Cold weather beauty essentials for the active snow bunny

I don’t remember the first time I went sledding, but I sure do remember the last. It was one of those rare snow days off from school, and to celebrate, my friends and I did only what was appropriate – we spent all day in the snow, sledding and making snowballs in the cold afternoon sun. After we were worn out, we headed back to our houses to lazily enjoy the rest of our day off, red faced and flushed from the cold.

Only our red faces never went away. In fact, they became worse, growing redder and redder; we all had second-degree sunburn, and unpleasing boils and blisters that lasted for days. Add this pain to the humiliation we felt when we had to go back to school (middle school non the less), and you can understand why I have never again participated in any winter activity that may be harmful to my pale complexion, at least not without the proper skincare. Below are some products that I wish I had that day, but I’m sure to pack for my next ski trip or winter adventure.

Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Ski Combi SPF 15

($7.99, amazon.com)

Snow reflects up to 80 percent of UV light from the sun, making one twice as exposed to these harmful rays while playing outside. This two-in-one stick is specially formulated to protect against high altitude UVA and UVB rays, and can be applied to both lips and face, keeping both of them smooth and kissable for long winter nights ahead.

Ole Henriksen Skin Insulator SPF 15 

($20, olehenriksen.com)

Many Colorado ski resorts have a base altitude over 9,000 feet, meaning that UV radiation on the slopes may be 35 to 45 percent more intense than at sea level. Apply this skin insulator after your normal cleansing routine before your day in the snow, as its borage seed oil will protect your skin from the elements, keeping it moisturized all day.

ESPA Fitness Body Oil 

($67, us.espaonline.com)

Though pricy, this moisturizing oil promises to relieve tired muscles and ease aches and pains after a long day of snowy activity. Massage into skin before and after winter exertion or, even better, have a significant other do the honors, turning this restorative treatment into healing erotic message oil. Now the price doesn’t look so bad, huh?

Mission SPF 30 No Sting Sunscreen Facestick 

($7.99, missionathletecare.com)

The threat of UV radiation exposure rises four to five percent every 1,000 feet above sea level, increasing the risk of sun-induced skin damage each step of the way. This facestick allows for no-mess application, perfect for sunscreen retouches without removing your hands from your cozy mittens. Once more, the no-sting formula won’t burn your eyes like regular sunscreen, no matter how sweaty you get up on the mountain, skiing or “romping” merrily in the snow.

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream 

($6.99, drugstore.com)

I won’t promise that this hair treatment will prevent the inevitable snow day hat hair, but it will help keep strands moisturized during long, dry winter months. A small amount applied to damp or dry hair will help smooth and condition damaged strands, preventing fly-aways and frizz. The formula also contains UV filters as an added bonus, keeping your locks silky and smooth before and after outdoor activities.