What Does It Take to Wake Up Like This?
Minimal makeup trends have made the idea of looking effortlessly flawless very in. But if we are covering our faces in Vaseline, taping our mouths closed and wrapping our hair in tube socks, we have to ask: Is this really effortless?
The short answer is no, not at all. Instead of caking on foundation in the morning, we’ve started glazing our faces each night. However, that doesn't mean that all of these steps are a waste of time. Let's take a look at some of our favourite nighttime routine trends and some simpler alternatives.
Mouthtape is, well, weird. Instead, try adding a humidifier to your room. Mouth tape is meant to force you to breathe through your nose and avoid waking up with a dry mouth or throat; a humidifier simply fixes the environment. By pumping out moisture into the air, it saves your mouth and skin from drying out. Added bonus: you don’t have to tape your mouth shut; as certified yappers, we at The Edge could never.
Let’s talk about slugging, AKA sleeping with your face covered in Vaseline. It can work well as an occasional treatment for people with super dry skin, but long-term use can clog your pores. Slugging is good for the winter months when your skin is irritated, but silk pillowcases are a more realistic alternative for everyday use. They are gentle on your skin and don't absorb as much moisture or product as cotton. This ensures that your skin doesn't dry out and that your skincare routine doesn't go to waste. Plus, they come in so many cute colors.
One trend we love is heatless curls because they truly are effortless. Whether you're using tube socks, leggings, or a heartless curler rod, you're going to wake up with bouncy curls that look like you spent hours styling that morning. Sometimes, heatless rollers can be uncomfortable to sleep in. Try experimenting with different methods, even if they sound a bit out there!
Instead of a 12-step skincare routine, try prioritizing high-quality products that address your skin-care needs. Start with a good cleanser and moisturizer that match your skin type. Then focus on one powerhouse product based on your needs. Layering five serums can irritate your skin and often won't work, so just pick one! Retinol cream is good for anti-aging and acne, vitamin C serum can help with brightening, and exfoliating acid can help with texture and glow. Pick what's best for you, and this will leave you with a much more manageable (and affordable) three-step routine.
One addition to your nighttime routine that we love is a sleepy-time mocktail. Making a fun little drink is a way of winding down in itself, but by choosing the right ingredients, your mocktail can help you fall asleep too! Try mixing magnesium, cherry juice and seltzer, and you can even add a squeeze of lime if you're feeling fancy. Cherry juice naturally supports the production of melatonin, while magnesium helps to relax your muscles. Together, these ingredients will kickstart a good night of sleep, the best form of self-care.
At the end of the day (pun-intended), the best nighttime routine is whatever works for you. Don't stress if you don't have time to do a million steps, self-care should be relaxing. We at The Edge think you look effortlessly beautiful every day!
Have more questions about nighttime routines? Let us know by tagging us @TheEdgeMag on Instagram!