Catherine De Groot: Skincare tips for travel

Catherine De Groot. Photo / Supplied

A frequent flyer shares her secrets.

Trilogy co-founder Catherine De Groot is a high-flying advertisement for her skincare range. The businesswoman and busy mother is often on the road from her Wairarapa base. There's short trips out of Wellington to fly north for meetings with the Ecoya crew who have taken a controlling stake in Trilogy and long-haul journeys to represent the brand globally. Here are her tips to stepping off the plane in style.

What's in your carry-on-board beauty kit?

I always carry baby wipes (one of the organic brands) and my mini Hydrating Mist Toner from Trilogy Travellers. Both are a lifesaver when there's no access to fresh water and you need to reapply or freshen up your makeup. Trilogy's new Age Proof CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate has become my latest best flight friend to brighten and tighten my tired and puffy eyes. I also take my toothbrush, toothpaste, Trilogy Everything Balm for dry lips and hands, plus Becca Lip Plumping Moisture Gloss to smarten up just before landing.

Do you wear makeup throughout a flight?

I wear makeup on to the plane but once the hot towels are passed around I take that as my cue to remove my makeup and slather on a rich nourishing moisturiser. I normally reapply this at intervals throughout long-haul flights.

What are your post-flight appearance revival tips?

To rehydrate, soak your skin in a thick layer of moisturiser, leave for 10 minutes then wipe off any excess. Massage two drops of Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil into the skin, then follow with a light antioxidant serum such as Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum or a moisturiser. Then, and only then, will your dehydrated skin be ready for a foundation.

I usually avoid my normal foundation for the first few days after a long flight; instead I prefer Bobbi Brown Pretty Natural SPF15 tinted moisturisers. Take a concealer if you must, but be careful how you use it, I have seen so many actually draw attention to a problem rather than conceal it and dry skin is not forgiving.

Do your beauty routines and the products you use change when travelling?

When I travel for work I don't want to fuss or take a lot of time with my beauty routine. I need to know that what I have in my makeup bag is going to work for me, so I stick with tried and tested looks. I'm travelling right now and following a look I know like the back of my hand and which I can achieve in less than 10 minutes. It's a neutral, natural look with accentuated eyes, paler lips and an emphasis on brows and lashes.

For a longer trip do you pack sample sizes or stick with your regular products?

I pack Trilogy Travellers, which include mini face and body products, plus I tend to take along a full-size shampoo, conditioner and body moisturiser if I can't decant. I usually end up hauling my fragrance around with me. Fragrance is such a help when you travel, it can perk you up, remind you of home, all sorts of good things. Voyage d'Hermes is heavy to haul but worth it.

What's your ultimate desert island product?

You might expect me to take just our Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, but I think I would actually take Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream. It's packed full of our rosehip oil and its humectant ability means I'd be using every ounce of available moisture.