Looking good on the slopes is harder than it looks, having to deal with freezing cold, icy winds and snow reflected sun, your skin definitely takes a bit of a battering. But worry no more as I have all the tips and tricks you will need for your alpine adventure, even if the only problem you have is recovering from too much vin chaud in the apres ski.
The first and most important item in your beauty bag must be a good sun cream with a high filter, believe me there is nothing less attractive than the panda eyed tan. From a distance you look like you have designer stubble. One of the best is Dr. Hauschka 25spf block not only does this give you total protection but it is made with organic produce that do not harm the skin. It also happens to be Madonnas favourite range. Other good sun blocks are Elizabeth Arden Total and Amber Solaire Mountain.
On to your make-up, use a light natural foundation as you do not want anything too heavy, it is a good idea to look for an SPF in your foundation as well, to give that extra protection Almay’s Energising foundation SPF 15 is excellent or Diors Teint Diorlight SPF 10.
Always use a cream blush as they look very natural and complement the wind-swepted look of skiing. Try French Connection in Bloom or Origins Pinch your Cheeks for a staining effect. Keep away from eye-shadow on the slopes but a little eye-liner is always flattering try blending some Tony and Tina or Calvin Klein Eye Definer in Ebony along the top of your eyelids.
One of the best inventions ever is Kiss Me Mascara, ( J.Lo and Calista Flockhart are big fans), it forms little tubes around your eyelashes which give a wonderful wide eyed look and the beauty of it is you do not need make-up removers to take it off. All you need is warm water, and the little tubes come off no rubbing no smudging, it is tear and waterproof too. Even if you suffer a total wipe out on the slopes, your eyes will still be perfect even if your demeanour isn’t.
Finish off by keeping lips smooth and kissable by staining the lips to give them colour, try Benefits benetint lip balm or Lancôme’s Vin Rouge but do not forget to keep applying generous amounts of lip-balm like Carmex in its distinctive yellow tube or if you have sensitive lips try Cliniques Superbalm lip treatment.
At night feed your skin so it will be glowing for the slopes, use Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour rescue cream, or for a real sensual delight try Decleor Aromessence Baume Essential, which will not only save your skin but because of the aromatherapy oils it contains it will send you off to a blissful sleep. My absolute favourite cream of the moment has to be Jing Jang Crème if you take none of the afore mentioned you must get your hands on this, it really is a wonder cream, it contains lots of yummy ingredients like sweet almond oil, extract of red clover and Echinacea root and essential oils like washed lemon and Peru balsam. Its uses are wide and varied from a moisturiser for dry skin to a beautiful dewy make-up look for cheeks and lips, to a topical aid for vaginal soreness and Ladies we know how those salopettes can chafe
Off you go ready for skis or board but don’t forget those arnica capsules for all those bumps and bruises. If all fails, hope you at least get a cute ski instructor because you are looking good.