We are a nation that is floridly fatigued, with nearly 58 per cent of Canadians claiming they're often tired. Whether it's because of our Crackberry culture or the latest YouTube sensations (who doesn't stay up late to watch Lennon and Maisy Stella?) or simply because we have places to be and things to do, we're -- all of us -- almost always tired.
And while we thank our lucky stars for the pink blush that adds some limited life to our cheeks, we think it's time to dig up some beauty routines that have more lasting and long-term bag-banishing effects. Whether you take a few minutes in the evening to complete a brief facial routine or wish to follow a more stringent vegan beauty schedule, holding off on slipping on that sleeping mask -- to take care of your skin, locks and teeth -- can pay off.
So before entering that highly-desired dreamland, follow these nighttime beauty routines, as recommended by beauty experts and dermatologists.
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Get It Down To A Tea
If you're looking for a more natural way to beautify yourself at night, <a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=ZRJWdxBSKz0C&pg=PP5&lpg=PP5&dq=night+time+beauty+tips&source=bl&ots=i0Cn1k9mrl&sig=6d2cC8ZYnJJWQO3QDJsLI6t0nd8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jGEMUPeTAezF0AG74-njAw&ved=0CFoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=tea&f=false" target="_hplink">steep a bag of Earl Grey teabags in boiling water, run them under a tap and place them over your eyes for 10 minutes</a>. Tea time has never been so productive!
Use The Vaselline Trick
According to Dr. Judith Hellman, a dermatologist in New York City, <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/skin-care/clear/the-5-minute-nighttime-beauty-routine/?page=2" target="_hplink">you should split a pea-size amount of Vaseline between your index fingers, then smooth it onto your eyelids and lashes each night</a> to improve skin's texture and to stave off aging.
Lose The Ponytail
According to dermatologist <a href="http://www.derickdermatology.com/" target="_hplink">Amy Derick</a>, <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826781/real-women-speak" target="_hplink">wearing your hair in a ponytail to bed increases the risk of split ends</a>. If you're worried about messy bedhead, try out a variety of pillowcases. For hair that's naturally wavy, braid hair while it's still wet for a curly a.m. 'do.
Wash Your Face
According to cosmetic dermatologist <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/evening-beauty-tips" target="_hplink">Lisa Ginn</a>, you should always wash your face at night. Makeup seeps into your skin and can cause breakouts and stretch out the pores. <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/evening-beauty-tips" target="_hplink">Ginn recommends using an oil-based makeup remover and a cotton pad to remove makeup buildup. She also advises women complete the process by using a gentle face cleanser</a>.
Apply A Night Cream
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/3-bedtime-essentials-for-your-face-are-they-in-your-beauty-care-routine-" target="_hplink">Research has shown that facial night creams contain higher concentrations of humectants, ingredients that hold moisture against the skin</a>. Daytime moisturizing creams are formulated to be used with makeup. When getting ready for bed, make sure you choose the right skin cream.
Moisturize Dry Areas
Beauty.com's experts and real women emphasize the importance of moisturizing dry areas. They advise using a r<a href="http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826781/real-women-speak" target="_hplink">ich moisturizer on dry areas such as legs, knees, elbows, heels and décolletage</a>. <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/826781/real-women-speak" target="_hplink">The best times to moisturize are after you bathe, shave and exfoliate</a>.
Take Care Of Your Hands And Feet
Our hands take so much abuse throughout the day, whether they're in water or typing all day at a computer. But taking care of extremities is vital; exfoliating and moisturizing feet before bed should be part of any regular nighttime beauty regimen.
Take Care Of Your Lips
To help fight and prevent chapped lips, use a petroleum jelly or lip balm before you go to bed. Don't know what kind to use? Check out <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/07/06/how-to-take-care-of-your-_n_1653974.html" target="_hplink">our favourite lip balm picks</a>! It's also recommended you gently brush the lips with a toothbrush to get rid of excess skin.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
Though this may seem obvious, we can't help but reinforce the importance of taking care of those pearly whites. Brushing and flossing every night helps fight bacteria buildup, which could lead to gum disease or gingivitis. For women that want their teeth to be extra white, we recommend using <a href="http://www.3dwhite.com/" target="_hplink">Crest White Strips</a>.
Be Happy
Ginn notes <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/evening-beauty-tips" target="_hplink">to look good, you need to feel good. She advises people spend a few minutes each day doing something that will make you laugh</a>. Alternatively, and more drastically, you could move to Guatemala, one of the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/21/happy-planet-index_n_1615766.html?utm_hp_ref=happiness" target="_hplink">happiest places in the world</a>.
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The Huffington Post Canada | Posted: 07/24/2012 8:44 am Updated: 09/06/2012 4:57 pm