It’s not called beauty sleep for nothing, but for some even the recommended eight hours aren’t enough. Plan B is faking that bright-eyed and bushy-tailed look. Here are some tips.
Before bed
No More Make-up Overnighters!
Washing your face a few hours before you hit the sack should become a daily habit. Clogged pores result in dull and sluggish skin. Double-cleanse to make sure all your make-up is removed.
Get glowing
Mix some self-tanner into your night cream or apply a layer of gradual tanner before you sleep to give your skin a sun-kissed glow in the morning. We love Clarins Self Tanning Milky Lotion, R320. It can be used on the face and really does leave skin feeling moisturised.
Sleep like a star
Take a leaf out of Kim K’s book and sleep on a satin pillowcase. “Cotton fabric draws moisture from the skin. A satin pillowcase works to balance moisture levels and the result is a softer, more radiant complexion. It’s also gentle on the hair. Cotton pillowcases are not nearly as smooth as satin ones and their roughness creates friction between your hair and the pillow, which can lead to hair breakage,” says Kim Orgrill, creator of Every Second Counts. Satin pillowcase are available online at ww.esc-satin-pillow-cases.com (from R170).
Perfect conditions
If you want to start your day with smoother hair, sleep with a deep conditioner in damp hair. Try Noughty Intensive Care Leave-In Conditioner with shea butter and argan oil, perfect for natural hair, R149,95. Or apply Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Afro Moisturizing Butter, R63,95, in the morning and style as usual.
Soften up
Hydration is the key to beautiful and radiant skin. That’s why moisturising before bed is vital. Use a rich moisturiser to keep your face hydrated all night so you’ll wake up with soft, supple skin. Try Pond’s Flawless Radiance Re-Brightening Night Treatment, R96. It repairs daily skin damage and brightens your skin while you sleep.
Tips to try in the morning
Fresh-faced
After your morning cleanse, splash your face with cold water to get the blood circulating. Press a cold flannel face towel gently over your eyelids before applying your eye cream.
Open up your eyes
Put your eye cream in the fridge for about 20 minutes to make it cool before using it. Massage it lightly around your eyes to increase circulation for a brighter and refreshed look.
Shine bright
To achieve a healthy and subtle glimmer, try a lightweight illuminating foundation or a tinted moisturiser like Eucerin Sun CC Crème SPF 50+, R199,99. You have to love a product that doubles as an effective sunscreen and unifies the complexion, instantly giving you a healthy, even tone.
At first blush
Finish your look with a natural flush. Apply a creamy pink blush or buff a bit of pink lipstick onto the apple of your cheeks. That way you won’t look drained and there won’t be any hints of darkness or puffiness. Spoil yourself with Dolce&Gabbana Luminous Cheek Colour Blush in Strawberry, R775.
7 Responses
Great tips and some good products too
Satin pillow case. Definite add to my basket.
Wow, these tips are so cool! I didn’t even think you could put cream in the refrigerator. I have been doing the conditioner overnight for ages and works like a bomb.
Where can I buy the Noughty Intensive Care Leave in Conditioner??
Hi Waseelah. Supposedly at Clicks, but were double-checking that for you. But you’re in luck, we have some for you to test out. So drop us a mail at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you. xoxo
Really wish there was more affordable non-comodgentic, self-tanners for the face in SA :(
These tips will definitely come in handy since I always wake up with puffy eyes.