Every feminine lady has her own special evening routine and today I am sharing with you mine. Whether you are a single woman, a stay-at-home-mom, a working mother, a wife or simply looking to cultivate more femininity in your life - it is absolutely essential to develop a luxurious evening routine to help you relax and unwind.
If you're in need of some fresh ideas for your nightly beauty routine then read below for some inspiration.
The first part of my nighttime beauty routine begins with drawing a warm, who am I kidding here.. a steaming, piping hot bath! If I have the extra time I like to go full out and dim the lights, turn on my essential oil diffuser and play some relaxing spa music - that way I can't hear the children's antics on the other side of the wall while Dad watches them. 🙃 Moms know what I'm talking about.
While my bath is filling up I begin with removing my makeup. I perform a triple cleansing method which begins with Dermalogica Precleanse. First, let me say that I use a lot of Dermalogica products in my routine. Their brand is created by the International Dermal Institute and is just about the only skincare line my sensitive skin will tolerate. (No, this is not an ad). Several years ago I was dealing with some seriously aggravated skin that was red, itchy and stinging. Dermalogica products are formulated for this exact skin type.
Cleansing Routine:
Precleanse oil: I use a small pump of this oil and gently rub it all over my face. It melts and removes 100% of my makeup, even mascara.
Makeup remover wipe: Instead of rinsing or wiping off the oil with a washcloth, I take it one step further and remove all traces of the oil with a makeup remover wipe.
Once I am in the shower or bath (which depends on if I'm washing my hair that night or not), I then cleanse my face with this ultra gentle gel cleanser and rinse with warm water.
Gua sha
A few times a week I use my gua sha tool to massage my face. If you're not familiar with this term, gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method in which you use a smooth-edged (normally made from Jade) tool to stroke your skin while releasing tension, smoothing wrinkles and improving lymphatic drainage and blood flow. This technique was recommended to me by a friend to help relieve my tension headaches caused by clenching my teeth at night when I sleep. I definitely notice an improvement whenever I use it. I don't like to use it every single night because my facial muscles get a little sore if I overdo it, which is easy to do because it feels soo good!
Exfoliation & Bathtime
Prior to bathing I like to exfoliate my body using a dry brush. Dry brushing is an excellent exfoliator. It improves lymphatic drainage and it even helps reduce cellulite. Make sure you use a high quality brush so as not to damage your skin.
Once a week I use Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant facial exfoliator followed by this refreshing, hydrating masque.
While my masque is on, I bathe and relax. Sometimes I'll apply an exfoliating lip sugar scrub during this time.
If you want to invigorate all of your senses then I suggest adding a couple drops of lavender or vanilla essential oil to your bath water.
Did you know? In the Bible, Esther was required to bathe and inundate her body with essential oils for six months before being presented to the King. She was to spend the following six months with perfumes. Twelve whole months of cleansing, purifying and beautifying herself inside and out in preparation to meet her king.
Whenever you get out of the water apply moisturizer straight away. There's about a three minute window where it is optimal for your body to retain the moisture. After that, the moisturizer will not work as well as it could have if applied within those first three minutes. Don't neglect the skin below your chin! Take care to provide love to the rest of your body, including your legs, arms and feet.
I apply a few drops of cuticle oil to my fingers and toes nightly.
Post-Bath Skin & Hair
I apply a hydrating routine serum followed by a lightweight gel moisturizer. During the colder months, whenever I am not pregnant or breastfeeding, I like to use SkinCeuticals Retinol every other night to minimize the appearance of pores and to help with fine lines.
I brush my hair with a boar bristle brush, taking care to flip it over and brush thoroughly from scalp to tip. Brushing this way, and with this type of high-quality brush, actually cleanses your hair and helps redistribute your scalps natural oils throughout your hair to make it shiny, healthy and bouncy.
Slip Into Something...
...That makes you feel beautiful, confident and feminine. A silky ensemble always makes me feel like a goddess and I am a sucker for a beautiful, lace nightgown and robe set.
Honestly, I am a bit of a pajama fanatic! I can never seem to have too many pajamas! I adore matching shorts and long sleeve button down sets in a luxuriously silky material as well as breathable cotton gowns on hot summer nights.
I advise you to invest a few different pajama sets that make you feel comfortable (hint: go one size up) and like the beautiful, feminine woman you are. Ditch the stained up t-shirts! Just because you're home and no one will see you - YOU see you - As well as a spouse, if you have one. There are many affordable options out there. You could also purchase a set of lounge wear that can double as pajamas to get more bang for your buck.
What is that Sweet Smell?
Some nights I add a touch of natural perfume behind my ears and at the nape of my neck. I am currently loving Nemat Amber Fragrance Oil and it comes in a handy roll on bottle. It isn't overpowering which is of the upmost importance to me because I am very sensitive to scents. In fact, I quit wearing perfume over a decade ago! This has a very subtle, natural scent to it which I quite enjoy.
As a busy mother I don't often have the time for a full on spa experience but I do try to practice self-care whenever possible and squeeze in a few extra minutes in the evening to care for the body God has given me. Remember: A feminine lady always practices good hygiene.
Feeling inspired by these evening routine ideas? I encourage you to give one a try tonight and spend a little time on yourself. You deserve it.
~Crissy
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