Your ski vacation is coming up. Your wardrobe is ready. You’ve checked the snow conditions and memorized the five-day forecast, but have you thought about your makeup? Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare for your week in the snow and to help keep you looking your best on the slopes and off.

Sunscreen

The sun is always shining –even if it doesn’t seem like it to us. Even through cloud cover and snow, the sun’s rays are still hitting the earth and your face. In the winter, the earth is actually closer to the sun and if you add in the reflective nature of the snow-covered ski slope, your skin is being hit by more UV rays than on a summer cruise in the Caribbean. So no matter what else you pack, be sure to take along a sunscreen (or at least be sure that your other skincare products carry an SPF of 15 or more).

Moisturizer

Between the cold wind that hits your face on each run down the mountain and the continuous evaporation of perspiration off the rest of your body a ski trip can strip your skin of its moisture faster than you may think. Add to that the time spent in front of the fireplace (dry) and those long showers (hot water actually dries out your skin) and you need to be sure you have a good quality moisturizer on hand. Look for products that include vitamin E and amino-peptides to help renew your skin’s outer layer. Also consider emu oil (or products that contain it) to help your skin absorb the moisture and nutrients you are giving it.

Eyes

Odds are that you’re going to be wearing ski goggles a lot, so sweatproof eyewear is a great idea. Look for waterproof shadows in light shades for daytime use. Some water-resistant mascara and a thin line of dark liner should do the trick nicely without looking over-done or being prone to runniness.

Cheeks

Pack some self-tanning towelettes – they are already moistened with the right amount of self-tanner and they go on easily without streaking. Best of all, they enhance your skin’s natural tone and give you some subtle color among all that white. If you still want some foundation, look for sheer waterproof coverages that will stay put under scarves and goggles and withstand all that spraying powder.

You’re going to have a natural flush from the cold and from the physical exertion of multiple runs down the hill, so blush is out. Try a light rose waterproof cheek stain instead.

Lips

Without oil glands to keep them moist, your lips are the first part of your face to feel the effects of winter’s bite. For a day on the slopes, save the lipstick for your fancy dinner out and apply some tinted lip balm instead. Look for fun shades with a high SPF – they’ll protect your delicate lips and look great doing it.

Nails

Your hands are going to be covered for most of the day, so a durable gloss may be all you need. Your cuticles will bear the brunt of the damage from the constant perspiration and evaporation taking place inside your gloves, so be sure to be proactive about it and apply some revitalizing cuticle cream before that first run of the day. Look for products with vitamin E, sweet almond oil and beeswax to repair damage and help lock moisture in.

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