Eeep…so before we jump in today, I just have to tell you one thing:

I’m actually a tiny bit nervous to share my real (unedited) night time routine with you guys.

Because in our house, we have what we call, a sleep princess. And she’s very serious and kind of intense about things.

She comes out every night, around 8:30pm or 9pm, really gearing up for her evening.

There are very few things that get in the way of her little rituals, because well– getting great sleep affects everything else in life (obvious things like your energy, mood and patience, but also non-obvious ones like your ability to love and serve others, your creativity, your metabolism, your hunger, and your cravings). 

Ok, ok, so I’m the princess.

How’d you know?  

So, uh. Before we jump in, consider yourself warned. Self-care is such a non-negotiable for me, and a big part of my life, and I know not everyone feels the same, or feels like they have the time. 

But, I make the time, and have cut out other things in my life that weren’t fueling me, to make it happen.

It’s so worth it to me,  to do this things, to take care of myself and to be intentional about how I start and end my days, because it so impacts what I’m able to do in the hours in between.

But true: everyone’s life is a little different, and these little rhythms of mine even change slightly depending on what season I’m in, and what’s going on in life. But that’s the beauty in it.

So feel free to adapt any of these ideas below in ways that work for you. Take what works and inspires you, and leave the rest, as always around here. 

My (real, un-edited) nightly wind down, skincare & sleep routine:

STEP 1: SCREENS OFF BY 8:30pm. Max, 9pm (ok, truthfully, it would ideally be more like 8pm, but you know, #ladyboss #reallife and those of you that have #momlife going on, doesn’t always allow it).

Why? The blue light from our screens (computer, phone and TV) triggers the “awake” hormones in our brain to start pumping…..which is literally the last thing you want when you’re trying to wind down for the night. Let alone the anxiety and stress it can create, ruminating over things you can’t change or don’t have control over until the next day anyways.

TO DO: at least download the fl.ux app on your computer and adjust your brightness settings on your iphone to dim the blue light and make it more orangey after 8pm every night. This little step can help so much!  

Around this time, I also love to have a mug of water with magnesium powder (I use this one). it’s sooo good for sleep, nerve function, stress, anxiety and sore muscles. You can mix it with a drop of citrus essential oil if you want, or stir it into warm herbal tea too, although it has a slightly sour taste. Make sure you get the unflavored one, the other versions have stevia in it.  Or these chewable magnesium tablets are my other favs too (bonus that it acts like a little dessert too at the end of the day).

STEP 2: START WINDING DOWN. I love to do a natural face mask 1-2x/week to start the process. There is something so soothing and caretaking about doing a facemask.

Use an old makeup brush to make it quick and easy (and lump free), and treat yourself to a little podcast, book or essential oil time (see below) while you wait for it to dry. I have noticed such a difference in my skin, my mood and calmer energy with this extra 20 minute infusion in my life! I love this one and this one the most. Or for more of a spa like treat, this plumping mask or this soothing mask always make my skin look a million times better the next day and make me feel like I’m at a legit spa. In my home. In my robe. Winning, indeed. 

Other options I alternate with: a epsom salt bath with oils or quick shower.

STEP 3:  LET’S TALK TONGUE SCRAPERS. Ok, it’s taken me years, literally to not roll my eyes at this trend. Does it really do anything? Seems like one more thing to buy, and one more step to do. I’d probably forget to do it. 

But, a word of advice—there is literally nothing better that I’ve spent $6 on from amazon, than this stainless steel one.  Don’t get plastic ones (gross). Basically, toxins build up on your tongue daily, even with eating clean and real food. It’s actually equal parts deeply satisfying and totally gross, doing this daily. But your mouth and breath will thank you. I can’t even tell you how different it feels, and can probably never go back. 

 STEP 4: BRUSH THOSE TEETH with a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste (like this one). Chemies in your mouth = no good whether it’s food or with any personal care products. It’s so worth the upgrade.

STEP 5: FACE TIME. Next, I have another spa moment. I add a few drops of Primally Pure’s face cleansing oil (yes, apply it to your dry skin). 

Then I get a clean bamboo washcloth and run it under hot water. When it’s ready, I drape the cloth over my face and press in with my fingers, taking a few long, deep, slow breaths and exhales while the steam and oil work their magic. It simultaneously opens your pores, cleans off the day (and makeup too), and wipes away clean….but not dry.

I’m telling you, this 2 minute routine it’s MAGIC. It’s my nightly moment of heaven and peace, and my skin has literally never looked better. I will shout this thing from the rooftops for all of time, because of how much it’s changed my nightly routine, stress levels, it’s the easiest 2 minutes of self-care and it’s all REAL, all natural, and so pure you could eat it. 

That’s all I want on my skin, to be honest.

Most traditional “face cleansers” strip the skin of it’s natural oils, CAUSING breakouts, acne and the need for even more products. This does the opposite: naturally cleans, but doesn’t strip.

There are 3 different kinds: one for normal skin, one for oily skin, and one for dry skin, so you can choose what works best for your natural skin texture. And always, use the code “simplyrealhealth” for 10% off your first order!

Just to note, that I unless it’s a filming or photoshoot day, I rarely wear real face makeup. Most days if I’m leaving the house, it’s just a natural tinted BB cream (I’m obsessed with this one right now, by Mineral Fusion and this one by Ilia when I want more coverage, classic foundation style)

STEP 6: HERE COMES THE MOISTURE QUEEN: I put on a natural lip balm (like this one, in cocoa or creamsicle if you’re asking). And then start on my face and neck, rotating between these favorites:

The PP Blue Tansy Beauty Cream (I like to add a drop of frankincense or sandalwood essential oil) (this is so great in the fall & winter)

This Plumping Serum that smells like fresh roses (or this one if I really need to wind down, it’s more grounding and earthy as you might imagine with the CBD infused.

Rose Serum: I love this one so much. I alternate between these three options all the time.

 Dry skin = aging skin, plus they all feel so good and smell so great, it’s like an added joy. 

STEP 7: WAIT, SHE’S NOT DONE: So then, I always mix a few drops of essential oils with some coconut oil (I use this one) or magnesium spray (I love this one, it’s sting-free), and rub it into the bottoms of feet, inside of wrists, and sometimes neck and back.

See my favorite essential oils and combinations here, in my full breakdown guide on the blog. I always keep a small mason jar of coconut oil mixed with eucalyptus and lavender oils on my vanity and use it as lotion whenever I need a little fragrant boost.  

STEP 8: THE FINAL TOUCHES: I might read for a little bit if I have time or if my brain is still racing, but pretty quickly my little eye mask goes on and & my ear plugs in. Yes, it’s true. Bringing sexy back! My poor husband…. but  honestly, after a few years watching me and my nighttime production- he’s totally on the same page now.

An eye mask (but only this kind or this kind, with room for your eyes) and earplugs are actually life changing, since any amount of light or noise can disrupt deeper sleep patterns in your body (and thus your circadian rhythms, metabolism, the regeneration and renewal of your cells,  and amount of actual rest your body is getting). I never travel without them!

Princess, out.

Sleep, so in.

The healthy way.

Love this post? You’d love the cookbook then too. And psst, did you know the 2nd book came out, all about daily rituals and practices for living your healthiest life? Check it out here.  And be sure to check out the seasonal meal plans (or the new easy DINNER ONLY plan) if you want even more help and resources to make REAL FOOD a more simple, joyful and intentional way of life!