December is the time when families and friends gather to eat, drink and make merry. Whether you’re catching a flight or driving to your destination, the journey is harsh on your skin and hair. We’ve compiled a guide to travelling beautifully that’ll have you arriving pretty and refreshed. Just remember a compact mirror!

 Before the trip

You can’t expect your skin to behave without doing the groundwork with a primer first.  We recommend mattifying Smashbox PhotoFinish Foundation Primer (R 365) for combination and oily skins, available at selected Woolworths stores.

For dry skins, Smashbox Hydrating Foundation Primer (R 395) is your go-to primer, available at selected Woolworths stores.

Ditch heavy foundation and use a concealer in problem areas to make touch-ups easier.  Our favourite is Revlon PhotoReady Concealer stick (starting price R 139), available at Edgars and other leading pharmacies and retailers. It is easy to transport and the creamy formula provides excellent coverage for under eye circles.

Using a cream eye shadow stick prevents your makeup from creasing on your eyelid and allows for easy touch-ups. Choose a neutral shade, as any smudging that could occur while you nap will be less noticeable. We love the long-lasting colour of GOSH Cosmetics Forever Eye Shadow Stick in 02 Beige, available exclusively at Edgars for R 139.

Choose a smudge-proof mascara to make sure that your face stays fresh when you catch some rest. We love Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara (starting price R 99.00) with its smudge-proof, lash-doubling formula, available at leading pharmacies and retailers.

During the trip

A hydrating face mist is essential to combat thedrying effects of the aircon. We recommend Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator (R 530) for oily skin, available at  at www.clinique.co.za or selected Clinique counters .

For combination and dry skins, we recommend Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief (R 320), available at www.clinique.co.za or selected Clinique counters nationwide.

The aircon will also take its toll on your lips, so a balm stain that provides both colour and moisture is the smart choice for your journey. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (starting price R 105.00) offers subtle colour and hydration, available at Edgars and leading pharmacies and retailers.

After the trip

Before leaving the plane or car, line your bottom waterline with white eyeliner. You’ll instantly appear less tired. Essence Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in White offers matte bright colour (starting price R 16.95), available at Clicks and leading pharmacies and retailers.

Use a hair oil to combat the static electricity from material seats. Brush a coin-sized amount of Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Oil (R 49.95 exclusive to Clicks) through your hair to smooth and give gloss.

If your hair is stringy, spritz on some Batiste Dry Shampoo (R 64.99 exclusive to Clicks) and brush it through hair to absorb oiliness and provide texture.

BB Beauties, what’s your recipe for traveling beautifully? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks.