It also inspired me to put together a curated collection of beauty essentials that will keep your skin looking its best while you're on the top of the mountain. There are 2 key things to keep in mind while you're on the slopes: protecting your skin from the sun (that fresh new powder reflects the sun right back onto you), and keeping your skin hydrated and protected from the harsh cold and wind. And once you're off the hill and thawing out après ski, you'll likely want to get that toque-hair under control, and soothe those tired muscles too.
Hydration:
On a normal day, the cold winter weather often plays havoc on our skin. Now put yourself on top of a mountain and add some whipping winds and snow, and your skin is put under even harsher conditions. To avoid dry, chapped skin, I apply Juviance's Skin Rescue Intense Repair Cream all over my face the night before and morning of to keep dry skin at bay. Same goes for the Bioderma Atoderma PP Baume (available at London Drugs); I apply to spots on my body that tend to be drier in the winter (for some reason this year, that seems to be the inside of my knees and elbows). The formula is an anti-itching emollient balm that will provide comfort all day. I'll keep my Bioderma Atoderm Lips moisturizing stick (available at London Drugs) on hand to apply once we're off the hill too, to soothe and repair my damaged and dehydrated lips. This is my favourite lip chap formula!
Sun Protection:
There's nothing worse than a google tan - or in my case - a goggle burn! Even on a somewhat cloudy day on the slopes, the sun can reflect off the snow and give you a pretty nasty sun burn. My absolute favourite facial sunscreen is the Lise Watier Sun Smart UV Shield (available at London Drugs); its 30 SPF formula goes on super smooth and non-greasy, and makes the most fantastic makeup base too! Your lips need protection from the sun as well, and my favourite from last summer is RoC's Soleil Protexion Plus Lip Balm (available at London Drugs) with SPF 30.
Toque Hair:
After a successful day on the slopes, once you take off the gear and pull of your toque...it's kind of a disaster under there. My hair is always matted, tangled and frizzy. The best way to prep your hair beforehand is to apply a primer like Frizz Ease's Forever Smooth Anti-Frizz Primer (available at London Drugs) the will help keep frizz at bay during the day. Apply it to wet hair, distributing evenly throughout from mid-shaft to tips: no need to rinse!
If you need a quick fix after you pull off your toque, the Conair Infiniti Pro Ultimate Brush (available at London Drugs) will get rid of any static or frizz in just one swipe! This super cool brush is battery-operated and uses ion technology to eliminate static and frizz as you brush through your hair. I love that it's wireless, so you can bring it pretty much anywhere.
Sore Muscles:
When you haven't snowboarded or skied in a few years like me, you can pretty much guarantee you're going to be sore once you get back out there. If a hot tub isn't within reach, then a balm like Theo10 Heat can soothe your aching muscles. This long lasting muscle rub is also water resistant, 100% natural and lasts up to 12 hours, plus it's compact enough to pop in your pocket. I love the smell too - a strong fresh mint scent.
Now you're prepped and ready to go for your winter getaway! What are your beauty essentials before hitting the slopes?
Happy Styling! xo
~ Britta
Disclaimer: Some of the products reviewed here were provided as samples for review. Opinions are my own.
