Who can resist the lure of duty-free? Now that the beauty giants have cottoned on to our last remaining retail weakness, they regularly devote entire product ranges to the frequent flyer. Here we lift the lid on the best airport beauty buys to brighten up your holiday and save you a pretty penny.

TERMINAL TREATS

It can’t be long before spas arrive in every airport. Could there be a better time to have a wax than in those boring hours between check-in and takeoff?

Heathrow, Terminal 1: Urban Retreat (020 8745 6440) was a godsend for me. I was flying to Cyprus unwaxed and unscrubbed — a world away from bikini-ready. Then I saw the welcoming therapist; she had me buffed and primed in an hour. Basic entry costs £15, which includes use of the spa lounge and massage chairs. If you book in for a facial, body scrub, massage, pedicure, eyebrow shape or haircut, the entry fee is waived.

Heathrow, Terminal 3: If you’re really lucky, you might be flying business class and be able to take advantage of Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse — the type of lounge that makes you pray for the flight to be delayed. It has a Cowshed spa (020 8897 5055), along with a sauna and steam rooms, St Tropez tanning booth and Bumble and Bumble hair salon.

Heathrow, Terminal 5: British Airways premium passengers can wallow in the Elemis spas at Terminal 5 and New York JFK. Treatments include facials and massage — a treat if you’re about to jump on a long-haul flight.

Gatwick, South Terminal: Back in the real world, even economy passengers can visit the Clarins Studio at Gatwick (01293 507249). Go for a fast-track facial, pedicure, manicure or wax. The men’s treatment menu is great, too.

Leeds/Bradford: Book a Relax Me Now massage at the Ki4Health salon (£25 for 30 minutes; 0871 288 2288) — great for nervous flyers.

Glasgow: If you’re pressed for time at Glasgow airport, ask for the “maniped” at Nailport salon: a manicure and pedicure executed simultaneously. High-flying or what?

PRODUCTS WORTH FLYING FOR

Where is the best-value duty-free shopping in the world? To find out, I apply the Touche Eclat test whenever I go overseas — and the Gulf states always win. A stick costs just £17 in Dubai (£19.10 in Heathrow). However, it’s rare to be able to pick up niche brands in duty-free. So, if you’re after cult purchases, here’s what to buy around the globe.

Australia: The lovely organic range Aesop is roughly 25% cheaper in Oz; I always dab the Ginger Flight Therapy on my pulse points when I feel exhausted or stressed (£14 in Australia; £19 in the UK). Meanwhile, the Shimmering Skin Perfector from the Australian brand Becca is a moisturiser, foundation, highlighter and SPF all in one — and small enough to put in your hand luggage (£25 in Oz; £32 here).

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