Let’s talk bedtime beauty routine. Sure, we know to take off our makeup and brush our teeth before falling asleep, but why is an extended bedtime beauty routine so essential? To put it simply, our skin works overtime at night as our bodies repair and renew skin cells. Having a bedtime beauty routine primes skin to do its best regenerating — and eight hours of downtime is ideal for products to work their magic.
Still, that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. You can actually switch to a more effective, fast and hassle-free routine if you have the right products.
Whether you’re a 10-step Korean skin care devotee or into bare-bones beauty, there are the five products you need to make the most of your beauty sleep.
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5 things your bedtime beauty routine must have
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An Exfoliating Cleanser
May Lindstrom Skin The Clean Dirt Brightening Exfoliant Treatment, $70 at May Lindstrom Skin
Opt for a cleanser that doubles as a scrub so you can also use it to get rid of residual makeup. This cleanser has water-activated vitamin C, which helps stimulate cell rejuvenation. To get the full skin-brightening benefits, massage this on your skin for at least two minutes before rinsing off.
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A Calming Jelly Mask
Lush FOMO Jelly Face Mask, $13.95 at Lush
You may be comfortable sleeping with a thick moisturizing mask on, in which case we commend you and your devotion to seriously hydrated skin. But if you like to let your skin breathe while you sleep, choose a jelly-based mask for quick absorption and comfort. Lush's jelly mask is super affordable and has calamine powder to soothe your skin, meaning that you can make it a nightly indulgence.
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A Hydrating Face Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $13.47 at Amazon
When selecting a face serum, let your skin type guide you. While those with dry or normal skin might favor an oil-based serum, others might find a water-based product takes their skin to its happy place. One of the most versatile serums out there is this one from The Ordinary. It's oil-free and is like a tall glass of water for your skin.
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A Soothing Facial Mist
Avène Thermal Spring Water, $18.50 at Avène
If you want to feel truly luxurious about your bedtime beauty routine, here's a tip: Your bedside table must have a good facial mist. Go for Avène's Thermal Spring Water, which is budget friendly and yet a hit with the A-list crowd. This is the best mist for sensitive skin and helps calm your skin — especially when you're stressed out or traveling.
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A Restorative Eye Cream
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, $48 at Nordstrom
When it comes to eye cream, go for the big guns. This creamy eye treatment is infused with avocado oil, which intensely hydrates the undereye area for a plumping, I-drink-green-juice-and-do-yoga effect.
