My abuelita might have been on to something with her hardcore "beauty sleep" routine. Not only does she make sure to get eight hours (or more) of rest every SINGLE night, but she also take a whole hour nap in the middle of the afternoon just to descansar sus ojos, like she always says. It's no wonder she still looks amazing even at her 85 years of age. Beauty sleep is pretty essential for repairing your skin. Ever noticed how rough and old your skin looks when you haven't slept in days? With that said, a lot of women don't realize that when it comes to looking young and beautiful, a good night's sleep alone doesn't cut it. There's a lot you need to do before you actually hit the sack!
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So whether you want to wake up with glower skin or softer hair, here are a few beauty tips you NEED to add to your bedtime ritual!
Brighten up: No highlighter or illuminating product can compare to skin's natural glow. For a brighter complexion, try applying a moisturizer to your face before hitting the sack that includes brightening ingredients like vitamin C. I love Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Poweer Cx30 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer ($72).
De-puff eyes: Look for an eye cream that contains caffeine in it. This will help circulate the blood flow in that area of your face. Try Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($21). And of course, make sure to put on a sleeping mask before hitting the sack.
Soften strands: Want to wake up with soft shiny hair? Try applying an oil-based serum before bed, like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum ($30). Don't apply more than a pea-sized amount so you don't wake up with greasy strands.
Boost curls: Don't want to fuss with your curls in the morning? Try applying a curl enhancing product that's going to keep curls intact, like Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Cream ($29). Pull hair up into a high, loose ponytail so curls don't flatten while you sleep.
Whiten teeth: I'm kind of obsessed with my teeth, so to keep them white I brush with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture before bed about once a week. I leave it on for just four to five minutes before rinsing out. In the morning I wake up with an instantly brighter smile. Works every time!
Get fuller brows: Trying to grow out your brows? Apply rosemary or castor oil on and all around eyebrows before bed. I love B The Eyebrow Experts Nourishing Brow Oil ($30).
Smooth feet: I hate dry cracked heels, so I always apply Vaseline to the soles right before bed. Just slather them on and slip them into a pair of socks. I swear you'll wake up with baby soft feet in the morning!
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