We all know that one of the biggest ingredients for happy skin (along with pretty much everything else in life!) is a restful night’s sleep. You could apply all the lotions and actives you want but without deep, restorative sleep, you aren’t giving your skin or body a chance to renew and regenerate.
‘Beauty sleep’ is a term we hear batted about a lot but there is something to it. As we sleep, it gives our body a chance to regenerate, including our skin, which is our biggest organ.
For me, the right setting is important for deep sleep. I used to be able to sleep anywhere: on buses, trains, and in lecture halls… but now I need the exact right temperature, lighting, sounds and smells to drift off, which is why a good pillow spray is paramount.
Read on to find out how a pillow spray is conducive to a better night’s sleep and the six best to add to your next beauty haul…
What pillow spray smells are best for sleep?
One scent you’ll tend to find across the board is lavender; I would go as far as to say that if a pillow spray doesn’t contain lavender, I do a full-on double take.
It’s known for its relaxing benefits when inhaled and so, it’s the best ingredient to ease your mind and put you into a dreamy sleep.
Another common one is chamomile, thanks to its calming ability, so look out for that one.
How long before bedtime should you use a pillow spray?
Not too long at all!
To reap the benefits of the soothing scents, spray them onto your pillow, bed linen or pyjamas 10 to 15 minutes before you get into bed. A last-minute spritz can also help top up.
What are the best pillow sprays?
These are my personal faves I mix between at my bedside table:
Aurelia Pillow Mist, £24
The base of this is rose quartz water, which not only just sounds like it’ll soothe you into sleep, but makes for a boujee base for the combo of other ingredients.
Along with lavender, of course, you’ll find neroli, a light floral-meets-citrus scent and chamomile. Gorgeous.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £19.50
This was the entry-level sleep mist for me and many other beauty experts I know; the pillow spray that got us hooked on misting before bedtime. And guess what? It still stands the test of time today.
The usual suspect (chamomile) is found in the formula but the addition of vetivert oil, which is thought to be quite a sedative ingredient– a perfect pre-bedtime treat.
NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist, £20
Probably the punchiest scent of the six, this mist contains 14 essential oils including English lavender, chamomile and patchouli for a dreamy night’s sleep.
Not to make your shopping bag heavy, but I also love using the NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Hand Balm, £21, Sephora, alongside this just before tucking in– it’s the literal dream team.
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Sleep Mist, £29
No one does an indulgent wind-down routine quite like Aromatherapy Associates. The Deep Relax scent is seriously soothing thanks to the vetivert, camomile and sandalwood in the ingredients list.
Also, if you don’t like lavender, there’s good news: this is one of the only sleep mists worth its salt that doesn’t include it.
Aroma Active Laboratories Sleep Mist, £10
Valerian is often found in natural sleep supplements thanks to its ability to encourage sleep and calm anxiety so it’s a welcome addition to this spritz.
Ylang Ylang and buddhawood are also combined for their balancing and centring effects and give the spray a really natural, spa-like scent.
Ren Skincare & Now To Sleep Pillow Mist Spray, £20
With lavender and the festive addition of Frankincense, this spray has a light, natural aroma to aid with sleep and calm anxiety. Frankincense is known for its relaxing properties so the combo of both is great for a restful night’s sleep.
Despite the natural ingredients, I find this does last for hours too, and I can still smell it a little when I wake up (making it even harder to get up in the mornings!).