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Stars like Dakota Johnson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mariah Carey swear by it (but Sydney Sweeney and plenty more Hollywood insiders don’t get enough of it). Tom Hardy, Ryan Reynolds and Dolly Parton have read stories to help kids get better at it. And biohackers such as Bryan Johnson ensure they get an optimal amount of it. We’re talking about sleep — and in honor of Sleep Awareness Week (March 9 to 15), we’ve tapped celebrity facialists to share the best ways to get your beauty rest.
Related: 15 Hollywood-Loved Brooklinen Pieces on Sale for Sleep Week
“The skin’s circadian rhythm creates very different biological activities in the skin at night than during the day,” explains LA-based skin-care expert Katie Sobelman (known as the Organic Esthetician), whose clients include celebrity stylist Karolyn Pho, model-turned-stylist Djuna Bel and model Emily Labowe. “During sleep, our cells regenerate, and our skin becomes more permeable, making it an ideal time to apply products with active ingredients that enhance cellular regeneration, such as retinol and vitamins C and B3. These actives reduce oxidative stress, enhance cell turnover, and stimulate collagen production. Not only will you get more out of your actives when applied at night, but you’ll also support your skin’s natural repair processes, leading to a more radiant and youthful complexion.”
Candace Marino, known as the LA Facialist to clients like Miranda Kerr and Kourtney Kardashian, also recommends sleep among her top beauty tips — but she notes prepping for it is just as important. “Never go to bed with makeup on,” she stresses. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to remove your makeup and thoroughly cleanse the skin before bed. Sleeping with makeup on clogs pores, leading to breakouts and irritation. It also disrupts your skin’s natural repair process and can accelerate aging by breaking down collagen. Plus, eye makeup can cause irritation or infections, and makeup prevents your skin from properly hydrating overnight.”
Ahead, read on for expert and product recommendations from Marino and Sobelman for getting your best beauty sleep, plus our snooze-minded picks — from skin care to tech — to help you get to your shut-eye faster.
Wipe Off That Makeup
“For clear, more youthful skin, always cleanse before you sleep! I always recommend a second — and sometimes third — cleanse if someone’s a heavy makeup wearer,” says Marino.
Epicutis Oil Cleanser
“My favorite way to begin my evening routine is with the Epicutis Oil Cleanser — with just nine ingredients and packed with fatty acids, this cleanser is gentle and suitable for all skin types. It also removes makeup effortlessly,” says Marino.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
“I love a gel cleanser that will foam up but not strip the skin. For this, I’m a big fan of the iS Clinical Cleansing complex, it’s a staple amongst estheticians for its ability to deep cleanse without disrupting the barrier.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Our favorite cleansing balm-to-oil — from cruelty-free London beauty brand Elemis — melts off mascara and long-wear makeup while keeping skin hydrated.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Victoria Beckham says no other cleanser “will ever be able to compete” with Bioderma’s best-selling micellar water.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
“If you’re dry and into slugging, skip the vaseline and use a product that’s packed with good ingredients,” suggests Marino. “I love layering the Ân-Balm Radiant Hydra-Balm on my skin in the evening to lock in moisture. It boosts skin health, vibrancy, and function, especially for dehydrated or sensitive skin. This balm-to-oil formula nourishes and repairs all skin types with 20 plant-based ingredients, 86 antioxidants, and linoleic acid-rich oils, reducing inflammation and balancing sebum production at a cellular level.”
Expert’s Pick
Ân-Balm Radiant Hydra Balm
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream
Make the most of your sleep and work your skincare routine into your Zzzz’s. Clean beauty brand Fresh’s lightweight Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream works while you snooze to strengthen your skin barrier, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate dry and dull skin and leave your visage feeling refreshed and de-stressed.
Add Oil to Your Beauty Routine
“I believe that skincare shouldn’t stop at the neck — our entire body deserves the same attention,” suggests Sobelman. “That’s why body care is non-negotiable for me. I make it a point to apply organic oils from forehead to feet, ensuring every inch of my skin is nourished. Pura D’or‘s organic, cold-pressed oils are among my favorites for this purpose. Their therapeutic-grade essential oils allow me to customize the aroma, enhancing relaxation and promoting restful sleep.”
Expert’s Pick
PURA D’OR Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Expert’s Pick
PURA D’OR Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Vitruvi Diffuser Sleep Bundle
Set up a serene bedtime scene with Vitruvi’s chic stone diffuser bundle that contains Lavender, Dusk, Sleep and Quiet blends.
Sleep for Lashes
“Consistently using a lash serum in the evening has completely changed my eyelashes — I don’t even wear mascara anymore,” says Marino. “After years of lash extensions, my lashes were so damaged they were non-existent. I repaired them by being consistent and patient over the years, and tried every serum. Finally, I tried the Obagi Nu-Cil lash serum, and my lashes doubled in size in under a month, I was so blown away I brought it into my spa to recommend to our clients. I’ve never seen a lash serum work this quickly!”
Expert’s Pick
Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum
Sleep with Mouth Tape
Eyes shut, mouth shut: Both Sobelman and Marino swear by mouth tape for getting better sleep.
“I swear by mouth taping — it’s an incredible skin-care secret,” says Sobelman. “I began this practice in 2020 after reading James Nestor’s book Breath, which details the numerous benefits of nasal breathing. Notably, studies have shown that mouth breathing during sleep can lead to a 42 percent increase in water loss compared to nasal breathing. This increased water loss directly contributes to chapped lips, dry skin, and disrupted sleep. Mouth taping offers a simple solution to these issues.”
Adds Marino, “My dentist recommended this to me years ago for teeth grinding. Since implementing this my Oura Ring scores for sleep are better and better, I finally achieve deep and REM sleep and wake up feeling rested. Mouth taping encourages nose breathing during sleep, which can improve oxygen intake, sleep quality and reduce snoring. It also helps prevent dry mouth, promoting better oral health and reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath. By increasing nitric oxide production, it enhances circulation and immune function. Additionally, it supports proper tongue posture, which may improve jaw alignment and reduce teeth grinding. However, it’s important to approach mouth taping with caution, especially if you have nasal breathing issues, and consult a healthcare professional before trying it.”
Expert’s Pick
Dream Mouth Tape, 90-Pack
Skin Gym Mouth Tape, 30-Pack
Use a Sauna Blanket
“After a long day, I love unwinding with my sauna blanket — it’s my go-to for detoxing and decompressing before bed,” says Sobelman, who offers electric facials that incorporate microccurent and LED light therapy devices. “This relaxing ritual naturally leads to an evening shower, which has become a cherished part of my nighttime routine.”
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Zip yourself into HigherDose’s sauna blanket to raise your temperature to up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps to boost circulation, aid in post-workout muscle recovery and encouraging relaxation. Plus, use THR‘s exclusive code THR20 for 20 percent off through March 31 (excludes bundles and kits).
Take a Bath
“Unwind with a bath!” says Marino. “I love the Esker Magnesium bath soak — four to five pumps is the equivalent of two cups of epsom salt.”
Harvard sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins is also a fan of winding down with aromatherapy. “Every night I take a warm bath or shower and use bath salts or body scrubs with soothing scents like sandalwood and lavender,” she previously told THR.
Expert’s Pick
Esker Magnesium Bath Enhancer
“Esker’s Magnesium Bath Enhancer is designed to promote detoxification, enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, rebalance minerals and soften the skin. Packed with magnesium, a mineral naturally found in Epsom, it is absorbed through the skin with the assistance of natural terpenes that support deeper penetration. Infused with a calming, all-natural blend of Eucalyptus, Palo Santo and Lavender, this bath enhancer helps to soothe both the mind and body, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed,” says Marino.
Higherdose Serotonin Soak Salt
Use code THR20 for 20 percent off through March 31 (exclusions apply)
Saint Jane Deep Sleep Bath Salts
Trace Pure Magnesium Flakes
Exfoliate
“Exfoliation in the evening is imperative,” recommends Marino. “I always say exfoliation is the key to hydration, you can’t have healthy, hydrated skin without properly exfoliating the skin.”
Lumielle Glass Skin Liquid Exfoliant
“I love the Lumielle Glass Skin Exfoliant — this went absolutely viral after we mentioned it on our Instagram and showed our clients, and we sold 1000 units in under a week,” says Marino. “This is a gentle-yet-effective exfoliating toner that’s formulated to accelerate your skin’s natural exfoliation by removing dead skin cells and impurities. It gently purifies, controls excess sebum, reduces redness and improves skin texture. Over time, it evens skin tone and reduces fine lines, revealing smoother, glass skin complexion.”
Active ingredients include 2 percent salicylic acid (for unnclogging pores), PHA exfoliants gluconolactone and lactobionic acid and Saccharomyces ferment filtrate (for brightening and exfoliating) and glycereth-y trimethyl ether (for dissolving salicylic acid and moisturizing).
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence
French beauty brand Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence contains glycolic acid for exfoliation and the hydrating hero ingredient grape water for decreasing the appearance of dark spots and strengthening the skin’s microbiome.
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% also contains salicylic acid for exfoliation, plus a blend of bioactive fruit acids to leave the skin looking radiant and smooth.
Moon Juice Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator
Moon Juice’s Acid Potion features a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to exfoliate and balance the skin; reishi mushroom to support the skin barrier; and niacinamide for soothing and hydrating.
Supplement Your Sleep
Marino also suggests supporting your beauty sleep from the inside. “I love taking Calm (Beauty) from Agent Nateur before bed,” she says. “Calm (Beauty) is a powerful daily elixir that supports radiant skin, healthy hair, restorative sleep, and overall well-being. It works at the cellular level to reverse skin damage, restore balance, and promote anti-aging benefits, with key ingredients like spermidine, taurine, tart cherry, and magnesium. This non-drowsy, melatonin-free formula boosts metabolism, reduces inflammation and enhances heart health.”
Expert’s Pick
Agent Nateur Calm (Beauty) Daily Supplement
MoonBrew The Magnesium Sleep Aid
End your day on a sweet (and sugar-free) note with Moonbrew’s Night Time Superfoods hot cocoa mix, packed with adaptogens and sleep-supporting ingredients such as reishi, chamomile, magnesium glycinate, magnesium taurate, L-theanine and zinc glycinate.
More of the Best Sleep Products, from Skin Care to Tech
Nakery Beauty SkinRecovery Relax + Repair Body Balm
Slather one Nakery Beauty’s nourishing body balm — which contains magnesium, melatonin and retinol — to help you drift to sleep while firming, toning and hydrating your skin.
ASUTRA Dorm Set Bundle
Here’s exactly how to wind down like the GOAT. Venus Williams-backed, women-founded wellness brand Austra’s three-piece bundle includes the Dream the Night Away lotion infused with melatonin and magnesium (both known to support sleep), the Oprah Winfrey-endorsed 100 percent silk eye pillow and the relaxing Mist Your Mood lavender and chamomile spray. (The brand is offering 20 percent off select items on Amazon for Sleep Awareness Month.)
Ozlo Sleepbuds
Developed by the same engineers that created Bose’s discontinued earbuds, Ozlo Sleepbuds fit comfortably in the ear and feature active noise blocking as you listen to soundscapes to help you drift to sleep easier. When used with Ozlo’s app, you can set gentle alarms and listen to calming sounds and music form the company’s audio library. (You can also use them to listen to your favorite music apps.) Even better? Soon, the brand will offer sleep data tracking so snoozers can get insight into their routine.
Loftie Smart Alarm Clock
Focus on getting your beauty rest by eliminating distractions — like your blue light-emitting smartphone. For the brave ones who can stay five feet away from their phone at bedtime (like Jennifer Aniston), Loftie’s smart alarm clock
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock
Some people sleep like a baby with a sound machine — and if that sounds like you, Hatch’s Restore 3 smart speaker clock has a gentle sunrise alarm and app-free sleep content such as white noise, soundscapes, bedtime stories and guided meditations help you wind down and snooze. It also doubles as a nightlight and you can create programs with light hues, sounds and routines.
MZOO 3D Sleep Eye Mask
We’ve tried nearly every sleep eye mask out there — this light memory foam one has emerged as our in-flight favorite and everyday bedtime essential for its soft, comfortable and breathable 3D design.
Somnee Sleep Headband
Co-founded by sleep expert Matt Walker
Somnee’s smart sleep headband features EEG sensors that detect your brainwave activity and uses that data to create personalized, 15-minute stimulation programs to help you fall asleep quicker and get better quality sleep. And as Sobelman notes above, a good night’s rest is also great for the skin (and fewer under-eye circles).
Rest Evercool+ Cooling Starter Set
Among Harvard sleep expert Rebecca Robbins’ easy fixes to set the scene for sleep? Set the thermostat to a comfortable level between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (the ideal temperature for sleep), swap out old pillows and upgrade your bedding. Rest’s Evercool+ starter sheet set is our favorite for staying comfortable, especially during hot LA nights. We’ve found that the buttery-smooth bedsheets keep us cool and dry no matter how much we toss and turn. (Robbins points out that our bedtime movements warm up our bodies and beds, disrupting the ideal temperature for sleep.)
