(Skin)

As A Restless Sleeper, I’ve Finally Perfected My Nighttime Routine

Good sleep, glowing skin — what else do you need?

Oct. 6, 2022

Hannah Baxter on her nighttime routine for better sleep

I’ve always joked that I’m the only person in my family not blessed with the good sleeper gene. Insomnia will rear its ugly head on long plane rides, in cars, or frankly, even my own bed if the setting isn’t just right. And although it’s one of my favorite activities — and I’m decidedly not a morning person — I can never seem to doze off with ease, even when I’m thoroughly exhausted. But after 33 years, and almost a decade as a beauty editor, I’ve developed a quality nighttime routine to help assuage my anxious mind and ready my body for sleep.

Of course, a thorough skin care routine is essential given my profession, but I’ve also learned the benefits of a creating a calming environment to wind down from your day, especially in a wildly busy city like New York. This can pertain to what you wear, your bed linens, the investment you make in a mattress (arguably one of the bigger purchases you’ll make as an adult) and even the scents you fill your room with before your head hits the pillow.

So, if you’re also a troubled sleeper and you’re looking to make catching some zzz’s just a bit easier, keep reading for my go-to nighttime routine and the products I swear by for a blissful night’s sleep.

Hannah Baxter

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Turn Your Room Into An Oasis

For many people in big cities, your bedroom can often function as an office, a dining room, or the entirety of your closet if you’re not careful. I really try to keep my space tidy and free of clutter so that I don’t feel stressed as I get ready to sleep. Then I have a series of devices I need to keep the space feeling akin to a luxury spa, even if I’m still just on my block in Brooklyn.

Canopy

Humidifier

$150

I have chronically dry skin so a humidifier is a must to boost hydration levels in my pre-war apartment. I love that this option fights mold growth (which is always a risk with a humidifier), is super easy to change out the filter, and is aesthetically much more attractive than most options on the market. I add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oils into the tank to fill the room with calming fragrance as I doze off.

Molekule

Air Mini+

$499.99

Like I said, I live in a pre-war apartment with very old walls, paint, the works, so I’m always careful to have an air purifier running to filter out any lingering toxins (I also tend to have a candle burning which is, sadly, not great for your lungs). This option is tiny but powerful and has a white noise-like hum that is perfect for resless sleepers. I keep this next to my bed and change the filter once every six months.

D.S. & Durga

Big Sur After Rain Candle

$65

As much as I’d love to fall asleep to the sound of a storm every night, that’s not totally feasible, so I like to light this candle for a 10 to 15 minutes to fill the room with the scent of rainwater, eucalyptus, and redwoods. If I’m lucky, I’ll dream that I’m driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, my stressors melting away with each mile.

Kartell

Componibili 3 Tier Storage

$220

I’ll admit that my nightstand situation used to be an absolute mess — loose ponytail holders, water glasses, spare lipsticks, stacks of books. But ever since I invested in this cutie Kartell storage situation, all of my nighttime essentials are hidden away so there’s zero clutter other than my favorite vintage lamp and an alarm clock. It makes such a huge difference to have the last thing you see before you go to sleep be a calm, clean space.

Ruggable

Kaden Amber Red Rug

$219

Textiles always help set the scene for a luxe and cozy room. Not only does this rug emulate the look of some of my favorite luxury hotels, but it’s also machine washable (and anyone with a pet knows how crucial that is to keep your home tidy).

Curate Your Bed

Obviously, the bed situation plays a huge role in how your night of sleep will go. We’ve all been at AirBnBs with a stiff mattress or on a friend’s couch that just... was the exact opposite of comfortable. I’ve upgraded every part of my bed over the last year until it feels like I’d rather sleep there than at any chic hotel in the world.

Modernica

Case Study V-Leg Bed

$1,300

I’ve always had either hand-me-down bedroom furniture from my mom or gone the Ikea route in my early 20s (which is 100% fine), but last year I decided to stop with temporary stopovers and just buy the frame I’d always wanted. I first spotted this style at a very chic Air BnB in the Catskills and I immediately knew it was the one. Clean lines, classic wood stain, and I know I’ll have it forever.

Casper

Wave Hybrid Mattress

$2,895

It took over three decades, but I finally have a mattress that is so sinfully comfortable, the first thing I do when I get home from a trip is flop on my bed in happiness. This Casper style uses gel pods to align your spine and ease away any aches while also keeping your cool throughout the night. I tend to run warm so I need that little extra boost to sleep soundly. If you’re debating whether or not to finally buy a *nice* mattress, I can’t recommend this option highly enough.

Brooklinen

Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle

$363

$245.03

These are, hands-down, the comfiest, most buttery soft sheets I’ve ever owned. The sateen finish gives the perfect slip-slide feel (especially if you just shaved your legs — you know what I’m talking about) and I swear they get softer with every wash. The cream color is my go-to for a tranquil effect.

Parachute

Linen Duvet Cover

$320

I’ve always loved the look of linen so this duvet cover was high on my list of essentials to curate my bedroom. The bone color is just slightly off-white for a minimal look that still has warmth. Spring for the matching shams to complete your bedding situation.

Four Seasons

Down Feather Pillow

$199

Call me bougie all you want, but a down or down-alternative pillow is the most luxurious way to rest your head at night. I always craved that feeling of being enveloped in a hotel’s stack of fluffy cloud pillows, so I made the investment for two (soon to be four, hopefully) to emulate that vibe at home.

Boost Your Skin Moisture From Head To Toe

Your skin can lose a ton of moisture while you sleep if you’re not careful, so I always end my nighttime routine with plenty of creams and oils that are rich in emollients and occlusive ingredients. That way, when I finally wake up the next day, by complexion is dewy, radiant, and looking rested — hopefully with a solid 8+ hours of sleep to accompany it.

Augustinus Bader

The Rich Cream

$280

After I go through my cleanser and serums, I always use a rich moisturizer at night to keep my skin adequately hydrated until the morning. This formula always does the trick and I never feel tight or dry by the time I wake up. It also leaves my skin looking more even and glowy, so it’s worth the investment in my opinion.

Georgia Louise

Vital Finishing Serum

$159

Georgia Louise is one of the best facialists out there, bar none, and although I’d love to receive a facial with her every week, that’s just not possible — but this oil-based serum is pretty close. I top of my nighttime moisturizer with this formula, which is rich in hydrating squalene and barrier-boosting ceramides, so I wake up with sinfully soft and soothed skin each day.

Soft Services

Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment

$58

I’m very concerned about the state of my hands as I get older, so this .05% retinol hand cream helps fade dark spots and fine lines while also keeping my skin moisturized throughout the night. The chic, refillable container also looks stunning on my nightstand.

Dr. Dan's

Cortibalm Lip Balm

$7.48

Is this the sexiest lip balm out there? Not necessarily, but there is nothing else that keeps my chronically dry lips moisturized all the way until I wake up the next morning. I’ve bought this formula for close to 10 years and I will never use another balm for my nighttime routine.