Keep Calm & Carry-On

I've been on more than my fair share of long haul flights this year and I really think I've got my carry-on essentials down to a T. I can almost pack them with my eyes shut, and I've whittled them down to only the things I really need and use in-flight. During the process of getting everything ready for my flight to LA to finish filming Seventeen's Beauty Smartie Showdown this week, I thought I'd share my long haul must-haves with you all.

First up for the beauty products...

(Clockwise from top left)

A Rollerball Fragrance - (this time I'm bringing along my Nest Midnight Fleur) This isn't really an essential as such, but something that I use on long haul flights every time. Especially if I'm meeting someone at the airport... it's nice to smell a little fresher than you may feel!

Deodorant - For the same reason, an essential. I use Mitchum's Advanced Control stick and it's great.

Face Wipes - My favourite Ole Henriksen pack is nearly finished, but I use these to take off my makeup when we take off.

Concealer, Eyeliner, Mascara and Tinted Moisturiser - These are my bare minimum makeup products. Before we land I'll put a little bit of makeup on, just so I don't scare the immigration officer! The first three tend to be rotated based on what I'm currently using, but I always take my Chantecaille Just Skin as it's really moisturising and light, yet has coverage and brightens my complexion so I don't look quite so tired.

Toothpaste & Toothbrush - Again, self explanitory. I used to take a mini sized toothpaste, but since I've been using Oral B's pro expert, I'm addicted to it and they don't sell mini's so I just take my full size. These little travel toothbrushes from Superdrug are great too and much better than the ones they sometimes give you in-flight.

Face and Eye Cream - I slather myself in both at takeoff and re-apply them every few hours (or when I wake up from sleeping) to help keep the moisture in my skin. Weleda skin food is something I only really use when traveling but it is brilliant. It leaves me looking a little greasy at the time but absorbs really slowly throughout the flight and helps my skin to look and feel normal when I arrive! Eyesilix is my everyday eye cream (and it's amazeballs!)

Contact Lenses & Glasses - I wear contacts every single day, and it's for that reason that I take more than I will need in my hand luggage with me. If your luggage goes walk about, almost everything is replaceable... but contact lenses are not as easy to get your mitts on outside of your home country, so I make sure I have enough to cover me for at least half of my trip. I always travel in my glasses for comfort as the plane air dries out my eyes.

A few other non-beauty essentials that might be less-than-obvious to some, but are totally essential for me...

A Good Neck Pillow - Mine is memory foam and the only one I've found to hold my neck totally straight when sleeping on a plane. It also squishes up into a little bag for storage when you're not using it. I picked it up in LAX airport for around $30. I thought this was extortionate at the time but have found it to be the only one I've tried that has actually been any good.

Headphones - I find the headphones that airlines provide are usually rubbish so I always take my own. These beauties were a gift from Sennheiser at London Fashion Week this season and I'm obsessed with them. The suede effect pads and headband are so comfy and they sound amazing.

iPad - I always take my iPad with me. Not usually for the flight (where I tend to read or watch movies), but for the airport. If I get delayed it means I can get some work done or read my fave blogs!

Clear Plastic Pouch - I picked this up from New Look this summer and it's been so useful. I keep all my travel documents in there along with anything else important and foreign cash that I want to keep out of my wallet. There's a handy inside zip pocket too and it's great for the beach or anywhere where your stuff might get wet!

iPhone Charger & Juice Cube - I use my phone so much, it lasts about 12 hours maximum between charges, so I always carry a charger with me. Another addition is this little Juice Cube. It's a portable charger to save the day if you run out of battery on the go. Indispensable for me. If you're traveling alone you do not want to run out of battery.

My Watch - I always wear a watch on flights. I change the time as soon as I get on the flight so that I know when is best to be awake or asleep and help minimise jet lag. Mine's from Swatch.

A Good Book - Again, obvious, but I'm currently reading the Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J K Rowling!) I'm almost finished and loving it.

Pen & Passport - You always need a pen for landing cards, and you won't get far without your passport!

I hope this helps anyone who's heading off somewhere nice this week... If not, I hope you enjoyed having a nose into my hand luggage! ;)

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