MILE-HIGH BEAUTY

by Jennifer Medley

Jennifer Medley

A working model is the quintessential frequent flyer, boarding what will seem like a gazillion flights during an average-length career. And depending on the perspective, such nonstop travel can be glamorous, or it can be a pain in the butt...or it can be both at the same time!

Regardless of how you look at it, if you’re travelling for a particular booking, the client on the receiving end expects a healthy, glowing model for their photo shoot. Doesn’t matter if it’s a huge advertising job or the most menial of catalogue jobs—they will not be happy to have a sleepy-eyed, bloated, jet-lagged creature wander in, expecting the makeup artist to perform a miracle.

Here are a few simple in-flight steps for feeling great and looking knock-out when you step off the plane:

Drink looottts of water. Don’t let extra visits to the not-so-enticing “lavatory” put you off. Keep hydrated by having a bottle of H2O at arms’ reach at all times.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol...and canned tomato juice. All are dehydrating in their own way. Yes, even tomato juice; ever checked out a can’s sodium content?

Take your own meal, or request a “special meal” in advance. Avoid the standard, high-sodium and high-fat airline catered meals. This will prevent bloating, constipation, or food allergy flare-ups.

Take snacks. Nuts and seeds (preferably raw and unsalted) make the perfect travel mate. Fruit will help replenish fluids.

Fight the sugar urge. It will send your blood sugar reeling, which can in turn compromise your immune system, which in turn is like asking to get sick.

Wear comfy clothes. No excuse to look like a slob, but wear clothes that don’t cut off circulation. Plus, tight jeans (along with sugar overdosing and not drinking enough water) can lead to un-fun yeast or urinary tract infections. And layer up to keep warm.

Change into thick, comfy socks before take-off. Besides the fact that models are always cold, feet swell at high-altitude; give ‘em some breathing room.

Fly with a clean face. Forgo heavy makeup to avoid clogged pores. Use a natural moisturizer and lip balm, and perhaps an Evian spritzer, to counteract the effect of dry cabin air.

Sleep. Make earplugs and an eye mask part of your travel kit.

Get up and stretch occasionally. Keep everything circulating.

If crossing time zones, set your watch immediately to the time of destination. Forget what time it is back home.

Music. Take your own tunes to block out inevitable anxieties—security checks, delayed flights, etc.

PAGE TWO