Hello and welcome to our new editorial series Bedtime Beauty Stories. It’s a space for talented individuals to share how they get ready for slumber, including ways to wind down, nighttime beauty rituals and go-to remedies for falling asleep. We begin with one of Australia’s most in-demand skin experts, Jocelyn Petroni, natural beauty enthusiast Belinda Hughes,Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and acupuncturist Elizabeth Cullen and organic skincare guru Mukti.
As one of Australia’s (and the world’s) most sought after facialists, Melanie Grant has skin studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles and Paris. She’s responsible for the complexions of many Beauty Editor’s, skinfluencers and celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Rose Byrne and Georgia Fowler, so when it comes to prepping your skin for beauty sleep, there’s pretty much no one better to quiz.
What’s the first thing you do to wind down before bed?
Bathing for me is the ultimate luxury and one of my most favourite past times. I have a bath almost every night for at least 20 minutes with magnesium salts to relax tense muscles and rose essential oil. I also add a body oil, CHANEL Rose Body Oil ($128, at Myer) is one of my favourites, to nourish and hydrate my body and save on extra steps when I get out. This is where I’ll apply a face mask 2 or 3 times per week – I love CHANEL Camellia Repair Mask ($112, at David Jones) or Biologique Recherche Masque VIP ($186, at Skincare Edit).
And the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
The last thing I do before sleeping is read a book. It’s the best way to switch off, decompress and fall asleep.
I’m a firm believer in a double cleanse in the evenings, first with a gentle oil or milk like Augustinus Bader’s Cream Cleansing Gel ($100, at Skincare Edit) to break down makeup, spf and pollution. Then I like to go in with something a little more active, like Biologique Recherche Lait VIP ($39, at Skincare Edit) to really deep clean the pores. Next is an Exfoliating Lotion – I’ve been using Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 PIGM400 ($130, at Skincare Edit) for years and love its gentle brightening, refining, strengthening properties.
Then, whatever corrective serum I’m focusing on – recently it’s been U Beauty Resurfacing Compound ($209.29, at Skin Care Edit) or Augustinus Bader’s Face Oil ($120, at Skin Care Edit). For the eye area I’m alternating between Medik8 Retinoate Eye Serum ($198, at Skin Care Edit and CHANEL Le Lift Eye Creme ($145, at Myer). Lastly, I finish with Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream ($405, at Skin Care Edit), it’s healing, restorative and seals in my actives overnight.
Internally, I take a magnesium powder and liposomal vitamin B to soothe and calm my nervous system, liposomal vitamin C to boost immunity, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega D3 ($37.55, at iHerb) and Vida Glow’s Original Marine Collagen (from $59.95, at Skin Care Edit) to boost and protect my hair, skin and nails.
For my hair I love Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner and Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil. I also love Wendy Isles Formula Haute Performance Shampoo ($57.50) and Conditioner.
Do you take any supplements or sleep-aids?
I like to have a cup of lemon balm or passionflower tea before bed. Calming herbs work really well for me and these both send me off to sleep nicely after a busy day. Sometimes I take CBD too, though mostly when I’m travelling or during busier periods when my nervous system needs a bit of TLC. It’s an oldie but a goodie, but a few drops of lavender essential oil on the pillow always works a treat, too.
What do you sleep on?
I always, always sleep on a silk pillowslip. SLIP are the best. This prevents any pulling or tugging at the skin and prolongs the life of my blowdry for sure. When travelling I swap out the harsh, synthetic airline eyemask for a pure silk mask. It makes the world of difference!
What’s your stance on technology before bed?
I’m guilty of watching telly before bed occasionally, mostly Real Housewives! Though I do prefer to read a book on my kindle. I try not to look at my phone after dinner and stay off emails if I can – this is best to be saved for my morning coffee when I’m productive and alert.
Do you have a preferred or go-to late night snack (if any)?
If I’m still peckish after dinner I’ll have some raw dark chocolate or a handful of nuts. I like to finish the day with a little something sweet.
