Demystifying ingredients, clarifying how to apply products and revealing everything you’ve always wanted to know about skin types; Eliza Explains will help you become a beauty pro.
What do Victoria Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian, Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba all have in common? Incredible hair, flawless skin, and an obsession with sleeping on silk pillowcases.
Now, I’m not saying the pillowcases are the reason they always look effortlessly beautiful, but could this luxury item be more than just an accessory and instead, a beauty essential?
If you often wake up with bedhead, dry skin and pillow creases down your face (don’t we all?), a silk pillowcase could be the beauty hack you never knew you needed.
I hear you – are they really worth the hype? Aren’t they just a gimmick? Well, I started using silk pillowcases about four years ago and I haven’t looked back since. Here’s why…
What are the benefits of using a silk pillowcase?
Your current bedding is most likely made from cotton, which actually causes friction on the skin and hair, as well as being a highly absorbent material. Silk, on the other hand, doesn’t absorb moisture from your skin and hair, which ensures optimum hydration levels are maintained while you sleep. It also won’t soak up your freshly applied skincare.
Plus, if you suffer from sensitive or blemish-prone skin, consider upgrading to a breathable silk pillowcase ASAP – its hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties will help to prevent any inflammation, redness or soreness while you toss and turn through the night.
If waking up with flyaways and knotted, frizzy bedhead is more your concern, you’ll be pleased to know that silk doesn’t cause any static, so you can wake up with your glossy blowdry intact.
“The natural moisture in silk and its velvet-smooth texture means that your cuticle layer remains undamaged,” says Luke Pluckrose, the celebrity hairstylist who’s worked with Chrissy Teigen and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
“Whereas the friction from a cotton pillowcase, for example, can cause uneven porosity and frizz in your hair.”
How do I find the right pillowcase?
When looking for your new silk pillowcase, there are a few things to consider. Pure mulberry silk is the highest quality out there (think of it as the Egyptian cotton equivalent of silk), but you’ll also find pillowcases that are satin, or a blend of satin and silk.
Satin pillowcases usually come at a fraction of the price, and while they do offer the same skin and hair-loving benefits, they’re usually blended with synthetic fibres such as polyester (hence the lower price tag). They’re also easier to care for and offer more durability.
When shopping for your silk pillowcase, look out for the momme. A momme is a unit of measurement used to grade the weight of silk. A lower count momme has less silk in the weave, so it won’t only cause more friction against the skin, but also won’t have much longevity.
However, too high a momme count and your pillowcase will feel stiff and uncomfortable. The perfect number? Between 19 to 22 is your best bet.
More on which pillowcase to buy later…
How do I look after my silk pillowcase?
Silk is an extremely delicate material, and can’t be thrown in the washing machine like your other bedding.
Instead, put your pillowcase inside a laundry bag and wash on a cold or delicate cycle (no hotter than 30°C), or you can hand wash it. Use a gentle detergent and don’t tumble dry.
Of course, it’s always best to check the brand’s own recommendations before washing.
The best silk pillowcases for every budget
Below, find your perfect silk pillowcase that fits juuuust right.
The one that… is worth the splurge
Slip Envelope Silk Pillowcase, £85
OK, this might seem a little pricey, but the price tag matches the quality of this celebrity-loved and dermatologist-approved pillowcase. A quick scroll through the brand’s Insta and you’ll spot lots of familiar faces who love it too: Kourtney Kardashian, Jen Atkin, Adele, Kendall Jenner, the list goes on… Plus, it’s a pretty good investment as, with the right care, it’ll last a long time.
£85
This pure silk pillowcase will look beautiful in her bedroom, while preventing her hair snagging during the night.
The one that… won’t break the bank
Lilysilk 19 Momme Silk Pillowcase With Cotton Underside, £24
Available in an array of colours, this unique pillowcase has a cotton underside to prevent sliding, with the other side made from pure silk. It’s ideal for those who aren’t always flipping for the cold side of the pillow (silk is temperature-regulating, anyway), and for anyone on a bit more of a budget.
The one that… feels extra luxurious
John Lewis & Partners Silk Oxford Pillowcase, £45
Just when you thought a silk pillowcase couldn’t be more luxurious, this smooth and sumptuous one has a sophisticated Oxford edge that adds an extra ‘je ne sais quoi.’ If you love a clean, pristine look that belongs in a swanky hotel, this is the pillowcase for you.
The one that… is made just for you
Marks & Spencer Personalised Silk Pillowcase, £35
There’s nothing quite like having your initials monogrammed on your favourite items, and this silk pillowcase from M&S offers personalisation at an affordable price. Have your initials embroidered in white thread for a luxe feel, or gift it to someone special – you can thank me later.
;
