If there is one universal truth about the Australian summer, it’s that the calendar fills up fast. We are barreling headfirst into the “silly season”, that distinctively chaotic blur of rooftop cocktails, long-haul flights, and humid days spent by the ocean.
While our social lives thrive on this energy, our complexions often tell a different story. It is the ultimate beauty paradox: we want to look our most radiant just as we expose our skin to its biggest stressors. Between the recycled cabin air of a 14-hour flight, the dehydration from one too many margaritas, and the relentless UV exposure, our skin barrier takes a beating right when we need it to bounce back.
Usually, the routine is the first thing to go. Who has time for a seven-step regimen when there are bags to pack and parties to attend? But abandoning ship on your skin health now can lead to a dull, reactive complexion come January.
To navigate the turbulence of travel beauty, I sat down with Samara Searle, the founder of Beauty Boost Aesthetic Clinic.
Samara isn’t just another beauty enthusiast; she comes from a background of high-stakes care. A Registered Nurse with years of experience in Intensive Care before transitioning into aesthetic medicine, Samara brings a deep clinical understanding of anatomy and physiology to the beauty world. She launched Beauty Boost in 2018—originally as a side hustle while working in the ICU, with a philosophy that sets her apart in an industry often obsessed with “fixing” flaws.
Samara believes in “enhancing, not changing.” Her clinic in Teneriffe has become a go-to destination for those seeking that elusive “event-ready” skin, specialising in advanced cosmetic injectables and bio-remodelling treatments that prioritise long-term skin health over quick, artificial fixes. She understands that true radiance isn’t just about what you put on your face, but how you support your skin’s structure through stress, travel, and lifestyle shifts.
If anyone knows how to keep a complexion calm amidst the chaos, it’s her.
I asked Samara to break down her strategy for maintaining that glow from the departure lounge to the return flight. Here is her advice on how to prep your skin for your travels, and exactly what to do when you get home to reset.
Long flights and climate changes can wreak havoc on our skin. What’s the first thing travellers should do before they head overseas?
Hydration is your best friend, and no, I don’t mean chugging three litres of water at the airport. I always tell my clients, prep your skin like you prep your suitcase. Before you fly, focus on strengthening your barrier. A nourishing moisturiser, a gentle exfoliation 48 hours before, and a hydrating mask the night before you leave can make a world of difference. When your barrier is strong, your skin is far more resilient to the airplane air, climate changes, and stress.
What’s the biggest skincare mistake people make when travelling?
Overcomplicating things. Holidays are not the time to experiment with new active ingredients. Your skin is already adapting to new environments, so keep your routine simple and consistent. And please don’t skip sunscreen because it’s cloudy where you’re going. The UV rays don’t care about the weather.
How should people adjust their skincare routine when moving between very different climates, like going from Brisbane humidity to a dry European winter?
Your routine needs to adapt just like your wardrobe does. When you move from humidity to a dry climate, your skin suddenly loses moisture it’s used to holding onto. That’s when you need to lean into richer textures, creamier moisturisers, hydrating serums, and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides. On the flip side, if you’re going from cold to tropical heat, switch to lighter layers to avoid congestion. It’s all about listening to what your skin is asking for.
For travellers who love wearing makeup, any tips to keep it looking fresh and glowy while on the go?
Prep is everything. The smoother and more hydrated your skin is, the better your makeup will behave. Before makeup, apply a hydrating serum and a lightweight moisturiser. Avoid heavy foundations, choose a tinted SPF or skin tint instead. They move with your skin and won’t cake up in heat or dry air.
And here’s my favourite trick: cream products only. Cream blush, cream bronzer, cream highlight, they keep your skin looking alive, not chalky.
Do you have any advice for preventing post-holiday breakouts or congestion, especially after long flights, sunscreen, and lots of sweaty days exploring?
Holiday congestion is so common and totally normal. The best prevention is consistency and cleansing. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week (not every day), and double cleanse at night to lift off sunscreen, sweat, and pollution. But the key is not to panic. Don’t attack your skin with harsh scrubs or ten new products. Keep it calm, clean, and hydrated, and it will settle.
