What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
“I don’t tend to travel with lots of stuff, just a beautiful handcrafted Byredo bag, which I fill with my Nothing Ear Stick earphones, Laneige lip balm and Kindle. At the moment, I’m reading The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist – it’s about the two brain hemispheres and their effect on history, society and culture. I’m not a huge film-watcher; often I just stare blankly out of the window like a psychopath. If it’s a long haul, I’ll always try to sleep but, if I can’t, I’ll purchase some Wi-Fi that never works, and sit there seething until I realise there is more to life than doomscrolling.”
What’s the first thing you do when you land somewhere new?
“I usually have to go directly to work on set or straight to bed when I land, but the first thing I always do is book a Pilates class for the day after I arrive and the day before I leave. It’s the only thing that keeps me sane when travelling so much. I always take exercise bands with me too. I do glute bridges at the end of my bed when I’ve been sitting down too much.”
What beauty essentials do you always travel with?
“The only natural deodorant that cuts through 20 hours of armpit when you’re travelling is AKT. I slap Doublebase emollient cream on my face in thick layers to prevent dry skin on flights, and apply a Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to lock moisture into my lips. I also put it under my eyes as a super hydrator. I try to use a micellar water – either Bioderma or La Mer – instead of tap
water to clean my face in the morning or on planes. It’s less harsh and drying than hard water. I always take my Wild Star palette too: it’s convenient for travel, as it’s light to carry, and has neutral, universal shades that can work for both day and night.”
Where’s your favourite place to shop?
“Whenever I go to Japan, I come back with a suitcase full of accidental beauty and wellness purchases – my go-to is Don Quijote in Tokyo, a mecca for all things unnecessary. Last time I bought a mini video camera you can put in your ear or up your nose. I also stock up on mini brow razors, electric current toothbrushes, tweezers and coloured contact lenses.”
Where do you find creative inspiration?
“Life, man! I’m inspired by most things, and travelling always informs my perceptions. I am fascinated by extreme beauty procedures around the world, such as full face threads in Southeast Asia and how rhinoplasty in Iran is seen as a mark of wealth. Beauty ideals change so much across the globe – I love to take it all in.”
Isamaya Beauty is available from isamaya.co.uk
