the bottle or add a few drops into a tissue. You'll feel the clearing effects of eucalyptus, peppermint and tea-tree essential oils, which can also help to comfort you during takeoff. The scent is great to enhale just as you land too, helping to re-energize the senses, leaving you feeling awake and alert.

2. Dr Lipp Nipple Balm For Lips (£11.50)
I'm obsessed with this balm, a small tube lasting for an absolute age and helping to soothe dry lips. The air conditioning on a plane will literally zap any moisture from skin, especially the lips which have some of the thinnest skin on the body. A handy tube of this will help to keep lips hydrated, soft and comfortable - as well as adding a delicate shine to the surface. You can even use this on cuticles and dry patches all over the body when needs must.

3. Bodhi & Birch Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum (£22.00)
Even a short-haul flight provides the perfect opportunity for a little pampering. This innovative hand serum provides a unique antioxidant that protects skin from free-radical damage, replenishes skin moisture and helps diminish blemishes, age spots and lines. It contains a multitude of oils to nourish and rejuvinate hands, as well as the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of Lime and Green Mandarin essential oils. Basically it's a wonder product that's perfect for applying mid-flight, massaging into hands and letting the invigorating scent uplift you.

4. L'Occitane Hydra Vital Face Mist (£12.00)
This lightweight mist instantly refreshes and cools the skin, making it a perfect travel companion. Simply spritz a small amount over the face and you'll feel instantly refreshed, as well as re-awakening makeup and ensuring you look your best. It's also great at combating the claustrophobic and sweaty in-cabin atmosphere on a long-haul flight.

5. Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturising Oil (£19.50)
Air conditioning and a 'false atmosphere' can cause our hair to become frizzy, coarse and lank - not the best look when stepping off a plane. This dry oil is one of my all time favourite products because it's practically impossible to over-use; just apply a few drops to the ends of hairs to refreshen a look and prevent flyaways. It's great at adding a touch of shine, controlling frizz and reawakening products... Just add a touch of volume to the root with you're fingers and you're ready for the paps.

6. Optrex Eye Revive Moisture Mist (£15.99)
It doesn't take a genius to work out our eyes could give the game away after an exhausting journey, so it's important to ensure they're perky and bright. This genius little spray from Optrex can be spritzed directly over closed eyes to add moisture from the outside-in, stabilizing the lipid layer to ensure eyes are comfortable. You'll instantly feel more awake and forget you've not slept in two days.

7. YSL Touche Eclat (£25.00)
A makeup essential wherever you're going, YSL's cult classic is also a must-have for traveling. Adding a touch of the light-reflecting formula in the corners of eyes and on the top of cheeks can help to brighten, helping to create the illusion of a much fresher complexion - even when you're feeling knackered. What's even better is that you can grab one in Duty Free before you make your way to the gate!

Do you have any must-have beauty products that always go with you on flights?