Chapped lips, broken hair and rosy cheeks? Sounds like you’ve been out in the elements. And nowhere slaps in the face more than a speedy zoom down a red (or blue or green or black, no judgement) slope in the Alps.
So if you want to look effortlessly fabulous at apres-ski (on top of being sporty and accomplished), then don’t worry. We’ve got some beauty heroes that will keep you looking and feeling fresh, no matter the weather.
If you’re not heading to the mountains this winter as, of course, many people won’t be, then these products can even save you from the chilly consequences of a brisk lunchtime walk around your local common.
Yep, that’s right. Your skin hates winter. But luckily there are ways to help it cope, if you felt so inclined…
Hair
Don’t buy products you’ll never use again – simply look for an extra moisture hit. A top tip? Embrace oils. ‘Even those who’ve never used hair oils should consider them to combat dry mountain air,’ says Karine Jackson, founder of the London salon in her name. ‘Smooth oil from the middle to the ends of the hair, then usea small amount of conditioner on top to lock in moisture.’
Sunscreen
Snow reflects UV rays, so don’t skimp on sunscreen. Opt for hydrating formulas. ‘Choose a broad spectrum (UVA & UVB) SPF, ideally SPF 50,’ says Harley Street-based facial aesthetician Dr Sheila Li.
Lips
In winter, swap drying lipsticks for tinted balms. ‘Look for squalane, shea butter and lanolin,’ says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme of London’s Adonia Medical Clinic.
Face
Mountain air is dry, so you’ll need to up your moisturising game. ‘Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid and vitamins E and C,’ says dermatologist Dr Lukasz Adamek. ‘Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning that it binds water to skin, while vitamins E and C are antioxidants that fight damage caused by aggressors such as UV.’
