In a heightened state of terrorism, travel can be a pain in the butt. While hand carry isn't a problem now, what goes inside is a little trickier to navigate.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, those travelling to and from the US and Canada are only allowed sample size toiletries that fit in a Ziploc bag, slightly bigger than an A5 sheet. On outbound flights from the UK and Air India carriers, no liquids, gels and aerosols are allowed. That rules out just about everything from lip balm, mist, face and body moisturisers, hand lotions and perfume.

Until the security measures get lifted, rethink your travel beauty routines. Because a girl needs to look her best - always.

PRE-FLIGHT PREPS

Think like a camel. Your skin needs to load up on moisture to get you through the hours on board.

• Boost the power of your moisturiser with a serum.

Climate-adaptive, time-release and insulating formulas mean complexions stay watered up even in arid cabin air.

Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm Soothing Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream, $95, has ceramides that reportedly seal in moisture. Its promise: No itchy dryness or peeling.(1)

• Go for 24-hour hydration.

It's added nourishment for the face.

La Prairie Cellular Nurturing Complex Anti-Redness, $398. Part serum, part balm, it soothes delicate areas like eyes, lips and crow's feet. (2)

• Skip anything with alcohol.

Opt for perfumed body lotions rather than EDTs. You'll smell good on arrival, and your skin won't be rough and scratchy.

Clarins Par Amour Elixir Moisturizing Body Veil, $58. Non-greasy, it makes skin velvety, and the scent lasts all day - it's as good as wearing the perfume.(3)

• Pick rich but quick-absorbing formulas.

A foot salve does just as well for hands, knees and elbows.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Extreme Foot Therapy, $30, goes on creamy, and feels velvety after. (4)

ON BOARD

A couple of smart touch-ups before you get off the plane, and there'll be no double-takes at customs.

• Hide the circles.

Concealers are a tired girl's best friend. Soft and creamier ones blend more easily with less pull on skin.

Diorskin Extreme Fit Pro Styler concealer palette, $68, gives customised coverage, while vitamin C and antioxidant grapeseed extracts are skin lovers. (5)

• Mask it.

When the lights go off, put on a sheet mask. Your face will be extremely happy by the time you land 15 hours later, even without your regular cream.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Firming Facial Mask, $180 for six packs. You'll look absolutely fresh - the equivalent of eight hours of good solid sleep, even when you travel coach. (6)

• Get framed to look chic.

Big vintage shades are so jet set, but they still have to come off at customs. Wear Fall's strong brows instead - polished and wide-eyed in five minutes, max.

Ipsa Optimum Balance Stain Eyebrow, $32, gives a natural finish that's rub-resistant too. (7)

• Wear lipstick in place of balm.

Creamy, moist lippies - all the rage now - are almost as thirst quenching as balms. Pink or rosy shades draw less attention to chaps than dark ones.

Bourjois Docteur Glamour lipstick, $23, keeps puckers comfy for up to eight hours. (8)

POST-FLIGHT REPAIR

Makeup with gentle facial products that are loaded with skin-repairing antioxidants.

• Stop the bloat.

What's good for cellulite is just as good for swollen ankles and tums. That's because key ingredients like caffeine are stimulants and help with detox and drainage too.

L'Occitane Grape Anti-Water Retention Gel, $66, brings swollen ankles and tums down to size. (9)

• Minimise stress on tetchy skin.

Combine makeup removal and cleansing routines with one efficient wash. Opt for oil or milky formulas over foam ones as they are less drying.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cleanser, $49, is a non-foaming wash that removes makeup fast. Your face feels like it has a veil of moisture on after. (10)

• Up the hydration.

Misting up helps your face acclimatise faster. The ones with trace elements or mineral salts are definite dew-gooders.

Avene Thermal Water face mist, $19.90, from Guardian, soothes, softens and calms irritated skin. (11)

• Get an oil check.

Lightweight oil-based serums penetrate skin faster than rich creams, and act as sealants too, so the goodness doesn't escape. Massage in to boost circulation and improve radiance.

Yves Saint Laurent Temps Majeur Elixir, $496, reportedly calms, soothes and repairs worn-out skin. Use in place of night cream. (12)

This article was first published in Her World, December 2006.