Yep, I have a bedtime routine just like my kids do—though admittedly mine involves a lot more skincare! Last year I went through a stressful season and my sleep suffered majorly—I decided I needed to really step up my game when it came to a bedtime routine so I could properly set the tone each night for good, solid rest.

Obviously everyone’s personal routine will be different, and this is just what works for me. But I will say, if you don’t already have a nightly get-ready-for-bed routine (other than just brushing your teeth), I highly recommend taking advantage of your current quarantine season to create a new habit. At this point, all of the days are sort of blurring together and I’ve been thankful every night for how grounding and calming my little routine is.

Here’s how I wind down every night when I’m ready for sleep:

SKINCARE, TEETH BRUSHING + CBD OIL

I start with skincare and work in my teeth brushing in the middle of it. Usually I’ll put a headband on to keep my hair out of my face while I’m applying products. First, I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water to cleanse and remove makeup. I’ve tried so many different face washes and cleansing oils and I always come back to micellar water! It’s just so easy, and this one works really well for my dry skin. Next up is Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum. I use it most nights, but not every night, and when I first started I definitely eased myself into it. Overall I haven’t experienced any added dryness since I added it to my routine and my skin feels so smooth and happy. After the retinoid serum is absorbed (I like to brush my teeth while it works its magic), I apply Beautycounter Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum, let it absorb, and then do a little face rolling with my Skin Gym Rose Quartz Facial Roller. Last step of skincare is moisturizer—I’ve been hooked on Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream for months since my friend Maddy recommended it for helping eyelid eczema. And it worked! It’s so luxe and hydrating.

And then before I head to bed, I take Equilibria Daily Drops (CBD Oil). They sent me some to try and it has helped my sleep immensely—they made a customer out of me!! You can use my code NATALIEBORTON for 15% off your first order if you’re wanting to try it out! I highly recommend a subscription, as consistency is really key with CBD, it saves you money, and it’s super easy to cancel the subscription if it doesn’t end up working out for you.

HAIR

I slept with my hair down for basically my entire life until this past summer. I was trying the Curly Girl Method and they recommended sleeping with your hair in a “pineapple”—essentially a loose bun on top of your head. I found that it really protected my hair, and also that it helped me wash my hair less. I don’t follow CGM any more, but I got hooked on the bun at night. And now that my hair is really long, it’s nice to keep it contained while I sleep. I use a scrunchie so it doesn’t leave any funky hair indents!

PILLOW MIST + READING

The final steps of my routine are so key for me settling into a great night of sleep: a spray of Ren & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray on my pillowcase, and then I crack open a good book and read. Sometimes I read a page, sometimes I read for an hour. It doesn’t matter—I always open the book and start reading. I’ve tried skipping this step and I always regret it!! It’s so important to my routine that I got a book light so I could read even if Brian wants to turn the light out and sleep before I’m ready.

So there you have it—my bedtime routine! I’ll also note, during times of extra stress and anxiety, I also will bust out my Gravity Blanket. That thing works wonders!!

P.S. Here’s the link to my sweatshirt for all of the fans of The Office out there!

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