Key to travelling light

I hate flying. I had a minor panic attack on a propeller flight a couple of years back and I haven’t quite got over it. So from the minute I snap on my seatbelt, I sit there with sweaty palms and a fixed grimace and wait for the drinks trolley to roll my way.

Of course, the whole flying experience has been made a lot worse thanks to the packing experience, and we now have to display to the entire security queue just how high maintenance we are, and believe me, I’ve noticed the looks as I bring out my stuffedto-the-gills clear plastic bag. But, aside from the fact that I loathe editing my bathroom cabinet down to a few absolute essentials, it’s something I’ve got pretty good at.

The first thing to tackle is what to pack in your hand luggage. I generally take short-haul flights so I don’t really need to use products mid-flight, but if you are on a long haul then it’s a good idea to take on a decanted amount of your favourite moisturiser (oils work best in cabin-conditions or try Weleda’s brilliant Skin Food, €11.64). A thermal water spray is also one that’s definitely worth the money - they’re generally cheap, and they make all the difference. I can’t live without one for redeye short hops - they’re perfect for waking the skin up and making you feel instantly refreshed. Look out for ones by Evian and La Roche Posay.