I’m sure I’m not alone when admitting that sometimes there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to fit in time for personal grooming – but is pre-flight pampering possible when you’ve got hours to kill at the airport?

When I think of airport indulgences, I think of the long overdue and much needed airport wine. However, a couple of glasses will dehydrate your skin and make you feel not so beautiful – so, a spa is the way go to.

Or is it?

Airports are vying to be our go-to beauty destinations and besides beauty vending machines airport spas are the place to go to get a little pampering.

Here is a list of time-starved services that are springing up at airports nationwide. Let’s explore which options are truly viable.

Manicures and Pedicures (YES)

This could be the safest and best – as long as you have enough time to let your polish dry! To make this bet even safer, skip the manicure part and just go for a polish change. That way you don’t have to worry about when the tools were last cleaned, etc.

Facials (NO)

Facials at the airport could easily be a hit or miss. Having oily skin I look for pros that can empty out my pores like no one else. Great aestheticians have years of experience and training, plus a set of expert tools to make your skin glow. I don’t think airports can provide this experience, although Anne Bauso, contributor for Allure, had a facial at the airport and shared her amazing experience.

Blowouts (YES)

I am talking about a basic blowout – no cut, colour or up-do. This service would be best done when you get off the plane – nothing is worse than disheveled airplane hair! I recently wrote a handy list of airports that have blowout services for VANE Airport. It’s definitely safe to try a blowout at the airport at least once.

Waxing (NO)

Best to say no to avoid getting burned or a rash. Can you imagine sitting on a plane for 6 hours with a wax rash?! Plane seats are uncomfortable enough as it is… Bustle recommends “…go(ing) to a professional technician that only waxes.” You want someone who specializes in waxing and knows what they’re doing!

Massage (YES)

Massages are the best option if you’re looking for a little relaxation at the airport. Before and after your flight – this pampering option works anytime. There are also a few varieties of massage available at the airport:

• Chair Massage: We are familiar with this service already offered at almost every nail salon in New York City. However, airport chair massages are usually done in the front of the store, are very public and not as relaxing because of all the airport distractions.
• Table Massage:  I have done it before and didn’t regret it but I can’t be sure that others will experience the same treatment. Table massages and facials at the airport are slightly more expensive compared to spas outside the terminals but hey, so is everything else at the airport.
• Coin-operated Massage Chairs: Although lacking in human touch, many airports offer chairs around their airports. If you have time to kill and are not wild about making more of a commitment, why not?

I am all about personalized services and prefer to go to my regular beauty teams who know my skin, hair and preferences but when you really need something done at the airport, there’s not much you can do. Having said that, a manicure, blowout and massage are low risk beauty services that I have experienced with success.

The pros of pre-flight pampering

These beauty services accept walk-ins (though reservations are welcome) and most places do have a separate treatment area in back for table massages and pedicures.

The cons

We may never know what we are going to get and most places are a little too noisy to be relaxing – which can be expected at an airport.

Maybe one glass of wine paired with a 20 minute chair massage is all I need to take off into bliss mode!

Cristina Alcivar is the Founder of Vane Airport, Twitter: @CrisAlcivar

Big New Year’s Plans? *Now* is the time to prep so you look your absolute best as you ring in 2016. Here’s how Travel Beauty’s Claire McCormack gets ready for a big event.

——————————-

As a working mom, I spend very little time on my personal upkeep, so when I have an event that I’d like to look good for, I am forced to confront, en masse, all of the beauty appointments I’ve been putting off. As I feared, my pre-event beauty to-do list was soon longer than my waaaay overgrown bangs. To bring some levity to the situation, I decided to document all the beauty appointments I made to ensure I’d look presentable on the big day (and when I say presentable, I mean as Vogue cover-ready as I possibly can look).

Two Weeks Out

• Highlights & Bang Trim: In theory I could have done this a week before the event, but then I would have had to go about my life for another week with my hair as is, and it was in such a state that waiting even another seven days was not an option. Besides, my bangs always look their best when they’ve had some time to settle and grow a bit post-trim.
• Research Manicure Designs: I had this idea to do a negative space French manicure, so I took several screenshots of cool ideas. Thanks, Instagram, for the endless inspo!

One Week Out

• Body Scrub: Though I am always well-exfoliated, I take special care before an event. I did the first scrub one week out, then another a day before my spray tan (see below). This scrubbing includes using my Diamancel Foot File on heels almost every day.
• Face Scrub: Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads every day on face for the week leading up to the event. They are the best when you can’t get a pro peel!

Four Days Out

• Waxing: No, I wasn’t planning on wearing a bikini on the big day; this was really in preparation for my spray tan later in the week. Going in naked is your best bet. If you think tan lines are bad, spray tan lines from the disposable panties they will give you to wear are just pitiful! So do what you need to to feel comfortable (as possible) being nekkid for your spray tan.
• Purchase Outfit: I know, I know…this is down to the wire. I don’t usually procrastinate, though. As much as I love having new clothes, I HATE shopping. I try to buy as much of my wardrobe as possible online. However, a party dress/outfit was something I needed to try – and get feedback – on. Luckily, my bestie John owns International Playground and played stylist for me. We’ve done this many times before for other events and it’s always been a success. I highly recommend International Playground for your special event shopping.

Three Days Out

• Hair Mask: Doing at least one at-home Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair treatment is a must, especially if the weather forecast is FRIZZ.
• Microcurrent Facial at SB Skin: Perfect for dewy, firm, smooth skin. Accentuates my bone structure in a way no blush, bronzer or contouring ever could.

Two Days Out

• Colonic: Nothing makes my skin glow like colonics and kickboxing. Also, I planned on eating a LOT of delicious red meat at the party, so a pre-party detox was a good idea.

Day Before

• Another at-home body scrub, in preparation for…
• Spray Tan: Perhaps this is not a pre-event necessity for everyone. My legs, however, are so pale, however, that people would have called Ghost Hunters on me without it. It is also the healthiest and easiest way to “lose” five pounds in 15 minutes.
• Nails: A pre-event given, right? What gal doesn’t get a mani/pedi before a party? My daughter and I went together, the night before, for a little girl time.
• Blowout: Since my whirlwind day started EARLY in the morning, I had to do my and my daughter’s blowouts the night before. Though I kept it simple and straight, I wanted that extra polish that comes from a professional blow dry/flat iron. And as I’ve said before, I don’t even own a hair dryer!
• Mini Touch Up Facial with SB Skin: The results when you cluster two treatments close together are remarkable! The second facial was half the time – just going over my facial contours.

And…that’s it!

What do you think? Too much? Too little? What is your prep routine for hosting a major party or event?

By: Claire McCormack Twitter & Instagram

Travel Beauty’s #GirlBoss Series continues with mother of four Julia Samersova Garfinkel - fellow Brooklyn girl and founder of cast inc. cast, inc. is a full service casting agency based in New York City that specializes in advertising campaigns, editorials, fashion shows and commercials. With an impressive worldwide network of modeling and talent agencies, art directors, producers, photographers and designers, cast inc. works with some of the most prominent names in the industry.

TB: What Was Your Path To Becoming An Entrepreneur? Was It Always A Goal Of Yours?

JSG: No, it was never a goal. I had been working as a model manager for close to 12 years. I had worked at four agencies (Elite, Ford, Company Management and Next). In 2004, I decided to make the jump to the client side and become a freelance casting director. My best friend John Pfeiffer, Casting Director legend, took me to J&R Music World and bought me my first laptop. John and my mom encouraged me to do my own thing. I jumped into the shallow pool with my eyes closed and wished for the best! I had nothing to lose. I was not operating from a place of fear, so it all fell into place! The first year was tough financially and I had to borrow money just to survive. Gradually, through networking, word of mouth and sheer perseverance I started to flourish! The better I did, the more driven I became.

TB: It’s Your Job To Find Beautiful People. How Has Being A Casting Agent Changed The Way You Relate To Beauty…Inner And Outer?

JSG: Constantly working around beautiful men, women and children has taught me that inner beauty trumps outer any day. A gorgeous person becomes ugly very quickly with a bad attitude, and vice versa. I have also learned that personality goes a long way. You can’t just be pretty or handsome with nothing inside. Then you are just a pretty, empty shell. Also, genetics are a motherf#@ker, period.

TB: What Constitutes The “It” Factor? What Makes Someone Truly Stand Out?

JSG: A sense of humor and sense of self.

TB: What Beauty Hacks Have You Established Over The Years As A Casting Agent, Mom and Entrepreneur?

JSG: Massage, massage, massage! I am a huge massage freak! We found an incredible masseuse that comes to our home once a week. He is a Tibetan Buddhist from Mongolia; a true healer. I also have been massaging my kids daily (sometimes twice daily) since they were born. I believe that touch is so essential to intimacy, both with my husband and with my children.

I am also a huge sunscreen fanatic. Always on the hunt for a fabulous easy to apply, yummy smelling, natural sunscreen.

I love anything vanilla scented…but not cheap vanilla. I also love musk, patchouli, tobacco, citrus, sandalwood and bergamot. Scent is very important to me – it establishes the strongest memories. Also, manicures and pedicure, family style, on the regular!

TB: How Has Your Work Shaped The Way You Talk To Your Daughters About Beauty?

JSG: It’s never too early to start the dialogue about beauty, weight, societal expectations, self love, nutrition and sex in my house. We talk about everything in an extremely open, liberal way. We answer questions very honestly and name body parts by their real names. Sex is not some secretive, sinful thing.

My oldest daughter has seen my weight fluctuate several times. From very overweight to “medium” (as she calls it) to too thin! As a family, we stress the importance of fitness and activity. We try to eat super healthy but are not perfect, so of course there are plenty of lazy days and pizza parties! I tell each of my kids a million times a day how absolutely gorgeous they are. I hope it just sinks in!

TB: What Beauty Products Can’t You Live Without?

• Sunscreen!
• Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black
• I love Weleda products with all my heart! The citrus body lotion!
• Coconut Oil for everything!
• Chanel Vamp or Iced Roses by Essie for nails
• Baby Foot Deep Exfoliation for Feet peel (OMG!)
• L’oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
• Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Cream
• Tweezerman tweezers
• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Hair Conditioner
• Exfoliators! I use different ones all the time
• Ling NY Skincare DUAL MOISTURE EMULSION (Ling for facials too! Ask for Carol!)
• Q-tips and baby wipes!
• Black hair ties!
• Gillette Clinical Antiperspirant
• Atelier Cologne Absolue – Vanille
• Dove Soap (love the smell)

Photo credit: Wildfox Fall 2015 campaign. Cast by cast inc. Photographer: Mark Hunter

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram: @clairemcmack

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that each year, without fail, spring comes as a “shock” to my body. Namely, my legs need a good shaving, my milky skin needs a good tanning and my feet – especially my heels – need a heavy-duty sloughing. Even though I partake in pedicures year round, I don’t enjoy them nearly as often in the winter as I do during open-toe shoe season, and my heels are the worse for it. Also, as I’ve gotten older (and my skin has gotten drier), I find it much harder to keep my feet soft and smooth. The dryness…the cracking…the overall unattractiveness…not a good look when its time to don sandals, slingbacks, flip flops and the like.

Four Steps to Fine Feet

Never one to blanche at a beauty obstacle, I have amassed an arsenal of foot-fixing weapons to heal my heels of unsightly dryness. These weapons range from a diamond-encrusted foot file to a camphor-enhanced skin cream. It won’t be an overnight process, but regular use of even a few of these items will guarantee you happy (looking) heels and feet.

Cleanse

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash: As you can imagine, it’s important to start the pedi-curing process with clean feet. But even cleaning your feet can contribute to their softening. Glytone Body Wash is my all-time favorite shower gel. As the name implies, it contains free glycolic acid to exfoliate and retexture skin. With the very first use, you’ll see smoother, softer skin all over your body. Start with a few times a week to get your skin used to it; if you use it every day right off the bat, it can over-exfoliate, leaving skin uncomfortable, itchy and actually drier than before. Ease into it, though, and you’ll be fine. Glytone is not only wonderful for feet, knees and elbows, but also helps to banish ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris. Because of its exfoliating abilities, nothing leaves my skin feeling cleaner and fresher. It’s a must-have in warmer, sticky months and/or for that post-workout shower.

Scrub

A physical body scrub is essential to really soften the hardened skin on your feet. To begin, I’d scrub up 2-3 times a week, and at least once a week thereafter for maintenance. If you’ve never used a body scrub before, Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish is a great choice, as it is not to “scrubby” (technical term). It is gentle enough to use on your face, and it cleanses too, so you don’t have to soap up before or after.

If you want a scrub that packs more of a punch, I cannot recommend (again and again) Juara Invigorating Body Scrub enough. This is an aromatic body scrub made with fresh Indonesian coffee beans. Used in Indonesian treatments to stimulate circulation in the skin, coffee has been clinically proven to provide powerful antioxidant and tightening benefits when applied to the skin. Also, because it contains gentle, sulfate-free cleansing agents, no other soap or shower gel is necessary. I have been using this scrub for over a decade. No matter how many others body scrubs I try (whatever the number in your head is, quadruple it), I always come back to this one.

Scrubbing on Steroids

I have 5 words for you: Diamancel Foot File For Calluses. Discovering this tool was one of the biggest rev-heel-ations of my life. It is called “Diamancel” because it is made with genuine diamond particle. We all know that a diamond’s beauty is rivaled only by its strength. The hard and strong diamond particles in this metal file make it super-effective at sloughing away unsightly dry skin and calluses. There is no pumice stone, egg or shaver that can do what this does…with minimal effort and minimal risk of injury! Sorry, those razor blade heel shavers scare the heck out of me. Diamancel makes a few different foot files, and they are not cheap. But, the most important one – the only one you really need – is the #20 for calluses. Also, before you scoff at the price, know that you will have this tool for years; I am going on 8 years with mine.

Use this unique tool on dry – not wet – skin. This seems counter-intuitive: You’d think wet, softer skin would come off more easily. But you’ll see the skin falling off your feet in a fine dust (do this over the tub or with something under your feet to catch the fallout). I do this right before I shower, then any rough edges left by the file are smoothed out.

Moisturize

Once your feet are clean, scrubbed and smooth, adding moisture back in – and locking it in – is crucial. Since you’ve gotten rid of the layers of dead skin, any moisturizing product will now be able to better seep into thirsty feet. Yu-Be Skin Cream is a cult-favorite that has been used in Japan for generations. It’s one of the longest and best selling skin care products in Japan today. Yu-Be is a Glycerin-based moisturizing cream enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 and Camphor (which gives it that slightly medicinal smell we love here at Travel Beauty. Yu-Be’s uniquely high Glycerin content makes it incredibly effective at hydrating, healing and soothing severely dry skin. It helps heal split or cracked skin on heels, cuticles, lips and is great for replenishing lost moisture after exposure to cold, wind, water and sun. It’s non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and locks in for hours.

If the camphor smell of Yu-Be Skin Cream isn’t for you, Alchimie Forever Dry Skin Balm is another choice. This organic skin balm has a creamier texture and a very subtle smell. It is also quite the multi-tasker: In addition to hydrating and softening even the driest skin, it also helps minimize brown spots and alleviates swelling! Slather either one of these on your feet before bed, then put on a pair of thin cotton socks. You’ll wake up with noticeably nourished, pedi-ready feet.

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram: @clairemcmack