How 5 Stylish Skiers Stay Beautiful on the Slopes

Now that snow is blanketing many of the top mountains, from Sun Valley to Zermatt, it’s time to pack up the Rossignols and head out for a ski journey. Before you start schussing, however, you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared for the alpine conditions—those high winds, biting temperatures, and extreme levels of UV exposure can punish your skin and hair, to say the least, as any seasoned ski-goer has experienced. Whether you prefer to lean into the slalom trails or explore off-piste, the best course for your beauty routine is the same: Plan ahead and pack high-performance essentials. We asked five intrepid skiers how they stay radiant during days of long runs.

Gucci Westman, makeup artist Pre-ski prep: Being on the mountains, you can experience extreme dryness, sun, and windburn. So I definitely always bring Anthelios 45 Face in my backpack. Then I use Lucas’ Papaw Ointment or Lano balm on my lips and also my cheeks. If I’m out all day, I find balms are easier to apply than oils; you can even do it on the chairlift.  
 Après-ski ritual: I love taking a bath and reading for a little bit if that’s in the cards with the kids’ schedule. I use Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Soak. It’s a beautiful coconut powder that’s super-cozy, and it smells amazing—really creamy. While I’m in there, I’ll put on May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud mask, which is so hydrating, and Rahua’s Finishing Treatment on my hair. After rinsing my hair, I like to leave the mask on the ends, just where you really need it.

Favorite ski destinations: I grew up in Sweden and I learned to ski later, when I was 18. I love going to Courchevel, and we are going to Montana for spring break this year, which I’m excited about—the kids are badass little skiers. But my favorite is Megève. It’s so charming when the ground is covered in snow—it’s magical.

Sofía Sanchez de Betak, art director and fashion consultant Pre-ski prep: I apply a good moisturizer. Clinique Moisture Surge is a gel that feels very refreshing but doesn’t leave your skin greasy, and I also use La Mer Eye Concentrate. Then I put on SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 and Christophe Robin’s balm—it’s great for hands, hair, and lips. I’m obsessed with it; it has the perfect texture and smell. Lastly, I have a good power breakfast and pack hand and toe warmers! I put them on my toes, on the arch of my foot, and in my gloves.   Après-skin ritual: Tiger Balm—always!—on any chapped skin or dry patches. I also apply Christophe Robin’s mask for a few minutes and then shower. And I always sleep with a humidifier—mountain heating is a killer.

Favorite ski destinations: St. Moritz—the mountain and small villages are gorgeous—and Val d’Isère; I love the familiarity of it, it’s very family-oriented, the restaurants are delicious, and the hotels are very cozy.

Misha Nonoo, fashion designer Pre-ski prep: Just before I hit the slopes I apply Kate Somerville’s Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ and Chantecaille’s Lip Screen with SPF 15. Many people don’t realize how much damage the sun and wind can do to your skin while skiing. During the day, I keep with me my Céline sunglasses, a tube of Milk Makeup’s Ubame Mascara, and NARS Cosmetics The Multiple stick in Copacabana for that little extra ski bunny glow. Luckily, my cheeks are always flushed when I ski, so I can leave my blush at home.

Après-ski ritual: For sore muscles, I love to take long, relaxing baths with Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil. If I am feeling particularly dry or my skin is chapped, I swear by Lansinoh HPA Lanolin. When I’m spending a lot of time outdoors and in the cold, I like Tresemmé’s Split Remedy Leave-in conditioner spray. Fortunately, my hair does not get too frazzled in the wind because it’s so short. And après-ski always involves warming my feet by the fire with friends, drinking some vin chaud, and chatting about who was the best skier that day.

Favorite ski destination: This winter I’ve been skiing in Verbier, Switzerland. I love how the village has maintained its old-world European charm. My favorite little gem is Chez Dany, which has the most delicious food.

Margherita Missoni, fashion designer Pre-ski prep: I like to use mineral sunscreens, which are better for your skin. I go for level 50, and I’ll use sunscreen as my face cream, too. On my lips, I use a very mountain-y lip balm—the white zinc kind with a strong SPF. Then I braid my hair to keep it out of my face and avoid the dreadlocks from the wind! I also put on hand cream from La Mer, which is really rich and good for the mountains—that’s when you need extra moisture.  
 Après-ski ritual: After a long day, I like stretching in the sauna; it helps all the sore muscles. And I love putting mint essential oil in the bath—both for relaxing muscles and for opening up airways so I can breathe better.    Favorite ski destination: We spent 20 days on two different trips to St. Moritz this winter. My older son, Otto, just started skiing this year. There wasn’t much snow in the beginning, so we went ice-skating on the lake, which was so nice. And for kids, there are these playgrounds you can go to on skis so the kids start being at ease. Personally, I started at 3 years old!

Olga Karput, fashion boutique owner Pre-ski prep: Skiing is a yearly routine for me, so I use only the products that really work. I definitely put on lots of sunscreen—never less than SPF 50. The brands can vary, but I really like those from Coola. I have about 20 lip balms and will use the one that is with me at the moment, which is often Vaseline. It’s a long story with my hair. My wish to keep it extra white made my hair quite dry and not easy to deal with. So I have dozens of masks and oils—recently I tried Olaplex. And I always keep my hair and hands covered with a hat and gloves.

Après-ski ritual: I love Tiger Balm for sore muscles. And I go to the hammam. Nothing restores muscles, moisturizes your skin and hair, and gives you that relaxed sensation better than being in there.

Favorite ski destinations: It’s a tradition for my family to go skiing for the New Year. Usually we go to the Alps. This year it was Courchevel in France; last year we went to Verbier in Switzerland. The French Alps are perfect for skiing—the slopes are wide and you can rent a chalet located right on the slopes.