Boy have I been MIA… I just returned from a 10-day, action-packed vacation, and now it’s back to reality. But don’t let my time off fool you – I’m back with a whole new batch of beauty knowledge. But before I get to how to post-Holiday cleanse, the best way to loose weight and restart your system and how-to get your skin, makeup and hair looking and feeling better than ever for a ridiculously amazing 2014, let’s talk about the après-ski beauty secrets I picked up on my most recent trip to the mountains.

I spent 4 insanely wonderful days in Aspen, over the New Year’s holiday. We did it all. Skied, stretched (yoga, of course), shopped, indulged in some cozy winter menus, sipped on champagne and hot toddies, and  partied a little too much. My favorite part of the day? Après-ski. Duh. This is when you reward yourself for bearing the freezing cold to ski and snowboard. For my friends and I, après-ski took place at the one and only Little Nell—a gorgeous ski resort in Aspen. A huge group of us would come together right off the mountain, ski boots and all, and get cozy to rehash the day.

Looking good is difficult when you’ve just sailed down a mountain of snow, so how is it even possible to show up looking and feeling glamorous for après-ski activities? I discovered a few products to make the seemingly impossible, possible.

Since time is of the essence, there’s no going home to freshen up after you hit the slopes, so you really need to master your morning beauty routine. You want to look well groomed, but not overdone. After all, Aspen style is chic, but effortless. This is how I mastered après-ski:

THE CONCEALER: One of my favorite friends Natalie (seen on the right), has the most flawless skin, so I couldn’t help but peek into her makeup bag. Her beauty secret? Nars Radiant Concealer (in Vanilla). Immediately, I had to try it, and let me tell you, Natalie didn’t lie – it is the best. Where had this little baby been my entire life? Everyone needs this concealer to arm themselves against the dry and cold months ahead.

The Nars formula is virtually crease-proof. It evens skin tone in the most hydrating way possible with light diffusing technology that creates a softer, smoother complexion while instantly obscuring imperfections and diminishing fine lines and signs of fatigue. I applied this in the morning under my eyes and around the corners of my nose before skiing and then before my après-ski agenda. Note: weirdly, Natalie’s skin is way tanner than mine, but this light color looked amazing on both skin tones.

THE BROW: Nothing compliments a clean complexion like a solid brow. Naturally, I have pretty thick brows, but that doesn’t mean I don’t work hard to enhance and perfect them. Remember, brows are sisters, not twins. I have tried every brow pencil out there, but right before the holidays, I got my hands on Kevyn Aucoin Precision Brow Pencil (in Ash Blond). The design is amazing and texture is to die for. The retractable pen-like applicator provides a thin, sharp tip every time – so you can create a natural-looking, perfectly groomed brow. There’s a brush on the opposite side that can be used to brush and smooth everything into place.

THE LIP: It’s pretty obvious, but lip balm is SO key when braving the cold. I applied Eve Lom’s Kiss Mix throughout the day—it’s my absolute favorite. It’s super hydrating and gives you a creamy rich finish. The only downside is it doesn’t include SPF, so I had to bring along a second product. During the day you absolutely need a SPF. It’s essential. On top of the Eve Lom, I apply Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in Rose. It gives me the cutest poppy red tinted lip that looks chic both on and off the mountain, without looking like you are trying too hard. For après-ski, I would use my ring finger to apply the tiniest bit of balm onto my cheeks to compliment my natural wind-burned glow.

THE SKIN: To protect my skin, I used the one and only Chantecaille Just Skin Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. This is literally the best. In the am, after going through my entire skincare routine, I wait a few minutes to let everything set. Then, I take my Caudalie Beauty Elixir and spray it liberally all over my face. This makes Chantecaille’s Moisturizer super easy to apply and it falls effortlessly into my pours. The tint is just perfect and looks completely natural and lasts literally all day long! Its super glowy too.

THE GLOW: Spending an entire day skiing means that your skin is sustainable to getting very, very dry and therefore dull and flat. Yikes. Avoid this look with my favorite luminizer! Achieve a pearly glow using MAC Strobe Cream. It’s a cult classic and has been a favorite of mine for years. I like to mix this baby right into my Chantecaille Moisturizer for a lovely, luminous glow. One pump of each mixed together creates the perfect face.

Put your hair in a braid, (when you are skiing that is), and simply follow these steps on and off the mountain for a wintery beauty look that will have your friends jealous of how effortlessly natural and perfect your skin looks.