There’s a George Silk photo taken in Sun Valley in 1946: Next to tin platters of bread slices and green olives, two skiers sunbathe in bikini tops fashioned from silk scarves, their skin lambent with a cold-cream sheen—at hands length away from each are a pack of Camels and a jar of skincare. That same year in Austria, chemist Franz Greiter (who went on to establish the SPF system) launched Piz Buin Gletscher Crème, a protective ski balm named for the mountain where, seven years before, he had gotten the worst sunburn of his life.
Seventy-nine years later, skincare is a snow-day essential (regardless of what Warren Miller's scene-stealing sunburns would have us believe), and this month, La Prairie teamed up with St. Regis Aspen for a "glass skin" pop-up, featuring deeply restorative après-ski facials from the iconic Swiss brand, a favorite of St. Regis Aspen Spa Director Amelia Winfrey. “Aspen’s high altitude and dry air can leave skin dehydrated, sensitive, and more prone to sun damage. The intense UV exposure accelerates aging, while cold winds cause chapping and irritation,” Winfrey tells me. “To stay radiant, I stay hydrated, wear SPF daily, and use La Prairie moisturizers.” With that regimen in mind CULTURED asked 10 creatives to share the TLC hydrating creams that keep their high-altitude skin in tip-top condition.
Aureta, designer and creative Director
“During winters, La Prairie's Pure Gold Radiance collection is a must for me.”
Vanessa von Bismarck, co-founder and partner at BPCM
“My face was super-chafed after skiing in Kitzbühel, Austria, and I had sandpaper skin and scrapes for almost a week. Using Irene Forte Hibiscus Serum and Night Cream took care of that in two days. Now I slather on the serum every time I get off the slopes.”
Tommy Buckett, hairstylist
“I use Bioeffect EGF Power Serum followed by Swiss Perfection RS-28 Rejuvenation Cream and, of course, IS Clinical Extreme Protect on the slopes. My skin gets dry and windburned easily and, let’s be honest, when I wipe out, the snow in my face can also feel dry and irritating. So after a day with snow and sun, these products soothe, smooth, and plump my skin back up.”
Georgia Dant, designer and founder of Marfa Stance
“My favorite moisturizer is my friend Tata Harper’s Water-Lock Moisturizer. I have used it for years now! It is a gel-crème, lightweight texture that really hydrates your skin and leaves you feeling fresh and with a lovely glow all day, which is of course very important when you are on the slopes.”
Chad DiNenna, co-founder of Nixon
“Sun Bum sunblock and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. I also love Range Essentials.”
Sophie Elgort, photographer
“My favorite cream that I've used for years outdoors in the winter is the Révive Moisturizing Renewal Day Cream because it has sunscreen in it and is pretty thick, which I need to keep hydrated in the cold weather.”
Liz Goldwyn, artist and writer of STARF*CKER
“I hate the cold, which is why I live in Hawaii. The only part of being in snow I enjoy is drinking hot chocolate. If I’m visiting a winter climate (anything under 60 degrees) I slather myself in Baumé 27 Créme from Cosmetics 27, a product line I was turned on to by my amazing facialist, Joomee Song.”
Jane Gottschalk, co-founder of Perfect Moment
“We made a co-branded ski cream with Barbara Sturm last season, and I still use that (although they don’t make it any more). Other than that I’m using beef tallow which I found on Instagram 😅—super thick and nourishing. Coconut oil as a staple. And always Guinot's Essential Nutri-Comfort face mask—super thick with essential oils.”
Jamie Rosen, writer of Office of the Surface
“I never travel without the original Weleda Skin Food. It really sticks to your face and does not let go. And Biologique Recherche Biokiss lip balm!”
Adam Stamp, artist
“For the last year, I've been obsessed with this Japanese brand Athletia and with their products. My skincare routine is basically the same from London's rain (and hard water), to sunny Rome, to Aspen or the Alps. For daytime, Skin Protection UV Gel is the perfect, non-oily SPF layer. Après is like a repeat of the start of the day: Treatment Cleansing Oil, followed by the Core Balance Toning Lotion, the lightest, most hydrating toner I've found. I also love their Refresh and Restart Tuning Aroma Mist and the Feel at Ease Hand Cream.”
