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Whether youre off on a skiing trip (you lucky thing), are just back or simply suffering from Britains extra-cold weather, there are plenty of beauty essentials - and some treats - that you need to stock up on. From heated hand warmers (essential) to luxury balms (treat), here are the ELLE teams cold weather heroes
Nourish your skin from the inside out. Nude’s food supplements really do work. Start taking these a week or two before your trip, during and after.
Hydrate Food Supplement, £52 by Nude Skincare
Prevent your skin from dehydrating in the cold temperatures and sun rays. Look for a moisturiser that has Glycerin, a humectant that attracts water to the skin and Hyaluronic Acid, which helps the skin retain moisture. This cream has both.
Intensif Hyaluronic, £46 for 50ml by Institut Esthederm at Selfridges
If you’re off to the slopes, you need sun protection. The higher the altitude the higher the ultra violet levels, plus the sun reflects off the snow; both factors can increase your chances of sun damage. This high factor sun lotion protects from both UVA and UVB rays, while also being resistant to water and perspiration.
Sun Defense Sport SPF 40, £67 by Natura Bisse 020 7730 1234
Pop this high factor mini face cream and lip balm in your pocket. It will come in useful if you start to feel the burn mid ski.Face Protection Cream + Lip Protection SPF 50, £3.99 by Malibu
Switching between freezing temperatures and heated chalets will wreak havoc on your skin. Pack a good back-to-basics body lotion. This moisturiser, with sweet almond oil, is super hydrating and softening.Moisturising Creamy Oil, £6.99 by Aveeno at Boots
These genius hand warmers heat up at the click of a button and stay warm. Slip them in your gloves. Hot Gel Handwarmers, £5.90 for two by Gelert
This SPF 30 lip balm comes complete with a clip - very practical. Loop it onto your belt, jacket or get yourself a lanyard to hang it from. Spf 30 Lip balm with clip, £3.99 by Eco Lips at Bath & Unwind
We can’t recommend this highly enough. Divine smelling, and super thick, this shea butter melts to an oil consistency at body temperature. Smother it on dry patches, or heat the pot in hot water and apply to dry hair for an intensive treatment. Pure bliss in a jar. Lotus and Frangipani Flowers Shea Butter, £32 for 200g, by La Sultane de Saba. For stockists call 01483 42 77 44.
Clinique’s Deep Comfort hand cream has had many a beauty editor rave about it. The rich cream soaks in fast and hydrates the skin for 12 hours; so you can slather it on first thing and head off for the day without being lumbered with lotions and potions.
Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream, £14.50 by Clinique
This balm is practicality in a pot. It heals scratches, aches, pains and bruises thanks to the arnica. Don’t leave for holiday without it. Once you’re home pop it in your First Aid box for exercise-related scrapes and aches.
Alpine SOS Balm, £23 by Huiles & Baumes. For stockists call 01483 42 77 44.
You don’t need a pricey body wash, especially not on holiday. Just make sure it’s moisturising. This Champneys cleanser smells great thanks to the blend of coconut oil, geranium, orange and cedarwood; plus, it’s extra hydrating.
Moisture Miracle Skin Comforting Body Wash, £6 by Champneys
RMK’s cute pot of massage balm comes with its own mitt, with which you simply follow the four step massage guide. The point of this ritual? All that alpine wind is bound to slow down circulation in the skin; this balm with avocado, jojoba and olive oil gets things moving again.
Circulating & Refreshing Massage Balm, £30 by RMK
If your skin feels dehydrated and weak you need this to perk things up. Avene’s soothing mask contains Avene Thermal Spring Water with skin friendly minerals and is suitable for the most sensitive of skins. After just 15 minutes your skin will looks visibly renewed.
Soothing Moisture Mask, £10.95 by Avene
This hair mask is packed with ingredients that your hair really needs – vitamin b1, b6 and amino acids, among others. If the cold weather leaves your hair stressed out then slather this on ASAP. It will restore hair to its crowning glory in just one application.
Enriching Hair Treatment, £55 by Realhair
This is a pure, unadulterated treat - ideal if you’re feeling those winter blues. The thick, buttery balm will leave even the most desert-like skin soothed. It works really well with the Vitamin E scrub too …
Vitamin E Body Balm, £50 for 185ml, by Jo Malone
This cleansing mask from Mavala doesn’t just leave hands squeaky clean, it gets them so soft and smooth you may not even recognise them. Simply slather hands in the mask, which has a cream-come-scrub consistency, and place them in the disposable plastic gloves provided; wait ten minutes and voila! Baby soft hands.
Cleansing Mask for hands, £17.85 by Mavala
Vitamin E and jojoba oil are go-to ingredients if you want hydrated skin and this treatment has both. The cream smells like a spa-in-a-jar, is easily absorbed and works a treat on dry patches. The jar will look lovely in your bathroom, too.
Sandalwood Intensive Hand & Foot Treatment, £35 by Cowshed
Containing Mimosa, Green Algae and Argan Leaf Extract, Origin’s Starting Over helps the skin to rebuild collagen, in turn improving the skin’s tone and appearance of wrinkles. Ideal if your skin has been ravaged from the sun or wind. The consistency and citrus scent is light and comforting.
Starting Over Age Erasing Moisturiser with Mimosa, £34 by Origins
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