Goodbye party season pigments and lashes, it’s time for soothing masks, CBD oils and oh-so-silky pillows
Words Tania Grier
The Christmas holidays signal a time to get off the conveyor belt of daily life and return to the things that really matter – time spent with loved ones, heart-warming food and (with party season over) hopefully some solid rest too.
Easier said than done, perhaps. From too much blue light to the allure of a late-night Netflix binge, we are becoming a nation of sleep-deprived souls, contributing to health issues and lack of productivity at work.
While you can’t buy sleep, you can buy things to help you sleep. Having suffered from a frozen shoulder for a full year now – and poor sleeping patterns as a result – I’ve tested everything from CBD oils to apps and silk pillows. So, for your big end-of-year sleep, here are a few of my nighttime saviours.
Spacemasks Rose Scented Mask
This genius self-heating mask with essence of rose warms up on contact and lasts for fifteen minutes – plenty of time to lull you to sleep. I was hoping for a quick nap and woke up three hours later so set your alarm because they really work. Perfect for long haul flights, disco naps and restless sleepers. £1 from every purchase goes to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a cause close to the founder’s heart. A great Christmas gift for yourself and fellow insomniacs.
Pergatis Relax Lavender Oil
I’ve tried many lavender oils but none as good as this one. The quality of this potent essential oil blend means you only need one drop. Dounder Dr Amir explains that where you apply the oil is crucial. Dot it on the tip of the big toe between the pineal and pituitary glands – an area that apparently helps to control the sleep cycle. Hold the bottle close and breathe in a few times to take in the lavender, cedar wood and black spruce, it smells so good and instantly calms you. Mine never leaves my bedside table.
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath Oil
This luxury bath oil smells so good that when I opened the bathroom door the next morning the scent was still there. Applied on the body before bathing or showering, the oil stays on the skin as you are washing, releasing the most delicious blend of sandalwood, vetivers and calming chamomile to completely relax the mind and prep you for a deep sleep.
Tropic So Sleepy Temple and Pillow Collection
Most pillow mists linger for only a few minutes and don’t do much but this one is in a league of its own. An intense blend of lavender, chamomile and frankincense, it smells delightful and lasts long enough to get you to the next ‘chapter’. This limited edition set includes the equally effective Temple Balm – simply pop on pulse points and temple and inhale deeply. Divine!
HUGG CBD Oil 1400mg
There are so many great products from HUGG (I was introduced to them during an incredible Hugg facial at Threads in Kensington) but the drops are my guilty pleasure. Pop 2-4 drops of this full spectrum hemp extract (a higher strength than most) under the tongue and in a few minutes you’ll feel your eyelids get heavier and heavier. I double up with the MassagingBodyOil on my hands and feet, and the lavender Rollerball on pulse points…the ultimate relaxing trio.
AMLY Sleep Tight Face Balm
Finding skincare with specific ingredients to justify a spot in the ‘sleep’ category was tough. Then I found this nourishing night time concoction (feels like butter) of Rock Rose, Valerian and Chamomile to relieve stress and induce sleep, along with major wrinkle busting ingredients which work in harmony to help you nod off with the bonus of waking with the softest skin ever. For the ultimate bedtime experience first spray the Beauty Sleep Face Mist followed by the healing Nocturnal Nectar and finally the Balm.
RADOX Sleep Aromatherapy Calm Your Mind Lavender Bath Salts
Good old Radox! I remember my parents running baths with these salts growing up, and now I’m doing the same. This new line is developed with light sleepers in mind, the silky salts and luxurious lavender aroma is ideal for an evening bath with the bonus of comforting any aches and pains. The supersized pack is great value, a true at-home spa experience.
White and Green Peace Silk Eye Mask
With complete light blockage (ideal for those prone to migraines / sensitive to light) the Peace Organic Silk Eye Mask from White and Green Home is so comfortable it’s an in-flight essential and at-home must-have. Ethically produced and sustainable, it’s kind to your hair (prevents tangling at night) and skin. Silk is less abrasive than cotton on the face and silk proteins repel dust mites and other allergens, a bonus for asthma sufferers. They also make a luxurious silk pillowcase…one for the wishlist!
BIOCARE Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium is a hero product, the list of benefits is lengthy and we now know that taking it at night can help the body slow down and de-stress. It’s worth investing in a good brand with no added extras and Biocare are leaders in this field. I definitely feel the difference when I take two right before bed.
Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil
There’s something about the ritual of applying body oil that automatically soothes the soul. This dreamy blend of moor extract and lavender has a pleasant warming effect – start at the feet and work your way up towards the heart and don’t forget your hands.
Cha Vøhtz Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask
Charlotte Vøhtz, the brains behind Green People and her eponymous range Cha Vøhtz, delivers a sublime overnight facial for 35+ skin in the form of this Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask. Enriched with antioxidant-rich plant actives, vitamins and omega oils, the leave-on formula deeply nourishes and regenerates thirty winter skin. The scent, with its warm citrus notes, helps soothe tension for a restful sleep. Apply a layer of this wondrous double-whammy product before bed and awake feeling rested to plumped, quenched skin.