Jess Hunt is one of the UK’s top Instagram sensations, known for her curated, minimalist aesthetic and amazing brows. The launch of her eponymous beauty brand REFY in 2018 has taken the industry by storm thanks to its innovative products and impressive line-up.
In this edition of Citizen Femme’s Suitcase Series, Jess shares her dream destinations, her most memorable hotel stay, and which REFY products are in her hand-luggage for in-flight skincare.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
It was to Spain with my family, we would travel here as a family when I was a child and I have the best memories of being on the beach, building sand castles and eating cornettos.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
My most memorable trip was when I travelled to New York to see REFY’s first ever billboard in Times Square, this trip still feels like a dream! To see REFY alongside brands I love and in one of the most iconic places on earth was an amazing moment. I also got to visit Sephora stores in New York and LA to see our products in-store for the first time, this was very special too.
Where or what is your escape?
My escape is to my family’s home in Devon, I love getting back to the peace and quiet. This is a place which makes me feel present and where I can fully relax.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
To always outfit plan. I plan each look that I want to wear each day before packing, and take pics of each look. This just makes my trip flow so smoothly and I have no stress on what to wear.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go:
To Mallorca. I go every year with my family and it feels like a place I can really unwind – similar to my family home in Devon. I do love travelling all over the world though; next on my list is Brazil or the Maldives. It’s a close tie between those locations but in a dream world I’d hop from Mallorca to the Maldives and stop off in Brazil along the way.
View this post on Instagram
How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
My home city is London. My ideal afternoon would be going for a walk and café-hopping all day. I love going for a snack crawl and picking up drinks along the way.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
The Maldives again, it has always been a dream of mine. I really see a luxury holiday as being able to unplug and unwind, and the Maldives has amazing resorts in stunning locations where you can take the thinking out of it and just enjoy the calmness.
View this post on Instagram
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I get so many holiday recommendations from TikTok, I love being able to see videos of a place and get a real feel for what it’s like.
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
I would love to sit with Anna Wintour, besides her being an icon, I would just love to get an insight into her day-to-day and life experiences.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I recover with a deeply-hydrating skin routine and try to get back into my usual sleep routine; it’s hard to begin with but getting back into daily routine makes me feel good and also sets me up for the day even if I am a little tired. I can’t lie though, I do indulge in a coffee or two those first few days to get myself back on a regular sleep schedule.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
This has happened to me way too many times. I absolutely love perfume so I tend to go and try as many as I can and usually end up making a purchase.
Favourite hotel?
My favourite hotel that I’ve stayed at is Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como, it was the most beautiful hotel which has been regenerated from an original Italian Villa on the water of Lake Como, its stunning. The service and food was amazing, they really thought of every detail. This was also the comfiest bed I have ever stayed in.
View this post on Instagram
Favourite airline?
I love flying with Virgin as I feel the seats are the most comfortable of all the airlines I’ve tried. Every flight I’ve been on, the team have always been so welcoming and thoughtful but I honestly can’t pick a favourite, maybe because I love every flight as it’s so exciting to be heading to a destination for a holiday or a work trip.
What’s on your travel playlist?
I absolutely love a podcast and love to take this time to learn. I love Jay Shetty & Diary of a CEO.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Can I say the whole REFY collection? If I had to choose it would be the Primer and Gloss as I can use on and off the flight – but it’s a really hard choice out of them all. A comfy tracksuit: I have to be comfy and cosy when travelling and my faves are, Pangaia, SistersandSeekers and Lounge underwear. Definitely a good hand sanitiser that doesn’t dry out your hands: I use a Jo Loves one which is a lotion so they stay hydrated as well. A good travel bag with lots of compartments for all my travel essentials: I love using my vintage Prada tote bag or Naked Vice tote. My journal, I feel like when I am in the air with no distractions, this is such a productive time for me, I have some of my best ideas in the air. I have the 5 minute journal for daily use and I use a regular note book for my thoughts.
Where next?
I am heading to Ibiza with some of the REFY girls for a long weekend. We have some lovely dinners and beach clubs booked and I am so excited for a girls’ trip. We’re also heading to a fun, secret location in Europe for a shoot which is exciting. Plus I have a wedding in Italy which will be a fab break away. It’s a European summer for me this year!
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential? Lip gloss.
Packing: roll or fold? Fold (and steamer).
Inflight book or inflight film? Inflight film.
Music or podcasts? Podcasts.
Time killer on a long-haul flight? Brainstorming for future concepts.
Holiday tipple of choice? Always an Aperol spritz.
Bucket list top destination? Maldives.
Best shopping gem found abroad? Definitely the wafer chocs by Balocco.
Ultimate holiday treat? A massage.
Any Questions or Tips to add?