Beauty

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

Every minute, the equivalent of one rubbish truck full of plastic is leaked into our oceans, what’s more, it’s estimated that if we don’t change the way we use plastic, this could increase four times by 2050. Although the plastic pollution problem can feel overwhelming, a growing number of people are ditching single-use plastics in favour of a cleaner, greener way of living. Not sure how to take the packaging-free plunge? Meet the naked skincare range going the extra mile for your complexion.

Whether it’s the ever-growing Pacific Garbage Patch - an area of ocean microplastics bigger than Texas, footage of albatross parents feeding their chicks plastic, or “fatbergs” - fatty masses made from sanitary products blocking our sewers - awareness and evidence of the damage done by single-use products is stacking up. The word “single-use” was even named word of the year by Collins Dictionary in 2018, defined as products made predominantly from plastic “that are ‘made to be used once only’ before disposal.” Perhaps it’s no surprise that following the exposure of these issues an increasing amount of people are taking the zero waste lifestyle leap.

Disposable products such as makeup wipes are sold to us as convenient timesavers, meaning we can clean our faces without even having to leave our beds. While this may sound inviting when running late for work, this convenience often comes at the cost of excessive packaging that cannot be recycled or reused. Plastic is continuing to be produced at an alarming rate, reaching 311 million tonnes in 2014, the equivalent of more than 900 Empire State Buildings. This figure is expected to double again over the next 20 years. Scary huh?

But it’s not all bad news - as consumers we’ve begun to demand more when it comes to transparency, ethics and sustainability. In a small space of time we’ve seen bars and restaurants ditch plastic straws, we’ve heard talk of introducing a tax on plastic packaging in the UK, and single-use plastic bag sales have dropped by 86%, showing that change is within our reach.

While revolutionary campaigns like Plastic Free Planet are gaining global momentum and media coverage, demanding that supermarkets offer customers a plastic-free aisle; cutting back on packaging is nothing new for Lush. Now, with three naked shops (Milan, Berlin and Manchester) under our belt, there’s no stopping us. The latest innovation is a stripped back, luxury skincare range that doesn’t compromise on your skin’s needs.

Product inventor Alessandro Commisso introduces the range, he says: “There is something beautiful in using our naked skincare products. Each bar is made with few, effective natural materials that go directly into the skin in their most simple form. The moment you stop worrying about the packaging, you really can start enjoying the benefits.”

What can you expect from the range apart from glowing skin and a decluttered bathroom cabinet? The collection features facial oils and cleansing balms, all brimming with beautifully enriching ingredients, but none of the excessive packaging that so often comes with the usual “cleanse, tone, moisturise” routine. Here are some highlights from these hard-working skin-saviours.

Did someone say a reusable face wipe made from seaweed? It may sound strange, but trust us on this one. When product inventors Helen Ambrosen and Gary Shears heard about the damage that facial wipes were doing to our environment they decided to take action. 7 to 3 (no, not a Dolly Parton rip off, but the hours our manufacturing teams work) is a cleansing pad made from carrageenan, a jelly-like substance made from Irish moss seaweed. These cleansing pads which look remarkably like cotton pads are an effective way to clean your face or remove makeup. These delicate cleansers contain clarifying fresh dove orchid infusion and balancing ylang ylang. After around three to five uses, you can pop these pads in your compost bin or general waste and they will safely biodegrade. Happy fishies, happy skin - everybody wins.

Helen tells us more: “The added benefits of using this cleanser are that it’s self preserving, it’s not in a plastic bottle and what is released into the environment is biodegradable. Compared to face wipes where you’ve got a plastic wrapper and ingredients inside that won’t biodegrade either, it’s a huge step forward and really great for the skin as well. After use, just gently rinse away the residue and pop it somewhere dry ready for the next time you use it.”

Banana peel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of looking after your skin, but it turns out banana skins are rich in nutrients and have some serious skincare superpowers. Before you start rubbing your mid-morning snack on your face, there’s a far easier way to reap this fruit’s benefits. Banana Skin is a naked facial oil that challenges the way we view waste. Normally chucked in the compost and left for the worms, leftover banana peels are used to create a tincture that not only adds a beautiful banana aroma to the facial oil, but is also effective at toning and clearing the skin. This calming formula contains mango butter to deeply moisturise and sandalwood to soothe, made with sensitive-skinned Sally’s in mind.

If you like to ‘roll’ with the trends, then you’ve probably heard about jade rollers. This crystal massage tool has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, but now seems to be the latest must-have in shelfie-worthy skincare. While there are big claims about what these aesthetic gizmos can do for our skin, why not try Jade Roller naked cleanser, a skincare product that will cleanse, tone and massage all in one go. Studded with mung beans on one side and containing stimulating peppermint oil, this solid bar will boost blood flow to the skin, giving you a post-facial glow. Marula oil helps to increase your skin’s elasticity, while chamomile and rose tighten, tone and leave skin feeling calm and clear. Those short on time but big on skincare will love this multi-use product.

If you like the sound of this time-saving, waste-cutting range then there’s good news, there are seven other packaging-free products in this collection, from primers that tackle fine lines with electric daisies, to cleansers with ground coconut shell to keep pores clean. Spend less time unwrapping excessive packaging and more time luxuriating over stripped back skincare - build your zero-waste skin regime here.

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

Across Britain, it’s estimated around 320,000 people are homeless and, with this number rising each year, it can be difficult to know how to help. Believe it or not, you can start by simply clearing through your bathroom cabinet says Shelley Morris, chairperson of Bournemouth-based homeless charity Second Chance.

For many of us, the first thing we look forward to in the morning is a shower, but for rough sleepers, regular access to running water isn’t always an option. Government cuts have impacted the services offered to vulnerable people across the UK, resulting in an increase in homelessness and, with less help available from the government, many charities and organisations are having to take up the slack.

Shelley Morris is a chairperson, support and outreach worker at Second Chance, an unfunded charity that supports homeless people. Shelley and much of her team have day jobs on top of their work for Second Chance, meaning they work around the clock to provide support. The charity helps homeless people who have fallen through the net, ensuring they get the aid available by putting pressure on agencies to do their job. She says:

“We are a linking agency between council housing, private housing and other agencies, supporting people each step of the way until they don’t need us anymore. We act as a lifeline, keeping our phones on 24 hours a day and offering as much advice and assistance as we can.”

As well as helping with administration and advice, Shelley is a big believer in the difference personal care items and a little bit of pampering can make to people’s confidence and wellbeing. Working in partnership with local barbers and Lush, Second Chance regularly holds free hairdressing events for the homeless.

Proven to improve mental wellbeing, haircuts can also help those with disrupted routines claim back a little normality. These events serve as a safe space, where people can step away from their situation for a couple of hours and are treated with respect and compassion.

Shelley says: “We really see the difference it makes to people’s days. When they have their hair done with different Lush products the smell is very therapeutic. The event takes people away from their difficulties, letting them focus on themselves for a while.”

Here’s where you come in. Our bathroom cabinets can quickly become overcrowded, but before you go full Marie Kondo on your toiletries, unwanted shampoos and other cosmetics can make a difference.

As well as events, Second Chance collects donations of non-perishable food items, warm clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries. So, instead of flinging your unloved cosmetics in the dustbin, you can give them to someone who needs them. While cosmetics such as shower gels may seem like everyday essentials to some, to others these products are a luxury.

Shelley explains: “It can be a reminder of how things were before they were in this situation, pulling people back a bit and reminding them where they want to be. Even though it may seem like quite a small thing to some, we really see the difference these items can make.”

Feeling clean should be a right, not a privilege, but sadly this isn’t always the case. You can help to change that. If you have some extra toiletries you would like to donate, you can find plenty of charities online who will gladly accept them. Many organisations will take gently used products, but please treat this guideline with respect - if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t donate it.

If you’re local to Bournemouth, you can find out more about the work Second Chance do and donate your unused toiletries and other items here.

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

You’ve heard of conceptual art, you’ve heard of the performing arts, but have you heard of bath art? Bath bombs have become a form of artistic expression, a solid bicarb structure which explodes into a visual show in your bathtub.

Rewind almost thirty years to the invention of the bath bomb by co-founder and product inventor Mo Constantine and it’s clear they have been on quite a journey from the humble Butterball; a creamy bath bomb full of skin-softening cocoa butter, to The Experimenter; an explosion of colour and in-your-face creativity.

When Mo began making bath bombs in her garden shed she was unaware they would take off with such a bang. Despite the evolution of the bath bombs, product inventors continue to return to their original values. Mo explains: “We’ve never done packaging or preservatives. The products are always naked, bright, accessible and affordable, and despite producing millions of products we want them to remain fresh and handmade.”

Lush stores have also retained the same principles, with the visual nature of the products staying at the forefront of the shop’s design. Mo says: “The whole shop was based on a fruit and veg store, with graduated racks and crates. The bright nature of the products entices people in.”

Bath bombs remain tangible and unpackaged today, allowing us to peruse the shelves - feeling the texture, breathing in their fragrance and perhaps being shown a demo or two to add a touch of theatre to the whole experience.

The original, old school ballistics are shop classics, the equivalent to a wardrobe staple. We return devotedly to these retro bath bombs year after year like we would our favourite sweater, knowing that they will deliver on comfort and reliability. They are benefits-first bath bombs, their innovation is in the effect they have on the skin and the stunning essential oils and natural ingredients they contain.

The bath bomb was born when Mo wanted something to turn an ordinary bath into a luxurious event without irritating delicate skin. She explains: “I wanted to be able to introduce things to the bath which you wouldn’t normally be able to, such as peels, petals, butters and essential oils; lovely ingredients which would be beneficial to the skin.”

Aside from treating the skin to an abundance of rich butters and oils, these bath bombs create a unique ambience in your bathroom through fragrance and colour, drawing on inspiration from aromatherapy and taking your senses on a journey.

From pacifying lavender, cheerful neroli and spicy frankincense to earthy clary sage and classic rose, each bath bomb is bursting with exquisite essential oils, which can boost the wellbeing of both mind and body.

Twenty years after the bath bombs revolutionised bathing, bath bombs faced a reinvention by product inventor and digital director Jack Constantine. A new generation of lively, kaleidoscopic bath bombs arose, and with the rebirth of an old favourite came something very visual - Bath Art.

Jack explains the phenomenon: “We created a new generation of bath bombs. Every time we formulate new products there has to be a benefit to them, but we also want to make bath time a bit more interesting.''

A little like an art installation unfolding within your very own bath tub, these bath bombs create a canvas that is unique every time.They are all about experimentation, pushing boundaries and often contain a playful twist such as popping candy or a vibrant lustre made from seaweed. The ability to build up multiple layers to bath bombs has altered things too. As these colourful ballistics dissolve they leave a blanket of swirling coloured foam on the surface of the water.

Speaking about the artistic element of the next generation bath bombs, Jack says: “All of this creates a worldwide collaborative art project in which customers join in, creating their own interpretation using water as their canvas and bath bombs as their paint, photographing and sharing with the world.”

Of course they still have a wonderful effect on the skin but these bath bombs also create quite the spectacle, encouraging us to pause and luxuriate in the moment.

Bath bomb discoveries continue to advance and product inventors show no sign of slowing down; continuing to spitball kooky ideas and rather importantly having fun while doing so. There is no knowing where this experiment in creativity could lead.

Jelly Bombs show yet another step in the bath art journey - unleashing fountains of skin nourishing jelly as they hit the water for a gloriously playful bathtime. As well as adding tonnes of fun to your tub, this jelly is made from a type of mineral-rich seaweed called sodium alginate, which conditions the skin to leave it incredibly soft. From Secret Arts, a mysterious Jelly Bomb which dissolves into supernatural black jelly, to mellow The Big Sleep full of calming lavender oil, this range is all about entertainment and innovation, all the while enriching the skin.

The release of the online exclusive #LushLabs unveiled even more bathing innovation. From bubble bars shaped like paint brushes to dip, splatter and colour the bubbles in your bath to I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, a reusable bubble bar that doubles a bubble blower, innovation is around every corner to help make your bathtime as unique as you are. 

Jack says: “There are experiments, ideas and collaborations that come with drama, frustrations and successes. The culmination is put on display for the world to experience, discuss, and judge as they see fit.”

Enter Lush Moods, the newest addition to the limited #LushLabs range for summer 2018. Created by Mark, each product is filled with innovation and inspiration as individual doses of mood-altering aromatherapy, from Spinning Plates bubble spinner to help encourage you to drop everything for a while, to Not Sleepy shower bomb - an explosion of bright lemon and citrus oils to kick apathy to the kerb and whimsical Under The Umbrella Tree which takes its inspiration from the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing" in English). You don't have to take an umbrella into the bath with you to enjoy this potent bath bomb, but it's recommended. Each product has a specific purpose and use in mind to help you turn bathing from a thoughtless habit into an empowering, transformative experience.

“These new products aren’t medicines, they are to do with transforming your mood," says Mark, "There’s this thing called Brief Strategic Therapy, where someone comes in in one state of mind and leaves in another. That’s the idea behind all of this. You have one mood when you get in the bath and another when you leave. They’re a single-use products - they’re a dose.” Lush perfumer Emma Dick agrees, saying of lavender-rich Little Bottle of Calm bath bomb, "It's like adding a few drops of essential oil to your bath without the bottle." Mood transforming products with naked credentials? All the more reason to indulge.

So whether you are an intrepid bathtime adventurer, or seeking a serene soak, have a browse and see what you fancy, because when it comes to bathtime exploration, who knows where you will be transported to next!

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

We love bathing. From Romans bathing in the hot mineral water in the city of Bath, to Cleopatra taking a dip in milk and honey, we’ve reaped the benefits of baths for centuries. Whether it’s the use of hydrotherapy for health, or purely for a dose of zen, a soak can do wonders. We chatted with Lush Spa treatment developer and wellbeing guru, Hannah Lammiman, to get to the bottom of the age-old question: What makes the perfect bath?

TL;DR: For the ultimate relaxation experience, opt for a temperature just above body temperature (37°C+), in the evening for at least 15 minutes to make sure you get all of those skincare and self care benefits. Find out why below...

Baths can’t solve everything, but they can certainly make a difference to your day. Hannah says: “A bath is very different to a shower. It relaxes the skin tissues so your skin looks smoother, more hydrated, and it brings the blood to the surface to help skin cell renewal. It’s great for your mind too, it’s about stepping down your thoughts and just being immersed by the water around you.”

A soak in a hot bath has been proven to boost mental wellbeing and strengthen circadian rhythms, the biological clock that determines when we feel sleepy or alert. And while regular baths can make us feel better mentally, they can also make us feel better physically. Studies have suggested that taking time out to bathe can burn the same amount of calories as a 25 - 30 minute walk, lower blood sugar, and significantly improve heart health. We’re not proposing you drop your workout gear in favour of some tub time, but there’s no doubt about the benefits bathing can bring.

What temperature should my bath be?

Everyone’s tolerance for what’s too hot is different, however it’s thought that the ideal water temperature is only slightly higher than our body temperature, which is around 37°C. Anything above 39°C and your heart begins to work harder. An extra tip? If you wince when putting your hand in the water, then it’s probably too warm.

If you’ve ever stubbornly sat in a bath that you knew was far too hot, you’ll be familiar with a shaky, light headed feeling that’s not far removed from the onset of flu - these kind of bathing experiences are enough to put even the most committed bathers off taking the plunge. But why can very warm baths trigger that nasty woozy feeling?

A rapid rise in body temperature can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause the heart to race and make us feel dizzy. Hannah recommends avoiding baths that are too hot and instead topping up the tub with warm water once you’re in the bath. While running your bath, make sure it’s deep enough that you can properly immerse your body without sending a deluge of water across the bathroom - try creating a bathing playlist or selecting a book while you’re waiting for the taps to run.

How long should I bath?

Are you a quick dipper or a pruney-skinned pamperer? While some may easily lose track of time in the bath, others can find the whole idea of sitting doing nothing challenging. Aim to allow yourself at least 15 - 30 minutes of doing absolutely zilch without feeling guilty about it. But is there a magic number when it comes to optimising your soak? Hannah thinks so:

“If you’re adding something like epsom salts, magnesium or anything to help ease aches and pains, then to really get the benefits and help with muscle function, you should be in the bath for about 20 minutes to help the osmosis of those ingredients into your skin.”

Bathing rituals

Rituals are an important part of daily life. Most of us perform them without even realising, whether it’s having a coffee and a croissant at the same time every morning, or a wind down routine performed before bed to help us sleep. Rituals offer us a sense of structure and solidity, and can help us feel more in control of our hectic lives. These can become more challenging to sustain as we get older. Hannah explains how turning bathing into a ritual can be a great form of self-care:

“Rituals and routines are really important. When we’re babies we learn the ritual of bath, bottle, bed. As adults we can turn bathing into a similar ritual by putting on our favourite music, listening to a podcast, lighting candles, and using our favourite bath products. Putting aside time to think ‘I’m going to have a bath tonight’ is a really lovely ritual. It’s a special treat that’s not very expensive and yet it can change your day and your mindset completely.”

If you’re a fan of taking a bath before bed then there’s some good news, studies have shown that taking a dip before you hit the hay can help promote sleep. The rise in body temperature, followed by a rapid cool-down period is similar to the temperature drop that happens to our bodies in the evening, making us feel sleepy. Not only can this help us to drift off a little quicker, but it can even enhance the quality of sleep we do get. If you’re struggling to switch off in the evening ready for bedtime then a warm bath is your new best friend.

No bath? No problem.

The Lush Spa has got you covered with Tales Of Bath, an enchanting 75 minute treatment originally designed for Bath Spa. As well as a sleep-inducing massage, you’ll be able to take a dip in your very own roll top bath and get transported away to a world of fairies and magic. You’ll find this special treatment in Lush Spas around the world, so why not treat yourself and book in for an extra special soak?

Bath bomb first?

It’s a divisive issue. Does your favourite bath bomb go in before or after you sink into the tub? The answer: sorry we can’t help on this one, it’s for you to decide. Let us know how you enjoy your favourite bath bomb and share your favourite bathtime stories using #WeTheBathers.

So, whether you’re a fan of short ones, long ones, cold ones, or hot ones, there really is a bath for everyone - explore the latest Bath Bomb collection and tailor your bath to you.

Illustration: Marisol Ortega

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

From dropping beetroot hummus on your favourite white t.shirt, to unexpected visitors when you’re out of biscuits - life can be pretty hectic, and little irritations can soon metamorphose into bigger stresses. Introducing lavender - the purple-flowering plant on a mission to make Monday meetings more manageable and sleepy Sundays even more satisfying.

Renowned for its dreamy effects, and used for centuries in beauty products and herbal remedies, lavender is top of the list when it comes to helping us chill out. There have been a plethora of studies into this widely used plant in a bid to unlock the shrub’s enchanting secrets and discover why it can have such a calming affect on our disposition.

Professor Tim Jacobs explains: “lavender essential oil is relaxing, has calming effects and has been used to aid sleep for generations. There is a scientific explanation for this as lavender essential oil contains a compound called linalool which is an anaesthetic. Effectively it anaesthetises your nerves, no doubt this occurs because it is a physiological effect.”

Many people report a relaxed state as a result of using lavender based products, and it’s often used in aromatherapy as a sleep aid or to calm busy thoughts. And let’s face it, most of us would welcome anything that can help us to switch off from our busy lifestyles for just a moment right?

So when the deep breathing techniques aren’t working, let go of the day’s stresses and call forth lavender lullabies with this bedtime routine instead.

Come in, the water’s fine

Whether you’re a bathing buff or a steamy shower enthusiast, immerse yourself in lavender waters and feel tranquility wash over you. Melt away the day with Dreamtime bath oil and take a dip in a sunset of glistening gold and deep mauve. As it hits the water, this solid Fair Trade organic cocoa butter bath oil lazily liquefies, leaving a trail of lavender and chamomile blue oil. Peppery ginger and dark sandalwood are divinely warming, conjuring up a comforting soak.

For baby bathers (over six months) who won’t settle try Ickle Baby Bot. Designed with irritable children and babies in mind, this soothing bath bomb will help your little ones calm down ready for lights out. A magical mix of lavender, chamomile blue oil and sandalwood oil will make bedtime a breeze.

Looking for a sophisticated soak? Create mountains of lilac bubbles with A French Kiss bubble bar. The herbal infusion of woody rosemary and verdant lavender untangles knotted thoughts and brings you back down to earth, while extra virgin coconut oil creates a blanket of soft, soothing suds.

If you’re stepping into a steamy shower then Twilight shower gel is fundamental to a relaxing routine. A strong lavender aroma hits at first, filling your shower with botanical steam, before  a mellower undertone of vanilla-like tonka and caramelly benzoin resinoid fills your nose, finally a burst of sensual ylang ylang comes through as a floral finish. If you like the sound of this, then you can also find the same scent in the shimmering, lilac-coloured Twilight bath bomb.

Finish off by slathering yourself in skin-softening Sleepy body lotion, this pastel lilac cream will wrap you up in lavender water and a lavender flower infusion. Rich Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, illipe butter and oatmeal infusion enrich and condition the skin, while the addition of tonka to the mix gives this malty blend a slightly spicy cinnamon-like note. Heady ylang ylang and balsamic benzoin resinoid will bewitch your senses, sending you into sublime slumbers.

Let’s face it

The hot water from your soak or shower will have dilated your pores, so this is the ideal time to carry out a skincare regime as the nutrients, oils and butters from ingredients will be more readily absorbed into the skin.

Pinch a small piece of Angels On Bare Skin fresh cleanser from the pot and mix with a little warm water in your palm, once this has formed a paste, apply to your face in circular motions before rinsing or wiping away with a soft cloth. Inspired by an ancient medieval recipe, this restorative cleanser harnesses the power of lavender in order to balance your skin. Ground almonds add a small amount of gentle scrub, transforming to a soothing almond milk once water is added and resulting in a dazzlingly radiant complexion.

Once cleansed, close your eyes and spritz Eau Roma Water toner directly onto your face, before wiping away with a clean towel or cotton pads. A blend of lavender and rose will even out your skin tone and help to close your pores after a deep clean. Finally, smooth on delicately floral, lavender, geranium and rose Vanishing Cream. This light moisturiser sinks straight in, leaving behind only a light blossoming scent and gleaming skin.

Wake up on the right side of the bed

We know you’re eager to climb into bed and close those tired eyes after this sleep enhancing routine, but hold fire for just one moment! Before you slip under the covers and drift into dreamland, spray yourself or your bedding with a liberal amount of Twilight body spray. A musical blend of lavender and tonka will infuse your slumbers for a deep sleep and help you to wake up feeling fresh.

If you’re still struggling to hit snooze then there are plenty of other practical steps that you can take to make shut eye a little more attainable. You can also read more about the effects of lavender and frequently asked questions on the plant here. 

Originally published on lush.com

Originally published on lush.com

Sleep, it’s something that most of us would like more of, but finding the time to catch the six to nine hours that doctors recommend can be a difficult balancing act.

In fact, we’re slowly becoming a nation desperate for more rest. A report by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that ‘‘the UK public is under-sleeping by an average of almost an hour every night – which amounts to losing an entire night’s sleep over the course of a week.’’ That’s quite a lot of shut eye to catch up on!

Aside from a short temper and difficulty focusing at work, lack of sleep can also contribute to a number of health issues. While there are factors we can’t change, there are things we can do to improve the quality of the sleep we do get, and setting a relaxing bedtime routine can help you to switch off and sleep a little deeper.

Soak it off

A hot bath about two hours before bed can help you to unwind. The drop in body temperature after a long hot soak mimics the temperature drop that happens naturally before sleep.

Lush Spa therapist Emma Logan says: “A hot bath before bed encourages a great night’s sleep and prepares the body for bedtime as it relaxes the muscles and helps to reconnect the mind and body.”

Try a facial massage

Tension builds up in our face muscles throughout the day, so a facial massage can not only help to lull us into a soporific state, it also increases blood flow to the skin, making it look tighter and brighter.

Emma explains: “Massage can help to relax tense facial muscles, clear sinuses and relieve headaches. The skin works hard throughout the night to renew skin cells, so massage supports this. Any products you use during the process can also promote repair and renewal.”

Using aromatic products while massaging can boost the soothing effects of the massage, Emma says: “Oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile and sandalwood can promote sleep and relaxation, look out for these ingredients in products.”

And breathe…

Scenting your skin or bedroom can create a pacifying atmosphere before bedtime, making it easier to drift off. Popular sleep enhancing fragrances include lavender, jasmine, bergamot and ylang ylang. These essential oils can help to slow the heart rate, calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety and improve mood. Try surrounding yourself with these snooze-inducing scents and sink deep into dream time.

Lights out

Alongside a dreamy bedtime beauty routine, there are plenty of other ways to turn your room into a sleep sanctuary, from filling your room with air cleansing plants, to softer lighting. Emma adds: “Avoiding technology before bed is always a good idea and gradually dimming the lights so that your body adjusts works wonders too.”

Finally, look out for products containing essential oils which can increase the quality of your rest and help you to feel rejuvenated. Go on, sleep on it.