How do you like to wind down before bed?
I try to avoid tech and screens as much as possible, but to be honest I don’t always succeed (I have such a bad habit of watching the latest news before going to sleep). I’m making myself get into the routine of lighting a relaxing candle, having a herbal tea and reading a book. It encourages a much better sleep.
Tell us about your evening skincare routine.
It’s super quick because sometimes in the evening, I am just too tired and lazy, so I ensure it is mega efficient. I double cleanse every evening now since we have to wear face coverings so I want to ensure my skin is clean and refreshed. I then always pat on my Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion as my first layer of hydration and follow that immediately with my Advanced Night Repair serum and Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Gel-Crème — it’s all about supporting and repairing the skin’s moisture barrier. More than ever, we really need to focus on this for healthy, resilient skin. I then follow with a moisturiser to lock the humectants in and then I may pat on a nourishing oil if I feel particularly dry, which I always do in winter.
What extra steps do you like to do in your #SundayFacial when you really want to treat the skin?
I’ll focus more on my neck. Tech-neck is a real thing and I have noticed that all of the looking down at my phone is no good! So, I am taking extra care with treating my neck as lovingly as my face (Advanced Night Repair gets applied from my forehead down to my chest!) and I will also use my Light Salon LED Boost on face and neck.
What do you love about the NEW Advanced Night Repair?
I love that the texture has remained exactly the same. It sinks in so quickly and makes my skin feel plump immediately and somehow fresher. From a formulation point of view, I love the prolonged hydration and the increased collagen-boosting properties.
What’s on your bedside table?
Books, hand-cream, cuticle oil, a bunch of crystals, a jug of water, lip-balm and aromatherapy sleep mists.
Are you a good sleeper and if not, what helps you get a good night’s sleep?
I have always been a great sleeper, but I have to admit the global pandemic changed everything. My regular routine got completely messed up (as is the case for everyone) and the emotional rollercoaster and uncertainty has taken its toll on my sleeping patterns. I am battling with 2 things: firstly, my bedtime has gradually gotten later and thus I don’t wake up as early, which then leaves me feeling less like myself and secondly, it’s tougher to switch off my mind at night, which keeps me awake.
To remedy these, I force myself to go to bed earlier at around 10pm and I have my little ritual of a sleep mist, and a game-changer for me has been using a weighted blanket — it’s incredible! Mine is from Mela. What also helps me is to cool down my bedroom — I sleep better when I turn down the heating and open a window slightly. I also take Magnesium powder in the evening to relax me.
We know a morning skincare regime is just as important as at night-time. Do you use Advanced Night Repair both morning & night?
Religiously! And I have done so for years. Advanced Night Repair is a non-negotiable in my skincare routine. It protects during the day and repairs at night. It’s not that hard to have an effective routine, you just have to commit and be consistent.
And now, the quick-fire round:
Go-to midnight snack?
I don’t really snack — but when I do it’ll be a few pieces of dark chocolate (although maybe not a great idea at night as cacao can keep you awake!).
Favourite hot drink to have before bed?
I have Dandelion tea which is meant to help the liver detox overnight. My mum always drinks it and she has so much energy and looks incredible, so I’ll do whatever she does!
An evening meditation or podcast you love?
I don’t listen to podcasts, but I take time after I turn off the lights to go over my day in my mind and replay moments that maybe didn’t go that well and imagine how it could have gone better (basically what I could have done better!). I then think about the next day, wish for a good day and go through what I have on. This puts me in a positive frame of mind about the day ahead. It’s been helpful, especially during lockdown.
What are you reading right now?
I always have several books on the go! Right now, I am reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle to help my mental wellbeing and Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde; this book is essential reading for everyone in my view. It’s so powerful and really makes you think. For escapism, I am reading the C.J Sansom The Shardlake Series - I love a good historical murder mystery!
Early bird or night owl?
I have always been an early bird. I need daylight to feel energised. As soon as it’s dark, I am useless.
Last thing you do before bed?
I apply cuticle oil to my nails because they are so brittle and thin at the moment.
For more skincare advice follow @alexsteinherr and @esteelauderuk on Instagram.
This article is part of a paid partnership with @alexsteinherr
