The Beauty Layover at LAX
Anna M. Park, StyleUnderPressure.com
Long layover? Sure, you could hang out at the bar until your connecting flight, but why dehydrate your already parched winter skin when you can get runway ready, courtesy of LAX’s newest beauty offerings. When Los Angeles’ LAX airport, one of the busiest in the world, began its $8.5 billion renovation in 2009, its Tom Bradley International Terminal (or TBIT to those in the know) got a good chunk of that makeover. And with partners like shopping center developer Westfield bringing in quintessential L.A. purveyors like Umami Burger, Lamill Coffee and Fred Segal (which carries local brands like the Malibu-based beauty line OSEA), along with DFS duty free boutiques that include Gucci and Hermès, travelers are able to experience a microcosm of L.A. without ever stepping outside. But really, what’s a true L.A. experience without a little pampering? LAX has got you covered there as well — all you need is inside access. Just follow our itinerary here to turn your layover into a true makeover.
- De-stress
You’ve just gotten off the plane after a long flight, cramped in a middle seat and a crying baby just rows away. Sure, a drink may sound good, but doesn’t a massage sound better? Head over to XpresSpa and treat yourself to a variety of treatments to unwind. Massages start at $35 for a hand and arm massage, but for $5 more, why not get a blowout, which feels just as soothing, and you’ll look fabulous after. - Freshen up
XpresSpa also offers facials, but if you just want to clean up a bit, head over to Bliss, the spa and skin care brand known for its smile-inducing product names. This particular store doesn’t offer spa services (yet), but they will give your face a quick cleanse (gratis!) and maybe even demonstrate their best-selling Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask on you. (The foaming action is crazy). - Get Scented
Sure, you can sneak in a few spritzes of fragrance to refresh at DFS, but why not indulge in an entire hand and arm massage with an amazingly scented body lotion, all for free? At Jo Malone, known for unexpected and layer-able fragrance combinations like wood sage and sea salt, you can do just that — all you have to do is ask! They may even gift you a little goodie, like a monogrammed ceramic ornament. - Beautify
Feeling better? Then head over to Bobbi Brown, the queen of fresh-faced beauty. The makeup artists there will give you a touch-up, a quick lesson or even do your whole face, free of charge. While you’re there, you may want to snag one of their specially priced kits for the road, like Smokey in Seconds or Rose Shimmer Brick Set. - Splurge
Now that you’ve taken care of you, take care of your loved ones with some special gifts. For a limited time, DFS is featuring a pop-up shop of Dior’s private fragrance collection, La Collection Privée, the first and only one in travel retail in the Americas. Other standout lines range from La Mer to L’Occitane, Clarisonic to Kiehl’s, with a number of Korean beauty brands coming soon. And with a collection of high-end oud fragrances, special brand discounts, a loyalty program, as well as world exclusives, you’ll want to peruse the offerings. Insider tip: Both domestic and international travelers can avail themselves of TBIT’s beauty offerings — just show your same-day boarding pass at security.
