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France: With the euro so strong, it’s tough to make savings in Europe. In France, I still go for Caudalie products: the Crushed Cabernet Body Scrub (£24 in France; £29 in the UK) is fantastic for skin-sloughing before a beach holiday.

Japan: Plump for Shu Uemura and SK-II goodies. I recently bought SK-II Facial Treatment Essence in Singapore airport for just £52 (£75 here) after a stewardess recommended it for maintaining the skin’s moisture levels, even after 12 hours on board an aeroplane.

Spain: Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme anti-ageing moisturiser makes me glow, even when I’m jet-lagged. The cost is astronomical, though: £220 in the UK, but roughly half that in Spain.

USA: Whether they’re from Torquay or Timbuktu, beauty brands are usually cheaper in America (the weak dollar helps). So, despite La Prairie Skin Caviar being Swiss, it costs £150 in US duty-free, but £200 in Zurich. Nars The Multiple stick (£27 here) is almost half-price Stateside, and is such a fab multitasker that it is the only make-up item you need on a fly-and-flop beach break.

HOW THE CREW DO IT

Nobody flies the globe as immaculately as the crew. Here’s how they manage it.

Marissa Thomson, air stewardess for British Airways: “I buy Bio-Oil in South Africa. It’s great for scars and you can pick up a large bottle for £6.”

Tara Panchaud, air stewardess for Virgin Atlantic: “I stock up on StriVectin eye cream when I’m in America — a tube is £29 in Bloomingdale’s, compared with £59 here. I also have paraffin-wax pedicures in Africa and India.”

David, pilot for Spanair: “I always tell friends about the Medina Mayrit in Madrid, where you can take authentic Arab baths and have massages. There are three pools at different temperatures and a Turkish steam bath.”

Emma Tolley, air stewardess for BMI: “I can’t live without Happyderm by L’Oréal, as it helps to keep my face well hydrated during flights, and I buy Dead Sea skin products from Tel Aviv.”

TOP FIVE AIRPORT EXCLUSIVES

Here’s our pick of the top exclusives that you won’t find anywhere but the departure lounge.

1 Bobbi Brown Rose Shimmer Brick, £34: This exclusive colourway is a happy medium between blush and bronzer to help you move seamlessly from a pre- to post-holiday glow.

2 YSL Sun Kit, £22: For a dash of evening glitz, YSL has it sorted, with this gold-inflected bronzer that’s warm enough for most skin tones.

3 Estée Lauder Bali Dream Eau de Parfum, £25: A deliciously light, musky scent to take you from the beach to balmy evenings.

4 Dior Lipgloss La Collection, £29: Opt for gloss in hot climates — lipstick can have a none-too- attractive drying effect on parched lips.

5 Clinique All in One Palette, £29.50: Palettes were truly made for holiday living. Pack it in your hand luggage for touch-ups before you land. (All available from World Duty Free.)

Katie Bowman is features editor of The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

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