Following last week’s feature on the best sunscreen for skiing, here is what to use to keep your skin from drying to the consistency of a prune. Balms are thick enough for when the mercury drops, they’re also versatile and economical – making them perfect for taking on a ski trip. Jo Fernandez rounds up six suitable products.

The softest lips

There’s something comforting about this retro-style tiny tube of thick colourless, odourless balm. Based on childhood memories of her grandparent’s sheep-farm in South Australia, for creator Kirsten the feel of lanolin on her lips moisturised better than anything else. This useful 5gm tube of multipurpose balm can be used anywhere and scores extra points for being paraben and animal-cruelty free.
Where to buy: Lanolips 101 Ointment £10.99, from Boots.

Stay young

100% organic Frankincense Anti-Aging Balm is bursting with high quality oils, from pure frankincense to argan, avocado and rosehip. Created to rejuvenate dull and dry skin by owner Jackie, who had given up on finding a product that didn’t irritate her sensitive skin, it certainly does the trick.

A little goes a long way too. Warm it in your fingers and it melts into the skin for use all over the body. Oh yes, and it’s vegan too.
Where to buy: Earthzest Frankincense Anti-Aging Balm, £25.99, from Earthzest.

Spa in a pot

Luxurious British brand ila have done well in creating a product whose musky smell transports you to a heavenly spa. This large pot contains a butter-thick, aromatic balm that soaks into dry skin with rose geranium and omega essential oils. You can ease ski boot aches by rubbing some on your feet underneath cotton socks for a softening overnight foot treatment.
Where to buy: Ila Body Balm, £51, from ila.

Sweet and punchy

Small but packing a punch, this sweet-smelling, tinted and very shiny balm comes in a choice of eight shades.
Where to buy: Clinique Superbalm, £16, from Clinique.

Feel like a film star

A glamorous pot of pink, sweet smelling balm that makes you come over all Doris Day…

Apply as a deep cleansing face balm; slather on as a regenerating mask or use topically on areas in dire need of some TLC such as cuticles and feet.
Where to buy: Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow, £45, from Charlotte Tilbury.

Heavenly hydration

This rich waxy balm dissolves makeup and dirt almost instantly but can also be massaged in as moisturiser to combat severely dehydrated skin. It smells so heavenly, packed with rose wax, mimosa, wheatgerm and starflower oils, that I wasn’t sure whether to wear it or eat it.
Where to buy: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £39.50, from Elemis.