Make-up tips for a long-haul flight

Regardless of how long the flight is, Cathay Pacific flight attendants are known throughout the world for always being immaculately groomed. If you ever want to know how they do it, flight purser Margaret Lai shares some of her secrets to looking polished at all times.

When we are in uniform – whether it is in flight, at the airport or even in hotels – we represent Cathay Pacific, so we have to be well presented at all times. When we join the airline, we are trained on various aspects of good presentation – from how to apply make-up, to skin care and hair care. After seven years of being with Cathay Pacific, good grooming has become second nature to me. I’m often asked for tips on how to apply make-up that lasts, so I’m very happy to share what I’ve learnt.

Face

1. After you cleanse and moisturise your face, apply a thin layer of primer, as this will create a base for your foundation.
2. Dab concealer with a sponge to cover any blemishes, dark circles under the eyes, etc.
3. Use a long-lasting foundation that is lightly matte, not dewy, as this tends to stay on longer.
4. The essential secret to making make-up last is translucent powder. Normally I would just buff on the translucent powder with a powder brush all over my face. For areas where concealer is used, I would use a powder sponge to set the concealer first, then set the remaining area with a brush.
5. With cabin lighting, bronzers tend to wash you out. But don’t skip on a bit of blush as it brightens the skin.

Eyes

1. For staying power, I use highly pigmented eye shadows and waterproof mascara.
2. Always take the time to lightly pencil in your brows with a brow pencil, as it gives that extra-polished touch.

Lips

1. Prep lips with a moisturising lip stain.
2. Outline your lips with a lip liner, slowly drawing into the centre of the lips.
3. Apply lipstick evenly with a lip brush.
4. Blot lips for the first time.
5. Apply a thin layer of translucent powder on lips with a sponge.
6. Apply another layer of lipstick with a lip brush.
7. Blot lips for the second time.
8. Apply the final layer of lipstick and you are done.

About Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading airlines, offering scheduled passenger and cargo services to serve over 190 destinations in 47 countries and territories. All Australian flights offer three classes of travel – Business, Premium Economy and Economy class – providing excellent, award-winning levels of service to both the business and leisure traveller. Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the oneworld global alliance, whose combined network serves almost 700 destinations worldwide.