By now we’ve waxed poetic about Korean beauty enough to make one thing clear: we’re pretty firm believers. Every quirky cosmetic trend to come out of the country seems to work some poreless, anti-aging, Holy Grail-like miracle (cue “***Flawless” hair flip). Yes, it is yet again our 19th birthday; just this time we actually have people believing it.
Given that we’ve become such fan girls for the cause, we thought who else to turn to than the women most admired by their fellow Koreans for their skincare and cosmetic routine: flight attendants. That’s right. “If you’ve ever hopped on an Asiana or Korean Air flight, you may have noticed that many of the stewardesses are exceptionally beautiful with flawless, porcelain complexions. Many airlines in Asia have beauty and age requirements and the airline industry in Korea is no exception. For instance, Korean Air’s minimum height requirements for their stewardess application is 5’4”, while Asiana Airlines are known for their intensive flight attendant training on customer service, as well as grooming,” says Angela Kim of Korean skincare site, InsiderBeauty.
So tapping into Asiana and Korean Air, we rounded up four flight attendants to spill their Seoul-approved skincare regimes, from facial mists and balms, to global pampering and emulsions. And considering they have constant flying to contend with, which is essentially a death-sentence for any positive changes we’ve made as far our skincare goes, it’s time to listen up good, friends.
Favorite Products
“Some of my favorite skincare products are Kiehl's Moisturizing Creams, La Mer’s Moisturizing Creams, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, HERA’s UV Mist Ultra Moisture cushion compact, Amore Pacific’s Facial Mist, and inexpensive Korean mask packs including Banila Co’s Miss Flower and Mr. Honey Hydrogel Mask Sheets, Missha’s Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Gel Mask, and Leaders’ Coconut Gel Masks. The majority of flight attendants use these products.”—S. Lee, Korean Airlines
“I use Repechage Rapidex Marine Exfoliator and Self Health Revolution's Herbal Face Food.” —J. Kim, Asiana Airlines
“Some of my skincare favorites include Goodal’s Murumuru Seed Hydra Emulsion and Goodal’s Creamy Plus Hydrating Cream. Both are rich enough to keep my skin from drying out during long flights, but lightweight without feeling oily or greasy. When my skin is feeling extra dry, I like to use sleeping masks overnight. Missha’s Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask is a popular one that’s affordable and super hydrating—it’s great for quick skin pick-me-ups when I don’t have time to get a facial.” —J.H., Korean Airlines
#1 beauty trick for flying
“Drink lots of water and apply facial mists or moisturizing balms constantly.” —S. Lee
“It all comes down to hydrating my skin. I would spray Mistian Oil Mist facial spray, which includes jojoba oil and creates a shield from dry air.” —E.J. Seo, former Korean flight attendant
“I apply mists and a moisturizing cream throughout the flight. I also wear minimal to no makeup while I’m off duty and frequently apply a really hydrating moisturizer and cream.” —J.H.
How to stay hydrated
“I consciously drink lots of water every day and receive hydrating facials/treatments from spas and dermatologists on a regular basis. Even overseas, I try to find an affordable facial and get it every chance I can. After I arrive at the hotel after a flight, I make sure to use a hydrating mask pack before bed. I nourish and pamper my skin consistently to prepare for the dryness of the plane.” —S. Lee
“I tried to drink 1.5L of warm water, at least two bottles during the flight. I’d also put on lots of body lotion with jojoba oil (a 10:2 ratio), or any type of oil product that you have.” —E.J. Seo
“When in a hotel room overseas, I use a mini-humidifier during the night or hang a wet towel next to me to prevent my skin from drying out.” —J.H.