IT'S that ski time of year, and despite depressing reports of a lack of snow on the slopes, things are still up and running in snowland, so it's time to get packing. This week, it's all about Beauty and the Piste.

You may have stocked up on your Topshop ski gear, but have you given enough thought as to what beauty items you need to take with you? Every day your face will be exposed to a cold and harsh environment, while at night you'll need to be looking your best for the après-ski parties. It's a tough life.

In recent years, sun cream manufacturers have brought out ski creams to protect your face from the elements. The glare from the sun on snow can burn skin as effectively as a week in the Costa del Sol, while grating winds and the biting cold can leave your face dry and taut.

Ski creams are, in reality, sun creams with a picture of a snowy mountain on the bottle. But aren't we all suckers for this kind of marketing? Two good ones are Ambre Solaire UV Ski Protection Cream SPF 15 (Euro9.60) and Boots Soltan Ski Extreme Lotion SPF 15 (Euro9.10).

As well as a protector for the elements, a good moisturiser is advisable to slap on at the end of the day. New La RochePosay Nutritic for Dry and Very Dry Skin (Euro14.95) has just been launched especially for the ski season. It fights the four signs of winter dehydration - tightness, fragility, rigidity and roughness - and leaves skin nourished and smooth.

Lips are also at risk, so don't forget a good SPF lip balm. My favourite is Burt's Bees Weatherproofing Lip Balm for Sun and Snow (Euro4.50). It tastes yummy.

In all the excitement, don't forget about your hands (as tempting as it may be to do so).

Both the cold and those massive ski gloves you'll be wearing are likely to dry them out. Any good hand cream will do the trick, but if you're feeling luxurious give Elizabeth Arden's Intensive Moisturising Treatment (Euro23) a bash.

Dry hands might slip your memory, but trust me, your tired, aching feet will be ingrained on your brain at the end of every skiing day. Make sure to give them some TLC every night and extra attention in the bath or shower. Origin's Reinventing the Heel cream (Euro25) is like rubbing warm butter into your tootsies - highly recommended before wincing your way into your party boots.

And for the rest of those aching limbs, a bottle of massage oil is a must. L'Occitane Aromachologie Well-Being Oil (Euro15) is a soothing blend of lavender, geranium, rosemary and sage that will help you wind down after a long day.

Although if you want to feel really pampered before you hit the slopes, you should consider treating yourself to a Guinot Aromatic Spa, Face and Body treatment. Available at the Rosanna Crothers salon in Donnybrook and selected salons nationwide, this two hour treatment (Euro130) is perfect for getting your mind and body ready for the skiing trip.

Finally, don't forget your hair, because this is where it could all go horribly wrong.

Always wear a hat or keep your hood up when you're outdoors and bring along a good hair mask or treatment to keep dehydration and frizziness at bay. Kerastase Resistance Force Intense Treatment (Euro30) will help keep your locks tamed and glossy for the evening parties.

Obviously, you'd need a second suitcase if you wanted to do all this (and with current baggage charges, that's not such a hot idea).

So think about popping into your local Boot's store. They stock a good range of empty plastic bottles and pots to decant your lotions into. Just get a good labelling system set up before you start - rubbing foot lotion on your face isn't a whole lot of fun.