Favorite Things: The Best Products to Feel Beautiful and Warm on the Mountain

Although my heart belongs in the mountains and there is no place I’d rather live, I sometimes feel like my genetics are telling me I should pick a different climate to call home. The harsh and dry air of the Rocky Mountains along with the high altitude not only leave me breathless, but take a major toll on my skin. It’s one of the reasons why I love escaping somewhere warm every few months. It’s not that I hate the cold, I just genuinely believe that my body needs exposure to humidity to survive.

Actually, scratch that… survival sounds a bit dramatic, but the truth is, I feel much prettier in humidity. My skin becomes hydrated and supple, and my hair has texture and bounce. But once I land at Denver International Airport, I’m suddenly back to my dry, scaly, flat self. So what do I do when I need to feel my best in the mountains?

After 3 years of living above 8,000 feet, I have tried several products and through trial and error, I have finally found my favorite things! The products below are what I use everyday and have passed the test of being outside for hours while I lap the mountains on my snowboard.

Favorite Skincare: The Ordinary

Hydration is super important in the cold, dry air and I have found the best products through The Ordinary. My favorites include “the buffet” a multi-peptide serum that hydrates and fights the signs of aging, the moisturizer, primers, retinoid formula, and the AHA/BHA peel. Basically, anything that fights dullness, drying and is anti-aging is my go to and this fall/winter, my skin has been looking amazing! Check out their entire line at either Sephora or Ulta and I’m sure you’ll find something right for you.

Favorite Sunscreen: Supergoop

I was first introduced to Supergoop by Vail Resorts when they sent me my first package of goodies when I agreed to be an influencer. I have always been an advocate for wearing sunscreen everyday, especially on my face, but I could never find a good face sunscreen that didn’t make me shiny or oily under my makeup. I was thrilled to discover Supergoop and the wide selection of SPF they have for faces. My current favorites are the eye cream and CC cream, and next on my list to try are their matte primers and setting powder. I mean setting powder with SPF?! Such a great idea!

Favorite Makeup: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation

We moved to the mountains when we were 29 and it was then that I realized my usual drug store foundation was no longer working for me. Due to the dry climate and my skin just changing from getting older, I tried every foundation that claimed to be “hydrating” and nothing made me happy. I would find that after a day on the mountain, my face would get dry and the foundation would crack, flake or seep into the lines on my face. I would end of looking dry and older. After reading several reviews online, specifically from women who lived in the cold and were over the age of 30, I decided to try Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation and this is the best foundation I have ever tried! The coverage is buildable, it keeps my face super hydrated even after spending the whole day snowboarding plus it has SPF!

Favorite Chapstick: Seventh Sense CBD Lip Therapy and Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Obviously, if you’re going to be out in the cold, you need to keep chapstick with you at all times! Before I leave the house, I like to use Seventh Sense CBD Lip Therapy as a base on my lips. This lip balm contains several nourishing oils including CBD and I always feel like I’m giving my lips vitamins that keep them hydrated throughout the day. When I’m out on the mountain, I like to keep Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in my pocket. Not only is it hydrating, but the slight burst of color keeps my face from looking washed out and plain under my helmet and goggles.

Favorite Hand Cream: Seventh Sense CBD Healing Hand Cream

My hands definitely take a beating in the winter from the dry air and constant hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. If I don’t make a habit of moisturizing, my hands start to crack and bleed. I keep a bottle of Seventh Sense CBD Healing Hand Cream by my bed and in my bag. A small dollop in the morning, in the afternoon, and before bed keeps my hands hydrated and glowing through the cold days.

Favorite Base Layers: 32 Degrees

I have tried an array of base layers from Burton to Hot Chilly’s and I never imagined that the best ones I’d find would be from Costco. 32 Degrees base layers are thin, comfortable and very warm. Unlike thicker ones I have tried before, my snow pants fit perfectly over these base layers and I can stay comfortable on the mountain without looking incredibly bulky. I found my top and pants at Costco, but you can also check out their incredible deals on their website.

Favorite Vacuum Sealed Bottle: Hydroflask

Before heading out for a day on the mountain, I like to bring my Hydroflask vacuum sealed bottle. Why? It keeps drinks hot for hours and I can’t afford to buy $5 hot chocolates every time we go out (that can add up quick in one season!) I usually keep my bottle in the car or find a hiding place around the resort. When it’s time for a break and my son wants a hot drink, I bust out the Hydroflask even if it’s been several hours since I poured something in it. Here’s a tip: keep a lookout for sales on these bottles especially the odd colored ones. I purchased mine for 50% off because it happened to be bright magenta.

Those are my current favorite things to stay warm and beautiful on the mountain. Any questions, or anything to add to the list, let me know below!