Generally speaking, Lupita Nyong’o is a pretty chill person. When we chatted with her about the relaunch of the Delta Skymiles American Express card, she was laid-back and actually pretty funny. But when it comes to her carry-on essentials, the 36-year-old Oscar winner is serious as can be.
Since Nyong’o travels a great deal for her work, she’s learned a thing or two about how to offset jet lag. Because of that, when the Us star boards a plane, she always has these six essentials on hand.
Hydration is key for Nyong’o, who always carries hydration tablets with electrolytes on-board.
When it comes to in-flight travel, Nyong’o isn’t bashful. “I use compression socks, which helps with the swelling that is almost inevitable when you’re sitting or lying in a position for a long period of time,” she said. “It helps me a get back on track easily when I can stimulate circulation while flying.” If this A-lister can rock compression socks in public, we totally can, too.
She also relies on a cuppa or two to reduce the bloating and puffiness associated with travel. “Having tea, like hibiscus, reduces water retention and that also helps combat jet lag,” she said.
No one likes germs. That’s why the Black Panther star always carries witch hazel in her carry on to “kill bacteria and keep things fresh around” her.
There’s a reason Nyong’o’s skin looks dewy, no matter what. When she flies, she carries a Lancôme hydrating mask (they come in single use packages for your travel convenience). She explained, “It’s really great for retaining the moisture because traveling—especially by air—can be very drying for the skin.” Amen.
“Recently I got this thing called an ostrich pillow, which is hilarious,” Nyong’o shared. So is it worth the hype? As she admitted, “It’s an interesting way for your head and hands to stay warm on a flight. I’m still adjusting to it. It is quite a comical thing to have on your person. I can’t lie, I’ve definitely slept well in it.” That’s enough for us to add to cart.
Of course, Nyong’o also carries snacks, a book, a blanket and her metal (fancy!) Delta Skymiles American Express card because of the perks (like TSA pre-check).
From the sound of it, the middle seat wouldn’t be so bad if Lupita Nyong’o was our seat mate.