The Ski Travel Edit: Ski Beauty Essentials
Ok, so you’ve come across this post because you are going skiing and you’re a girly girl. Now skiing is not your typical activity to wear makeup for, but that does NOT mean you can’t wear makeup!
As someone who competitively ski raced for 15 years and continues to ski quite a few days a winter in the mountains of Colorado, I have a few beauty recs that are staples for me when heading out on the slopes.
And after years of ski trips, cold-weather travel, and learning the hard way what not to wear on the mountain, I’ve refined a ski beauty routine that’s simple, functional, and actually works. Think: breathable skin, SPF that doesn’t pill, mascara that won’t smudge, and lip products that survive cold wind and champagne breaks.
Also, Hi there! My name is Sydney and welcome to my blog, The Après Society! I cover a variety of travel and skiing related topics, as these are my passions in life, and I am so excited and fulfilled to be writing about them. I hope this blog makes your life just a little bit better either with travel hacks, outfit inspiration, or just pure entertainment.
Without further ado, let’s explore my ski beauty essentials:
What Makes Ski Beauty Different?
Before diving into products, it’s important to understand why ski beauty needs its own approach.
Cold Weather Changes Everything
Cold temperatures strip moisture from your skin faster than almost any other environment. Add in altitude, UV reflection from snow, and wind exposure, and your skin is going throughhhh it just to stay balanced. An believe me, you will notice!
Less Is Truly More
Heavy foundation, powder, contour, and full eye makeup don’t mix well with helmets, goggles, scarves, or sweat. Ski beauty is about enhancing, not masking, your natural features. And I don’t mean to piss you off and be that girl with that statement, but I say this because the elements/ski jacket/neck warmer typically wear off makeup anyways plus, getting foundation out of the padding of helmets and goggles is nearly impossible and just leads to clogged pores and breakouts in the future. So, I mean this in the nicest way possible, less is more when it comes to ski makeup.
Protection Is the Priority
The sun is stronger at altitude, even on cloudy days. UV rays reflect off snow, meaning your skin and lips are exposed from every angle. SPF isn’t optional! Even for your lips! It’s the foundation of your entire routine. Nothing, and I mean nothing is worse than burnt lips and the only time I’ve gotten a lip sunburn is from skiing.
The Golden Rules of Ski Beauty
Before we get into individual products, here are the principles that guide every great ski beauty routine:
- Hydration first, makeup second
- SPF is non-negotiable
- Cream and liquid formulas outperform powders
- Everything should multitask
- If it won’t survive wind, sweat, and goggles, skip it
Tinted Moisturizer or Skin Tint: Your Ski Base Hero
Why Foundation Is a Bad Idea on the Slopes
Traditional foundation tends to:
- Emphasize dry patches
- Separate in cold temperatures
- Transfer onto goggles, helmets, and neck warmers
- Feel heavy and uncomfortable
What to Use Instead
A tinted moisturizer or skin tint with SPF is the ultimate ski beauty essential. It evens out skin tone while letting your natural skin show through, and it moves with your face rather than sitting on top of it. My go-to tinted moisturizer/skin tint is the Hourglass Skin Tint. It’s lightweight, but still provides a little bit of coverage.
What to Look For
- Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane)
- A natural or dewy finish
- Lightweight, breathable texture
How to Apply on a Ski Day
Apply with clean fingers rather than a brush or sponge. The warmth of your hands helps the product melt into your skin and prevents streaking, especially helpful when you’re getting ready in a chilly lodge or hotel room.
But First, Moisturizer!
This should go without saying, but ladies, wear your SPF! This Murad Moisturizer has been my daily moisturizer all year round for years now. It’s on the pricier side, but I have to admit, this is my repeat product that I will always restock. It’s lightweight, and it works well with makeup.
In addition, nothing is worse than burnt lips. Don’t forget your SPF lip tint or balm! I love this SPF 30 lip balm from INNBeauty because it has that SPF along with a slight tint for some color.
Speaking of SPF…
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: you can’t out-beauty sun damage.
Why SPF Matters More in the Mountains
- UV exposure increases with altitude
- Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays
- Cold air masks sunburn until it’s too late
Best SPF Types for Skiing
- Mineral SPF for sensitive skin
- Chemical SPF for lighter, invisible finishes
- SPF sticks for quick reapplication on the go
Where to Apply (And Reapply)
- Face (especially nose and cheeks)
- Lips
- Under eyes
- Jawline
- Back of neck
Yes, reapply. Especially if you’re skiing all day.
Concealer: Spot Coverage Only
Instead of full foundation, a small amount of concealer goes a long way!
Where Concealer Works Best
- Under the eyes
- Any redness or blemishes
What and Where to Avoid
- Thick, matte formulas
- Heavy baking or setting
- Around the nose as it will rub off with goggles
- Forehead because again, it will rub off with goggles
Tap concealer in gently with your ring finger and leave it at that. The goal is fresh, not flawless.
Liquid Blush: Cold-Weather Glow Without the Powder
My number one recommendation for adding a touch of makeup to your ski look is a tinted lip/cheek stain. This makes it soooo easy to add some color to your lips and add some blush that will last all day. My favorite is a cult favorite, and you can probably guess it… Benetint!
Powder blush tends to cling to dry skin in cold weather. Liquid blush, on the other hand, blends seamlessly and gives that “just came in from the cold” flush, a perfect ski beauty essential!
Why Liquid Blush Is Perfect for Ski Days
- Doesn’t cake or crack
- Adds warmth to the face
- Doubles as lip color in a pinch
Best Shades for Ski Beauty
- Soft rose
- Peach
- Warm berry
Apply lightly to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples. A little goes a long way.
Let’s Talk About Mascara
Mascara on a ski day is optional, but if you wear it, it needs to perform! No streaky or running mascara while skiing!
What to Look For
- Water-resistant or Waterproof – an absolute must!!!
- Lightweight texture
- Smudge-proof finish
What to Avoid
- Heavy volumizing mascaras
- Fiber formulas
Brows: Keep Them Natural and Soft
Brows frame your face, especially when half of it is covered by goggles and a helmet.
Simple Brow Routine
- Brush brows upward with a spoolie
- Use a tinted brow gel if needed
- Fill in lightly with a brow pencil
You want your brows to look groomed, not overdone. I love the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pencil and Brow Freeze.
Highlighter: Optional, But Strategic for Skiing
If you love glow, you can still make it work on a ski day, just be selective.
How to Use Highlighter in Cold Weather
- Choose a cream or balm formula
- Apply sparingly to high points of the face
- Avoid glitter or chunky textures
A subtle sheen on the cheekbones can look beautiful in snowy light. Bonus, I LOVE this blush/highlighter combo product from e.l.f. if you are looking to combine products!
Setting Spray Over Powder
Powder can make skin look dry and flat in cold conditions. A hydrating setting spray locks everything in while maintaining a natural finish.
Look For:
- Alcohol-free formulas
- Hydrating ingredients
- Lightweight mist
I use frequently the ONE/SIZE On Till Dawn Setting Spray. I first experienced this product while getting my makeup professionally done at a wedding and the makeup artist was raving about it. My makeup stayed all. day. long. It’s is MUA approved and let me tell you, this stuff LOCKS it in.
BONUS: My FAV Skin Prep for that Extra Glow While Skiing
Ok, so this product has been an unexpected addition to my everyday and ski makeup routine. The Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid. I first got this product at a “favorites” gift exchange and I had never heard of it, but the girl I received from could not stop talking about how much she loves this! And yep, new favorite of mine and I have put my friends on!
Whenever I use this product, I always get compliments that I look like I am glowing. I love this product because even though it’s an oil, it’s not greasy and it’s super hydrating. A perfect ski beauty essential to give you glow and hydration while skiing. I apply it after my moisturizer and before any makeup or skin tint.
Après-Ski Beauty: Transition to Party Without Starting Over
One of the best parts of ski beauty is how easily it transitions to après! Woohoo! You earned the party time!
Quick Après Refresh
- Reapply lip tint
- Add a second coat of mascara
- Tap on a bit more liquid blush
- Smooth brows
That’s it. You’re ready for champagne, fondue, or a fireside cocktail without heading back to square one.
Ski Skincare Essentials (Don’t Skip These)
Makeup only looks good if your skin is healthy, especially in cold, high-altitude environments! Ski conditions are harsh, and your skincare routine should focus on protection, hydration, and repair.
Morning Skincare
Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, followed by a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration. Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF, even on cloudy days, and don’t forget your lips and under-eye area. A hydrating mist can also help prep skin before makeup.
Nighttime Recovery
After a full day on the mountain, cleanse thoroughly to remove sunscreen, sweat, and wind exposure. Layer a soothing serum, then seal everything in with a thick night cream or sleeping mask to help repair the skin barrier overnight.
Cold weather is not the time for aggressive exfoliation or harsh actives! It’s all about hydration, hydration, hydration!
Packing Your Ski Beauty Kit
Keep it simple. If you want to bring some ski beauty essentials on the mountain with you, your ski beauty bag should fit in your carry-on or ski jacket pocket.
Ski Beauty Essentials Checklist
- Tinted moisturizer with SPF
- Sunscreen stick
- Liquid blush
- Mascara
- Brow gel
- Lip tint or balm
Elevated Ski Beauty Essentials: Effortless Beauty, Mountain Edition
Ski beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about confidence, comfort, and protection in an environment that’s anything but forgiving. When your routine works with the mountain instead of against it, everything feels easier: getting ready in the morning, staying comfortable on the lifts, and transitioning seamlessly into après without needing a full reset.
By focusing on hydrating formulas, breathable coverage, and sun protection, you’re investing in your skin long-term, not just for one trip, but for every cold-weather adventure ahead. The right ski beauty essentials allow you to look fresh, healthy, and naturally put together while still prioritizing performance and practicality.
At the end of the day, the best ski makeup routine is the one you barely think about because you’re too busy chasing good snow, golden-hour views, and those unforgettable alpine moments that make ski trips so special.
Because the best ski beauty look?
Healthy skin, rosy cheeks, hydrated lips and a glow that comes from actually enjoying the mountain.
My favorites are products that are simple, but can make a big impact and are long-lasting. And let’s be honest, you probably won’t look perfect all day, but I hope these products help you feel a bit more put together while you are out there enjoying the mountain! Enjoy!
For more style guides, view my blog page.
This post contains links to affiliate websites, and I may receive an affiliate commission (at not cost to you!) for any purchases made by you using these links. I appreciate your support!
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