Kylie Jenner’s Viral Fragrance, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight-Hour Cream and Everything Our Editors Are Shopping Duty-Free

No matter how prepared you are for an international flight, something’s always left behind. Most people would agree that the convenience of wandering through duty-free before your departure is not only comforting, but extremely practical. Stock up on your empties, buy a new fragrance, or grab that vital portable charger that’s sure to save you when you run out of battery at 30,000 feet.

If you want to be extra-prepared, you can place an online click-and-collect order up to 60 days before your flight and pick it up at the airport either before your departure or after arriving back. It’s time-saving and stress-free.

Here, Broadsheet writers and editors round up their tried-and-tested favourites, as well as some wishlist items, to grab while heading through Lotte Duty Free at Brisbane Airport.

Evie Baker, photo editor

I can’t go past fragrances on my way through duty-free. I’ve heard great things about the Cosmic from Kylie Cosmetics – and there’s a travel size to take with you on holiday. My all-time favourite shower oil from L’Occitane is non-negotiable. The silky oil texture and sweet almond scent have made me a repeat buyer for years now – and why not save while I’m at duty-free? Another one I always stock up on is Benefit’s Benetint, a multipurpose lip-and-cheek stain that’s perfect for chucking in your carry-on and applying on the go. And I’m never not rummaging through the sunglasses section at duty-free. I’m usually heading somewhere sunny, and Lotte always has sold-out styles in stock. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love some Ray-Ban Aviators, so I’ll be on the hunt for these.

James Williams, creative solutions manager

Sorry (or you’re welcome) to whoever is sitting next to me on the plane, but I think duty-free is a great place to pick up a new fragrance. Scent is like a time machine that puts you right back among the sights and sounds of a holiday, so finding a fragrance that’ll always remind you of this vacation is a special treat. I choose based on my destination, but lately I’ve been loving patchouli and pepper fragrances, which leads me to Tom Ford Oud Wood and Maison Margiela Replica Soul of the Forest. But please don’t spray them all on your skin – you’re in an airtight cabin for who knows how many hours. Let the people breathe!

Holly Bodeker-Smith, newsletter editor

In my early twenties, a family friend introduced me to Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream, and this crusty human bean has been panic-buying it in transit ever since. Naturally, I’ll be grabbing some of that, along with Clinique’s cult Black Honey lipstick. Beyond the make-up bag, I’m prioritising tech survival. To avoid spending my holiday with a phone on 5 per cent or (inevitably) begging a waiter for a spare Australian adapter, I’m refreshing my tattered USB-C cable and finally adding a proper power adapter to my cart.

Gitika Garg, assistant editor – art, design & style

I’ve been a loyal fan of Mac’s lipsticks for years. It’s become a habit for my mum and me to stock up on our favourite shades in transit. My go-tos: Taupe and Velvet Teddy. I’ve also repurchased Chloe’s Nomade fragrance more than twice duty-free, and I’d happily do it again. TWG’s tea blends are a trusty pick-me-up. I’m currently drinking the Alfonso blend, a bold black tea with mango notes. And when we’re travelling overseas to see family, a bottle of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin is an easy, well-received local gift.

Simone Richardson, shopping editor

There’s only one way to start a holiday: as soon as the plane hits the tarmac, it’s time for a Martini. Stocking up airside can save a decent amount of cash – and a detour to the bottle shop on arrival. I take mine the best way – with gin. And if we’re talking gin, we’re talking Four Pillars Gin. The classic Rare Dry sip always hits, but switch it up with Yuzu, Olive Leaf or Bloody Shiraz and you’ve got a solid start to the trip.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Lotte Duty Free.Duty-free allowances are subject to the regulations of your final destination when departing Australia, and to Australian Customs limits when entering Australia. Drink responsibly.