Our Full Guide To Beauty Sleep: Mistakes, Expert Tips & Best Nighttime Products

This is my personal favorite nighttime cleanser at the moment. Cold creams were traditionally formulated with petrolatum and beeswax for a super-smooth texture, but this elevated version is completely mineral oil-free. Wildcrafted juneberry provides antioxidant protection and leaves my skin looking glowy and bright, while ​​circular jojoba beads gently buff away excess skin and instantly smooth any bumpy texture. And the creamy, emollient-rich texture means my skin won’t ever feel too squeaky or tight. 

Yes, your skin cells naturally repair while you snooze—but you can always send them a little love with this beloved treatment. With a blend of omega-3 fatty acids, ceramides, and peptides sourced off the Mendocino coast, the formula is like a feast for rough, parched skin. Not to mention, it glides on like silk. 

Overnight masks are extra potent, with active ingredients that go way beyond your standard night cream. This deeply hydrating confection is no exception: With antioxidant-rich superberries, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and a stabilized version of vitamin C, the mask nixes discoloration and evens skin tone, yes, overnight. mbg’s assistant beauty editor, Hannah Frye, swears by it—she says it’s one of the only overnight masks that actually keeps her skin comfortably hydrated all night long. 

My skin has truly never loved a retinol more than this night emulsion. It contains a blend of three different retinoid actives (encapsulated retinol, retinyl sunflowerseedate, and bakuchiol) for strong and effective results, sans irritation. Just a pearl-sized amount of product is all I need to wake up to glowing, supple skin. 

Retinol is a notoriously unstable ingredient, since the vitamin A-derivate can easily degrade when exposed to light and air. This Kiehl’s serum mitigates the issue by allowing you to activate the serum yourself—simply unscrew the bottom cap, pour the retinol powder into the serum bottle, and shake it to activate. It makes you feel like a chemist in your own bathroom; and considering 100% of people showed a reduction in wrinkles after 10 weeks (according to a consumer study from the brand), it really puts in the work to soften fine lines. We also can’t ignore the eco-friendly packaging, which is made from 100% recycled material.

In case you haven’t yet browsed our silk pillowcase roundup, feel free to snag this luxe option. It’s made from the highest quality of 100% mulberry silk and OEKO-TEX certified free of harmful chemicals, toxins, and irritants. Plus, it comes in a range of calming colors—but this stunning sage green happens to be my favorite. 

Who doesn’t want to tap on a caviar-infused eye cream before cuddling into bed? I mean, can you think of anything more chic? Luxury aside, this moisturizing eye cream contains caffeine and CoQ10 to ease dark circles and boost collagen and skin repair—you’ll wake up in the morning with soft and supple under-eyes. 

I’ve gone through two full jars of this fluffy formula, and will happily drop some coin for a lifetime supply. It’s my favorite nighttime moisturizer, hands down (if you’d like to read my full love letter to EADEM, check out this review). It relies on "Smart Melanin Technology," composed of ingredients that effectively treat overproduction of melanin (hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.), without ever bleaching the skin or harming the moisture barrier, and it features features plant-based ceramides, glycerin, snow mushroom, and squalane to deeply hydrate. To top it all off, it has a breathable, airy finish that feels divine on the skin. 

Just as you might opt for a night cream to lock in precious moisture, you should do the same for your lips. Lip masks are heavier in consistency, meant to hydrate parched lips all night long. This one features antioxidant-rich Alpine rose stem cells, fruit extracts, and rosehip oil to soften your pout and keep it supple. I can personally attest to its hydrating powers—when I wake up in the morning, my lips still have a slight, goopy sheen. 

Just like how you might sip on some herbal tea before bed, a quick mist can help calm your senses and prep your mind and body for quality rest. This pillow and room spray has the most relaxing, sophisticated scent that's oh-so subtle yet lingers on your linens beautifully, so you can catch a whiff every time you switch sleep positions. Sandalwood grounds the formula and provides a warm, rich aroma, while lavender, Roman chamomile, and linden blossom offer delicate, herby notes to soothe the senses—a winning combo for a solid snooze.