Six ways to boost your beauty sleep
Photo: @sofluffypl
Darker nights, shorter days and a sudden drop in temperature mean one thing: it’s time to hibernate. But are you all set to get a good night’s beauty sleep? A few simple switches to your evening routine and skincare regimen will ensure you sleep deeply, and wake up feeling (and looking) refreshed.
Never forget to cleanse
Whatever you do, don’t forget to cleanse your face before bed. In fact, make it nice and easy and cleanse as soon as you get home from work - otherwise you risk running out of energy and going to bed with your makeup on.
Even if you haven’t been wearing makeup, it’s still important to cleanse in order to get rid of any pollution, grime or leftover skincare residue from throughout the day. We love The Body Shop’s cult Camomile Cleansing Butter for a gorgeously luxurious balm that takes just minutes to use.
Massage your skin
Ditch your usual moisturiser and switch to a facial oil instead this autumn, like The Ordinary’s Rosehip Oil. Not only will the rich oil intensely hydrate your skin, by applying it you’ll automatically find yourself practicing a little facial massage before bed.
Just pop a couple of drops of the oil on your fingertips, then gently massage over the face, focusing on pressure points. Spend a good five minutes doing this - as well as waking up with beautifully nourished skin, you’ll also feel more relaxed and ready to drift off into a deep sleep.
Use an overnight mask
While you sleep, your skin will naturally repair itself - so why not give it an extra little boost with an overnight face mask? The Origins Drink Up Intensive is a must if you’re suffering from dry skin at this time of year. Just apply a thin layer before bed, and thirsty skin will literally ‘drink up’ the mask, leaving you with plump, glowing skin come morning.
Speaking of masks, why not opt for a sleep mask too? Blocking out light and protecting your delicate eye area at the same time, a sleep mask will help you drift of into a deep sleep - and reduce the chance of wrinkles too.
Light a candle
It might sound like a self-care cliche, but lighting a candle really can help you relax and get ready for bed. Look for one which uses aromatherapy oils and natural scents - we love KOHA’s Lavender Herb Coconut & Soy Wax candle.
Lavender is known for its relaxing properties, so burning this little beauty by your bedside will help you wind down and soothe your senses, relieving the stresses of the day. Just remember to blow it out before you go to sleep!
Photo: The Tog Tailor
Set the temperature
There’s nothing worse than trying to sleep when it’s too hot or too cold. Make sure your heating is set to a comfortable temperature, or crack open a window if the room feels too stuffy - yes, even in the autumn!
When it comes to bedtime, do you find yourself overheating while your partner’s feet feel like blocks of ice? The Tog Tailor have come up with the ideal solution - their duvet ‘additions’ attach to your usual duvet, essentially creating two different weights of duvet so your side is nice and cool while your partner stays toasty with their higher tog side. Genius!
Change Your Pillows
Find yourself waking up with newly-erupted spots more often than you’d like? Part of the problem might be your pillowcase. Make sure to wash your pillowcases, as well as the pillows themselves if possible, regularly to reduce the germs multiplying there.
If you toss and turn in the night, or if you sleep on your front, you pillow will soon get clogged with dead skin cells, sweat, oil and all sorts of other nastiness. Pop your pillowcases in for a hot wash, stat!