Like most of the working population, I’m sleep deprived most of the time (these days, a weekend sleep-in is my ultimate luxury). Although I wage a daily battle with my snooze button each morning, most nights I’m working through my to-do list into the small hours vs getting an early night. But while I’m guilty of sacrificing a little sleep in favour of productivity, I’d rather not have my tiredness written all over my face each day and so ensure I put my skincare routine to work to minimise the signs of my sleep deprivation. Read on for my bedtime beauty rules and favourite products…
My five rules for maximising your bedtime beauty:
1// Cleanse properly. The first step to ensure you wake up looking less haggard is to remove every last trace of makeup. I’m a tiny bit OCD and cleanse three times; first I remove my eye makeup with Bioderma micellar water on a cotton pad, then an oil cleanser to melt away makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle gel cleanser.
2 // Treat + repair. Because cell turnover is at its highest when asleep, bedtime is your skin’s cue to repair and recover. Give it a boost and add a treatment serum before your face cream. I alternate between an exfoliating serum (to combat dullness), a multi-vitamin treatment (when skin is unbalanced or playing-up), and an anti-oxidant serum (to compensate for bad habits and city-dwelling). Put a stop to any blemishes with a spot treatment (this Kiehl’s version is ultra-effective).
3 // Moisturise. Hydration = happy skin. No matter what skin-type you have, a double dose of moisture is key to waking up pretty. I alternate between a good face cream and a hydrating face oil (or both if things are serious). Drinking a big glass of water before bed and another as soon as you wake up will help too, and don’t forget to slather on a rich lip balm and hand cream.
4 // Glow. My skin is naturally the colour of snow (so very un-Australian of me), but a lack of sleep seems to leave me with even less colour. If winter or tiredness have left you equally pale, a little tan will do wonders and make you look more well-rested than you really are. I alternate between Palmer’s gradual tanning moisturiser and James Read’s overnight tan; both are un-tinted so while you’ll wake up with a sun-kissed glow, your white sheets will not.
5 // Calm. It doesn’t do anything for my skin, but This Works ‘Deep Sleep’ range is like a beauty chill-pill at bedtime. I spray the lavender mist on my pillows each night (and use the the bath soak if there’s time for that) and, perhaps by association, fall asleep almost the moment I smell it.
Pictured: Olivia von Halle pyjamas (also available in cotton + a less-expensive style here) // Kate Spade sleep mask (sold out, but similar style here) // The White Company bedding // mirrored bedside table // table lamp // Diptyque candle // Jonathan Adler jewellery dish // Lulu Frost earrings // crystal earrings (vintage, but very similar style here) // books: ‘How to Have a Good Day‘ and ‘Talk Like TED‘ // Chanel ‘Beige Rose’ nail polish.
Beauty: Aerin Rose Oil c/- // Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair // Clarins Multi-Active night moisturiser c/- // This Works pillow mist // Aerin rose lip balm // Aesop hand cream // James Read Overnight Tan c/- // Aerin Ikat Jasmine perfume.
I’d love to know your favourite night-time products and tips for the best beauty sleep (please do share in the comments below).
Love, Miss B xx
Meagan says
Great post! Love your PJ’s!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Miss B says
Oh thank you so much!
B xx
Lauren says
Such good tips! I need to remember these, thanks x
http://www.wonkylauren.com
Miss B says
You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any requests.
B xx
iconluxury says
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Miss B says
Thank you! And keep up the good work!
B xx
Laura says
Great tips, I’m definitely going to try the pillow spray!
Miss B says
Ooh I definitely recommend it; it is so lovely (and makes me feel a bit like I’m staying in a fancy hotel)
B xx
Candice says
Those pjs OMG!!!!!! They look amazing
Beauty Candy Loves
Miss B says
Thank you! I’m such a sucker for beautiful sleepwear, and these are the very best.
B xx
Lauren Massarella says
Love all of your advice, products and photos. So beautiful and girly. Even though I am so pooped after a long day of teaching yoga – I make it a huge priority to prep my skin for sleep so it’s ready in the am. Thanks lady! xo
Miss B says
I love hearing that! It’s so important to take care of yourself, and for me those precious 5 minutes at the end of the day spent just on myself are so important.
B xx
Millie says
Really loving these simple tips x
Millie x
queenmillie.blogspot.com
Miss B says
Oh thank you!
B xx
Jasmin says
Hi there! I’m a long time reader but a first time commentor. 🙂 I was using the same night cream from Clarins for years until I discovered the Caudalie line recently. I now use their Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream. It works while you sleep to exfoliate your skin. I wake up in the morning and my skin is super soft. It’s a bit pricey but totally worth it in my opinion. 🙂
Jasmin
JasminLovesCoffee.blogspot.com
Miss B says
So lovely to have you around!
And thank you so much! I actually used to use (and love) Caudalie years ago, but haven’t used them in a long while so it’s definitely time for me to rediscover the line. Thank you so much for the tip!
B xx
Kenzie Ashley says
I love your blog and I would love if you checked mine out!!
http://positivelykenzie.com/2016/04/04/how-to-style-spring-2016-rompers/
Diana says
I really want to try out that ThisWorks deep sleep pillow spray. I have insomnia on certain nights and am curious if this will be helpful for me. Thanks for sharing!
Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com/blog
Saskia says
Great article, love it 🙂
Makayla says
Hey Miss B! What a awesome little post. All the info you need in one place. While all are super important, my favourite is the hydrating part. I moisturize and drink water before bed and every morning before I eat anything and it does wonders. These all seem like a lot steps but they are fun and the payoff is enormous!
Thanks 🙂
Tessa says
My biggest problem is actually sticking to doing these things every night! I should just remember to do it early in the evening so it doesn’t get to the point where I’m just too tired! x
http://www.hollysparkle.co.uk
Raquel says
So much eye candy in one post! I especially love the pjs. Great tips as well. Thanks Miss B.