How to save your soul (and skin) during holiday travel

Buongiorno from Rome!

Hope you had an amazing, love- and food-filled Thanksgiving holiday.

I arrived yesterday for a conference at the Vatican. (This is one of those things, like “I’m starting a beauty company,” that I never, ever, imagined I’d write.)

I’ll have more to share on this crazy experience next week.

But today I wanted to write to you about saving your soul, and your parched skin, while on the road over the holidays or on business.

This is one of the biggest questions people ask me: how do you deal with being on the go all the time?

Over the years, I’ve developed a few tricks to stay sane and avoid looking like a hot mess when I land in a new place. Here’s my list:

Apply a thick layer of moisturizer as a travel mask as soon as you get on the plane, train, or bus. I use our Pure Nilotica Melt each time I board a plane - it’s so much better for you than the typical petroleum-based (gross) cream. For the first minute I look like a greaseball but by the time I land, my skin has absorbed every drop.
Meditate for 20 minutes as soon as you get into your seat. Concentrate on your breath. You can try “Iceman” Wim Hof's breathing method: essentially it’s just very deep, full inhalations and exhalations for 6 minutes at a time, followed by a breath hold.
Drink as much water as you can - I try to have one glass of water for every hour I’m on the plane (you’ll have to get comfortable peeing a lot).
Travel with dried fruits and nuts. Because plane food is the worst, and you need to save space for that amazing meal you’ll have on landing!
Carry a good sleep mask, travel pillow and ear plugs. Donning a silk sleep mask makes me feel like a queen, even if I don’t get the upgrade. Also, the masks you get in the plane suck the life out of your eyes.
Remind yourself of one thing you’re grateful for. Gratitude is so good for you - it lifts your mood and reduces cortisol. Gratitude is the ultimate accessory.