PRELUDE: BEAUTY

WORDS BY CHRISTINA KALLERY
Nothing says "healthy and beautiful” like a radiant complexion. But as any frequent flyer can tell you, the dry air on long flights can make for dehydrated and lackluster skin. No worries! Here’s an easy way to go from looking tired and travel-weary to chic and well-rested- in 15 minutes flat. Milana Knowles, Vice President of Development for Greenhouse Spas, prescribes a complexion-boosting facial that you can perform right in the comfort of your hotel room.

1. Cleanse face thoroughly with warm-never hot- water. Avoid cold water as well, since it can tighten pores and decrease absorption. Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or Eau Thermale Avéne Emollient Cleansing Gel with Cold Cream.

2. Next, apply a gentle exfoliator, rubbing face in a circular motion. The point of exfoliation is to slough off dry, dead cells that block pores and dull the complexion. Now you won’t have the layer of dead skin in the way, so whatever products you apply next will penetrate more thoroughly and be even more effective. Try Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator or Completely Buff by Completely Bare, which comes in a crystal form that you mix with your cleanser.

3. Apply a hydrating mask and leave on for about ten minutes. Rinse off and pat face dry. A great one to try: Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Mask, which combines skin-replenishing ingredients like quince seed extract and sweet almond. Those with oilier skin types can choose a clarifying mask like Aloette Aloepure Warming Pumpkin Energizing Masque which purifies pores while infusing the skin with free radical-busting Vitamin E. To look über-rested, you can apply a cooling eye gel which reduces puffiness and makes eyes look more awake. Try DuWop I Gels, which come in adorably packaged discs.

4. If you’re heading right to bed, apply a skin-rejuvenating treatment like Cellex-C Serum or Avon beComing Damage Recovery Complex. I favor Freeze 24-7 gel, a botanical infusion that reportedly leaves skin smoother and diminishes wrinkles.

5. Finish off with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. A few good bets: Tony&Tina Herbal Face Cream with Borage, Collective Wellbeing Night Balm with heavy-duty hydrators shea butter and lavender and Pür Minerals Mineral Moisture Complex.

6. If you’re going out, apply concealer and foundation just on the spots you need it. You’ll look totally refreshed-like you just slept for nine hours.