The snowy winter weather means it's ski season, complete with cozy evenings spent by the fire, sipping hot toddies and spending time with friends. While you're packing for your weekends on the slopes, make sure to stash the following six essentials in your bag. They'll keep you looking great after a day of double diamonds (or, ahem, the bunny hills), as well as protect your skin and hair from the chilly, alpine elements.


1. Sunscreen

Just because it's cold and overcast doesn't mean you don't need sunscreen. In fact, it's crucial for skiing: Harmful rays bounce off the white snow and can give you quite a sunburn. Smooth on an SPF over 40 (we love La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Face) before heading outside. It's water-resistant, lightweight and delicate enough for sensitive skin.

Heavy makeup can look obvious when you're out on the powder. Opt instead for a BB cream, which will give you a sheer wash of coverage, as well as a radiant glow. It will also even out your skin tone and keep your skin moisturized and supple. We love Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream, because it's super hydrating and offers extra SPF.

A two-in-one conditioning mascara, like L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Waterproof Mascara, is perfect for a day on the slopes. The base coat fortifies the lashes and protects them from the dry air, while the color coat lengthens and defines. And the waterproof formula means you won't worry about smudges when you stop in the lodge for hot cocoa.

4. Tinted Lip Balm

Moisturizing your lips is a must when you're out in the cold, so always have a pout protector in your pocket. Lancôme Baume in Love Sheer Tinted Lipbalm is creamy, comforting and comes in eight sheer shades. (Our favorite is Rose in Love, a pretty and natural-looking light pink!)

Your hands are put through the ringer when you're schussing down the slopes, even when covered by gloves. Make sure you have a small tube of lotion, like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, to soothe dry hands and flaky cuticles.

Skin and lips aren't the only things affected by the cold, dry air. You'll want to keep your hair hydrated by bringing along a deep-conditioning mask. Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Softening Hair Mask is an intensely moisturizing treatment that's easy to throw into your bag. It fortifies brittle strands, controls frizz and makes hair super soft, leaving you with healthy-looking locks that you can show off après-ski.

What do you have to have when you go away for a ski weekend? Tell us in the comments!