Virgin Atlantic flight attendants now have the choice to go makeup-free

In an airplane that is cruising at 30,000ft, the moisture levels in the air are at less than 20 per cent—this is desert level drying that can leave your skin dry, flaky, irritated and sapped of all moisture. Furthermore, the high altitude causes a lower level of blood circulation, therefore robbing the skin of a glow. If this wasn’t enough, UV rays are way more intense at higher altitudes too, so the risk of sun damage increases during a flight, which is why we’re asked to slather on sunscreen, drink lots of water and slap on layers of moisturiser to fight it. All this makes wearing any makeup on a flight an absolute no-no as well, since wearing a base can clog pores and lead to congestion and breakouts—but if your job needs you to be at those altitudes and yet look put together all day everyday, your skincare requirements don’t really hold a candle to the demands of your role.

Understanding the debacle their employees face on a near daily basis, Virgin Atlantic gave their flight crew the choice to not wear makeup to work. If anyone deserves to let their skin breathe, it’s the women and men who serve us in-flight and spend more time in planes than in pyjamas in their own bed. The British airline’s staff was previously required to wear blush, mascara and red lipstick to complement the uniform’s red skirts and shoes, but based on staff feedback, the company has now given the crew two new options—to fly makeup-free, and the choice to eschew skirts for pants.

This announcement marks a gradual, but big shift in perspective of the world’s view of beauty ideals, which up until now was only evidently seen in the beauty industry, through inclusive shades and products that cater to a global audience. Virgin Atlantic giving its crew the choice to do what they want—choosing to go makeup-free or pick a tinted lip balm—is another example of freedom of self-expression.

In more good news for the day, Vistara has a special announcement for International Women’s day: the airline is going to provide sanitary pads onboard to women who request for it starting March 8, 2019. The pads will be bio-degradable, organic, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and made out of plant-based fibres that are free of plastic, toxins and perfume. Here’s hoping many more industry leaders follow suit.

Also read:

6 most luxurious in-flight services you can experience on an airline

How to take a long-haul flight—and land looking totally refreshed

What happened when I tried that hyped in-flight beauty routine IRL