20160515

Getting into a Good Evening Routine


It almost feels like the busier you are, the more important it is to have a good, relaxing evening routine. This is how I like to unwind ideally! Obviously, my full routine isn't always going to happen but I like to make time for it every Sunday and give myself 20-30 minutes of downtime on weeknights.

Skincare

Taking some time to really slow down and enjoy your skincare routine is a great way to unwind. Instead of seeing it as a chore, try to see it as a way of taking care of yourself a little bit. Dedicate that extra 5-10 minutes to really massage your skin and take your time with each step.

The first thing I do to draw the line between 'work time' and 'downtime' is take of my makeup. My absolute favourite for this right now is the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (£38). It's admittedly a total Princess Product and the Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter does the job, but this just feels and smells so nice and luxurious. It's totally not necessary but I love it as little treat for my skin once a week. It smells beautiful and feels lovely on the skin, plus it's amazing at removing my makeup; with a muslin cloth I don't even really need to go back in with Bioderma to make sure everything is gone.



I'm a big fan on the Trilogy Rosehip oil but actually hadn't tried anything else from them so was thrilled to receive a little set of minis from Trilogy through Beauty Expert to try out (it's always a good idea to pick up this kind of set before deciding what to invest in the full size with, I find). After removing my makeup I like to use their Cream Cleanser* (£16, full size). There's something really lovely about the texture of a cream formula on my skin, especially when it's a little tired and dehydrated. This feels so nourishing and leaves my skin soft and moisturised after I rinse it off, however it doesn't make it greasy in the slightest. I then seal in the hydration with my Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (£9.50) which is just lovely for calming down dry or sensitive skin.

Bath 

I know not everyone has a bath, but if you do I really recommend having one an hour or so before bed. It's the one thing that's pretty much guaranteed to help me drift off into a natural sleep.

So I always have a bath if I'm having a relaxing evening, which usually translates to once a week (which usually translates to Sundays!) Obviously I use my trusty bath caddy that I picked up from Amazon here, which my Instagram followers will probably recognise! I love to use this to avoid any mishaps with my books or magazines in the water and to line up any products on. 

I have a little selection of candles from a brand called Pur (£15 each) that I keep in my bathroom because I always like to have something burning when I'm taking a bath and I just like how the sylish glass packaging looks on my shelf. These are hand made with natural soy wax so burn cleanly, which is a big pro. Here I have Invigorate* (with Lemongrass essential oil) which is a really lovely fresh one for Spring and Summer, Warm* (with Cinnamon, Ginger and Orange essential oils) which is a lovely cosy smell that will be perfect for cold Autumn evening, Soothe* (with Cedarwood and Lime essential oils) which is a bit of a blend of woody and fresh scents and finally there's Relax* (with Lavender and Orange Essential oils). I really like Invigorate but Relax is the one I tend to go for on a pamper evening because I find the lavender so calming and the scent of these can fill my bathroom within a couple of minutes. Now I've had a go of all of them, though, I can say that the entire range is really good.



After lighting my candle, I run my bath with my favourite bubbles, which (sorry to be a pain!) seems to have been discontinued by the Body Shop. I'm really trying to ration this out as it's absolutely beautiful (I just hope they bring it back). It's their Deep Sleep Comforting Milk Bath Float, which has a gorgeous soft, not overly lavender-based scent. It gives amazing bubbles and just has this beautiful soft, milky camomile and jujube scent. I find it so calming and it really helps my muscles to relax.  

A face mask whilst I'm relaxing in the tub is a must for me and at the moment I've been enjoying the Caudalie Instant Detox Face Mask* (£22). It's a clay mask that I leave on for 10-15 minutes to work its magic. It's quite unique and a bit of an all-rounder as it contains Clay, Parsley Seed and Lactic Acid to really cleanse my skin, clear my pores and leave everything looking more radiant. However on the other hand it also has the Bergamot, Lavender and Camomile that are really calming on my skin. I also really like the scent; again it's just so relaxing! I've noticed the overall texture and quality of my skin has improved since I started using this a couple of times a week.

I always have a bit of reading material with me in my bath so whilst I have my mask on, I dig into my pile. I love just getting a bit of beauty wisdom when I'm in my bath so I've been re-reading Sali Hughes's Pretty Honest (full review here) as it's so full of fantastic advice as well as being witty and an all-round great read. I also love Elle Magazine and Allure (which is a US publication but can be found in W H Smith) for beauty content.

Another total Princess Product, but I love using my Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Body Wash (£31) which I luckily got for Christmas. The formula is so thick and creamy but still slightly foaming and feels really luxurious on the skin. The deep, rich scent is absolutely beautiful and lingers around on the skin beautifully afterwards.

Read

My top tip is to make sure you resist the urge to get back on the screens after your skincare routine or bath. The light from your phone, laptop or tablet can keep your eyes alert and make it harder for you to relax. So instead reach for a book, magazine or a Kindle that doesn't have a backlight.

After my bath I relocate to my bedroom. The first thing I do is light my lavender-scented Neom Tranquility Intensive Skin Treatment Candle* (£36) to warm up the oil. Next I reach for the Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil Antioxidant* (£26.50, full size) as I like to apply this quite a bit before bed so it has a chance to fully absorb. This is very similar to the original version so I would probably only re-purchase this after I've used up that because I can't really justify owning both. It gives me that more hydrated and glowing skin like the original, however I'd say this is slightly more plumping as I notice a greater difference in the dehydration lines I can sometimes get. I also find the texture even lighter than the original, so even though my skin is combination I would wear this during the day if it was looking dehydrated. I turn off my main light and just have my lamp on and let the lavender scent fill the room whilst I read.


Pamper 

Before bed I have one last little pamper and just finish off my routine.

By now the Neom candle has completely melted from looking like a wax into being an oil. When you blow out the flame, the oil is the perfect temperature for the skin (which I didn't actually believe when I read it, however I can now confirm that you definitely won't scold yourself on this!) The ceramic packaging actually has a little ridge so I pour a small amount directly onto the back of my hands and massage it in. The oil is so nourishing on my dry hands and the lavender scent means I'm inhaling the relaxing fragrance whilst I'm trying to get to sleep.

I really love moisturising my skin before bed. I always feel like I'm in a mad rush on weekday mornings so it's a quick job with a light lotion. However before bed I like to take my time and really massage something hydrating into my skin. 

I've mentioned before that I'm a big fan of the Mandara Spa Body Butters (£6) because they're so lightweight and hydrating and the scents are honestly beautiful - they're nothing too overpowering or heavy, they just leave a nice light fragrance behind. All in all they're a fantastic bargain and really deserve more hype. I have a few options here: Lime & Coconut* (I love the blend of the milky coconut and the slight citric notes), Mango and Coconut* (this is incredible - it honestly makes me feel like I'm on a beach somewhere amazing, cocktail in hand!), Shea and Coconut* (a little bit more of a subtle, soft hint of fragrance) and Ylang Ylang and Coconut* (an old favourite - slightly tropical with a hint of floral). It's really hard to pick my favourite as they're all genuinely beautiful but I guess if I had to then I've been reaching for Mango and Coconut the most lately.

It's time to finish off my skincare routine with the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream* (£27.50 for full size). Like everything else from the set, it contains the miracle ingredient: rosehip. It's suitable for morning or evening but now the weather is heating up, I tend to keep my more nourishing moisturisers for bedtime. It's still pretty lightweight though so dry skin will love this and I will definitely be using this on a daily basis when the colder months come back around. I really like that this applies well with the oil, as some products separate out from them but this doesn't. It's really hydrating and has helped to clear up the dry patches I've been experiencing.

If I have a moment, this is the time when I'll paint my nails - at the moment my favourite is Barry M's Coconut Infusion Nail Paint in Starfish (£4.99), as it's so opaque and is a gorgeous beige-nude (there's a review coming of it tomorrow). I like to make lists before bed so I'm not awake worrying about things I need to do. I also keep a notepad by my bed so I can write down anything keeping me up at night. I have this really cute Kikki K 3am Write it Down notebook (£9) but obviously any will do! I find that offloading anything that's on my mid helps me to forget about it and get a good night's sleep. 

The last things I do before bed are apply my Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm (£9.50) and mist my bed with the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (£16). Reve de Miel is just the best lip balm in the world as far as I'm concerned! I use it every night and have barely made a dent in it as you need so little of this thick, creamy formula. My lips are always left soft and hydrated and any chapping has cleared up by morning. The Deep Sleep is one of those products I didn't try for ages because I didn't think it could possible do anything, but true to the name; it really does work! Somehow it just helps me drift off into a natural sleep more easily and to stay in that deeper level of sleep as opposed to sleeping fitfully and feeling restless. Maybe in part it's a placebo effect but it does the trick for me.


What are your favourite products and top tips for getting into a good evening routine?





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32 comments

  1. Mandara Spa Body Butter sounds lovely! I hate heavy body butter with passion so I tend to skip them just because I'm yet to find body butter that is light enough.I even find TBS's body butter to be heavy, is this one lighter compared to TBS'?

    Selene Addicted

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's a far lighter formula - I find the Body Shop's too thick too (except the Spa of the World range) xx

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  2. This was a lovely read. Face masks always form part of my evening routine.

    www.themakeupaficionado.com

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  3. I'm not a bath person but I love my evening skincare routine and always take time to properly cleanse and pamper my skin. It makes my feel good, relaxed and ready for the evening while getting my skin looking its best :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  4. I agree: taking my makeup off is really what allow me to unwind, the Laura Mercier Crème brûlée Body Wash sounds great and perfect for a pampering evening, I've yet to try any luxurious body wash, but I think it is something which is missing in my pampering collection!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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    Replies
    1. I hadn't either in all honesty until I was lucky enough to get this for Christmas! xx

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  5. I always find it really hard to get into a good evening routine but recently I have been trying harder!

    Beth x

    www.ohthatsbethany.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. I love the sound of the mini Trilogy set, have been meaning to try more from them for ages! I definitely need to work on my evening routine a little and get off my iPad a bit earlier but I always find my makeup removal so relaxing!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  7. Hi Jasmine,
    it's very nice to know how other girls pamper themselves, I like this kind of post.
    At the moment my pamper Sunday consists of: cleansing my skin thoroughly, dry brushing my body, take a shower and apply a hair mask (which I leave on for as much time as possible while I do other things), get out of the shower and apply a nourishing body lotion, apply a face mask on my face. I then like to wear my pijama and while I have my two masks on (face and hair) I make myself a cup of green tea and read blogs or a book :)

    I'm currently running out of my face mask by Antipodes, I'm thinking of getting the Caudalie one you showed, both because is affordable and because another blogger, Cat from Catsdailyliving.com , recommended it to me. Now that I see it on your post I'm even more convinced :)

    Great post as usual, I wish I had all of those candles, I just never want to splurge on them and keep on with mine from Ikea!

    xx
    Silvia
    www.theskincabinet.com

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    Replies
    1. Ah yes I love a hair mask and catching up on my favourite blogs :) I love the Antipodes face mask too so you will probably like the Caudalie! xx

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  8. I hope The Body shop brings that product back too!!! <3 Lovely post! <3

    Amelia | http://amelia-g.blogspot.com.au/

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  9. those are some great products and lovely packaging! x

    jess x | https://wellwellgirls.blogspot.tw/

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  10. The Body Shop have a habit of discontinuing my favourite products and it's so upsetting! Hopefully they'll resurrect some of them, hey? I love the sound of the Mandara Spa body butters, coconut scents are so gorgeous for summer... I really like the sound of the Caudalie mask, too, it sounds like something my skin would really love ♥

    Jess xo | The Indigo Hours

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  11. lovely post! reallt enjoyed the read!
    www.peachplz.com

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  12. Have you ever tried the L'Occitane Lavendar Foaming Bath? It's very relaxing and may be able to help you cope with the loss of The Body Shop's offering x

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    Replies
    1. I actually haven't - thanks for the tip! I've had their pillow spray in the past and it was lovely so I'm sure this would be perfect for me :) xx

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  13. I've heard lots of lovely things about the LM Bath range and EH Moringa Balm, I'll have to try them. Love the term 'Princess Product', I would love a post on your favourite Princess Products, who doesn't want to feel like a pretty princess? Great post, Jasmine, loved it as always xxx

    ALittleKiran | Bloglovin

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    Replies
    1. I was actually thinking of that idea the other day! Watch this space ;) xx

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  14. I really wish I had an evening routine like this, it just sounds incredible! I love the Neom candle, the gold detailing is stunning. I love how you call items "Princess Products" though lol! My main wish was to have a bath, sitting in a shower cubicle is no where near as nice lol, my evening routine is always just putting my son to bed then chilling for a few hours before I either fall asleep on the couch or make my way to bed lol

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  15. So many lovely sounding products! I haven't actually tried many of these - i need to get on that. EH Cleansing Balm and Trilogy oil are top of the list. Pampering myself is definitely the best way i like to spend any free time i have in the evenings :) xx

    LPage Beauty 

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  16. I feel more relaxed just reading this! I love baths & This Works Deep Sleep bath oil is a firm favourite. I need to stock up on some candles though because I only have one on the go at the moment - hopefully I'll get some in Bath & Bodyworks on holiday! xx

    Beautylymin

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  17. I like your recommendation to read instead of turning on a screen.

    http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/

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  18. I love evening baths too - I much prefer relaxing than rushing in the morning!
    Philippa x

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  19. Getting together a relaxing Spotify playlist is a great idea! :) xx

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  20. Thank you for your comments everyone - hope this post was helpful! xx

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  21. I've said it before, I am totally jealous of your little evening routine. I manage to get all my pampering bits together just to be delayed until its so late at night that I don't need a bath to send me to sleep as I'm knocking out already. But good for you for making the time and sticking to it. That NEOM candle design is everything!!! Love it xxx

    Sal | UmmBaby Beauty

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  22. I love a good pamper, especially on a Sunday evening ready for the week ahead. I am really enjoying the Mandara Spa beauty products at the moment, they're so luxurious with a not so luxurious price tag. Xx

    Amanda - www.dreamingxprettyblog.co.uk/

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  23. I feel that I really need to start upping my evening routine as I've become more stressed recently for no apparent reason. Taking some of your ideas and products to create my own!
    Charlotte // www.charlottespicks.com

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  24. I love having a nice relaxing bath with a bath bomb and light some candles!
    Really need to sort out my skin care routine its pretty much non-existent at the minute :/
    Loved this post definitely going to take some of these ideas! :) ♥

    Megan xx | itsmeganrose.blogspot.com

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