The Best Apres-Ski Beauty Products
The beauty products you’ll want to have on hand after you hit the slopes. (Photo: Trunk Archive)
That steep, unforgettable run down that double-black diamond may have just made your winter worth it, but your skin (the parts that have been exposed that is) is probably less than thrilled. The truth is, though we often talk about après-ski fashion, beauty is more often put on the back-burner or lost in a haze of after-mountain drinks. But with the sun, wind, and other extreme elements all playing a role in your wintry bliss, your skin can quickly become parched and irritated. Here are the best skincare and body products to provide relief this ski season.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque
According to Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, “the best ingredient for skin that has been exposed to the elements of both sun and cold weather is one that will replace moisture.” He’s particularly a fan of hyaluronic acid, which “is a molecule composed partly of sugars. It is a natural structural component of the skin.” And unlike your conventional moisturizing ingredient, the magic of HA is its ability to retain moisture. “It can hold water up to 1,000 times its weight,” Sobel says. For a product with a potent hyaluronic acid concentration, look to SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque ($54), whose gel formula may feel lightweight, but the hydration results certainly are not. Particularly great for extra-parched skin, use it a couple times on your ski trip and your complexion will thank you.
Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Yeux, Hydrating Protection Radiance Eye Gel
Conventional beauty wisdom would suggest a heavy eye cream is best for cold conditions, but actually with today’s powerful hyaluronic acid delivery systems, something light and water-like can hydrate just as well (if not better). For a targeted application, it’s tough to beat Chanel’s new Hydra Beauty Gel Yeux ($60). The refreshing eye gel contains a Blue Ginger PFA antioxidant and hyaluronic acid.
Aveeno Positively Nourishing Comforting Whipped Soufflé
Despite fancy-sounding new ingredients, sometimes the old school stuff is what’s best. “Oatmeal is known as a soothing agent,” Dr. Sobel says. “It helps to reduce inflammation and redness.” Aveeno, especially, harnesses the calming qualities of oats. A rich treatment for the body, the brand’s Positively Nourishing Comforting Whipped Soufflé ($8.49) pairs cocoa and shea butters with colloidal oatmeal.
DDF Clarifying Hydrator
If you need moisture but are prone to breakouts, look for an ingredient like aloe vera, says Dr. Sobel. “It has the ability to soothe and calm and moisturize.” He recommends the DDF Clarifying Hydrator ($44) from his own line, which contains aloe vera, marigold and ginger extract. It also contains a complex that “minimizes the look of sebum build-up on skin’s surface to control the appearance of oily shine,” he says.
Estee Lauder Stress Relief Eye Mask
These aloe vera- and cucumber- doused eye sheet masks are wonderful quick pick-me-ups before hitting the alpine town nightlife scene. (Hint: the Stress Relief Eye Masks (10 for $40) even better if you pop them in the fridge.)
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream
Speaking of time-old beauty ingredients, Dr. Sobel recommends this handy home remedy: “Soak a wash cloth in milk and apply to skin. This will soothe and reduce redness.” If you’re not in a DIY mood, pack along Kate Somerville’s Goat Milk Cream ($65), which is designed for sensitive skin.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser
While it’s natural to focus on moisturizers when trying to bring moisture back to the skin, it’s important to start with a gentle cleanser first. Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser ($26) is not only soap-free but its protein- and mineral-rich formula leaves your face as soft as a baby’s bum.
Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturizing Cream
When you’d rather tamp down the look of windburned-cheeks, tap into some flower power. “Calendula calms and heals,” Dr. Sobel says. The Jurlique Calendula Moisturizing Cream ($46), which also contains witch hazel, is particularly adept at bringing down redness. It’s a thick cream, though, so give it a second to sink in before applying any makeup.
L’Occitane Shea Ultra-Rich Body Lotion
This Provence-France brand may be known for its shea butter moisturizers, but actually its hydrating formulas, such as this Ultra-Rich Body Lotion ($32), is also often infused with calendula extract for a soothing finish.
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