My Winter Bedtime Ritual
Those who know me well will know two things about me - the first is that I'm a creature of habit and the second is that I love bedtime!
At this time of year, with temperatures dropping I always like to start a cosier bedtime ritual and really take the time to wind down and relax before bed. In the summer months, it's light until late and bedtime is something that just happens...either falling into bed after a long, hectic day or collapsing under the duvet after a fun evening with friends!
But now that it's dark from 4.30pm, it's definitely time to make the most of cosiness, pampering, bedtime and sleep.
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My bedside table houses various bits and bobs, all selected to make bedtime a little more luxurious. I always keep a hand cream, a foot cream and my favourite perfume by the bed, as well as a face spray, which is such a treat to spray on before sleep. Oh and I can't sleep without an eye mask these days. A habit I started last year, but really helps me shut out the outside world, especially if your husband likes to read on his iPad late into the night!
In the winter I also take more time looking after my skin, so this a key part of my bedtime ritual. But before that, I prepare the bedroom by lighting a candle, fluffing the pillows and changing into my pyjamas. My current favourites are these beautiful silk blue and white striped set from Asceno, which were a birthday present from Patrick.
I usually take a herbal tea up with me - either chamomile or a Clipper blend - I have a bit of an obsession with their lovely teas! Prior to removing my makeup, I sip my tea and depending on my mood, either flick through a magazine or head straight for my book. It's a lovely way to get away from technology and let my mind calm before actually getting into bed.
Once I've finished my tea I then head into the bathroom to take off my make-up, cleanse and moisturise before bed. In the winter I find it particularly important to take good care of my skin and give it lots of extra moisture. I'm currently in love with the Pro-Collagen range from Elemis. As a real beauty addict - I always have loved trying new things, but this anti-ageing range from Elemis is a classic and something that I've used on and off since my celebrity PR days when a number of my clients were addicted to it.
For winter I find it perfect - the cream has a lovely richness to it that really leaves my skin feeling pampered and hydrated. I start with the award-winning Cleansing Balm - the smell is divine and it leaves my skin feeling amazing. With the warm cloth to take it off, it also feels like a lovely, luxurious ritual. I then use Marine Oil, which is beautifully light on the skin, but very moisturising. In warmer months I find this oil enough on its own, but in the colder months, I follow it with the Oxygenating Night Cream.
After I've taken care of my skincare, I head back into the bedroom, climb into bed with my book and blow out the candle, before reading for as long as I can manage before sleep takes over! Do you have a winter bedtime routine? I would love to hear about it!
Laura x
Photography by Sophie Lindsay & Patrick Butler-Madden