Interview: Travel beauty tips with BirdandKnoll

We sat down with make-up artist, Petrina Milas, to talk through her top beauty essentials for travel. Renowned for her natural, light handed and timeless approach to beauty, we have her quintessential guide to staying refreshed inflight and destination ready.

BK: What are your carry-on essentials when travelling? What should you always have on the plane with you?

PM: Lots of water, something inspirational to read and ponder. A cosy scarf, a mini-mirror for touch-ups, eye drops, cotton buds – and always a few great playlists!

BK: Do you have a beauty flying routine? How do you look after your skin when you fly?

PM: I’m addicted to Jan Marini Peptide Extreme with hyaluronic acid – it’s surprisingly hydrated for a serum. That goes on a clean face – I carry a face cloth in a ziplock bag and use it as a warm compress. Follow with a Senegence shea butter gloss which is really moisturising and some delicious hand cream. Add a healthy glow with some lip and cheek stain. I love draping my scarf softly around my head and face to sleep.

BK: Is there a beauty go-to that you never travel without no matter your destination?

PM: I study Ayurveda so I have a few wellbeing tips. Balancing the five elements is key. Flying is all about air and ether, so keeping balanced with water is so important, as well as eating warm, slightly oily unctuous and grounding food. I always try to get my feet on the earth by walking barefoot on grass when I get to my destination. And a warm sesame oil self massage followed by a hot bath makes me feel warm and grounded.

BK: Any beauty tricks for going straight from the plane to a meeting? How can you arrive looking flawless?

PM: Try mixing a little foundation with your serum for added moisture. I love blush, so a pop of lip and cheek stain followed by hydrating gloss – and while you’re there pat a touch of gloss on your cheekbones for a healthy glow. Curl lashes and mascara to open your eyes. Flying makes my hair limp so a refresh with dry shampoo does wonders! Finish with a spritz of perfume.

I’m addicted to Jan Marini Peptide Extreme with hyaluronic acid – it’s surprisingly hydrated for a serum.

BK: For our readers looking for a pared down beauty packing list, what would be your top five makeup items to travels with?

PM: It’s important to keep it simple. Get travel sizes of everything. A lot of my clients visiting my studio travel so I choose products that really work for them. Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro is a favourite – it comes in a small squeeze bottle; my own brandCherry Bomb Lip and Cheek Stain; a mini palette of go-to eyeshadows – three is enough; a soft blend able eye pencil for definition; Kevin Aucoin mascara which washes off so easily. Sephora have great products in travel sizes too.

BK: What are your top three sun care beauty tips?

PM: I love to get up early and do a walk in the early morning – I don’t have to worry about sunblocks and hats then. I had the best walk around a nearly empty Assisi one morning on my own – divine! For the rest of the day – Jan Marini Antioxidant Face Protectant is fabulous – light and effective. Instant tan is great to have on hand for a bit of a glow.

I study Ayurveda so I have a few wellbeing tips. Balancing the five elements is key. Flying is all about air and ether, so keeping balanced with water is so important

BK: Where are you travelling to next?

PM: I’m fascinated with the beauty and history of Crete and the Minoan civilisation – a visit there is on the list.

BK: Your favourite way to wear a scarf?

My Bird and Knoll Santorini will be used every day on my stay in Crete – mostly between swims as a sarong.

Blog post courtesy of BirdandKnoll, published with permission.