5 Bedtime Rituals So You Can Wake Up Glowing

When you were a kid, picking out your clothes the night before school was probably the coolest thing your parents let you do, other than play Spice Girls on the boom box in your room. Now, just the thought of waking up early can be exhausting. Spending time on bedtime beauty routines instead of sleeping? Not exactly most people's idea of excitement. But beauty prep at the end of the day is not only the must-luxe way to wind down from your hectic life, but it also makes getting ready in the morning that much easier.

If your evening routine goes something along the lines of "wash face, moisturize, brush teeth, pass out," then it might be time to step it up in the name of glowing skin. Adding only 15 or 20 minutes to your beauty regimen each night can seriously make all the difference. And what's a few minutes given up if you get to start the day with a fresh complexion? It is simple as that. When you're ready to go and feeling great from the moment you open your eyes, all it really takes is a little tinted moisturizer, some mascara, and spritz of hairspray, and you're off!

1. Perk Your Skin Up With Coffee

Coffee scrubs are a major beauty obsession of the moment, and there's a reason why. They liven up dull skin by exfoliating, firming, and encouraging circulation all at once. Nothing feels more decadent than using a full-body coffee scrub during a steaming hot shower. It will leave your skin lustrous and smooth and ready to take on the day — after getting in a few hours of sleep first, of course. I am especially obsessed with Fig + Yarrow's Coffee and Cardamom body scrub. It smells so delicious that you'll be dying for your morning cappuccino.

Fig + Yarrow Coffee and Cardamom Body Scrub, $28, Amazon

2. Use Lemongrass Oil As A Toner

Remember Glo by JLo? Essential oils are the Earth's version of an early 2000s perfume phenomenon. Lemongrass might not be the most popular oil around, but its hidden properties are worth checking your local health food store. This Indian and Sri Lankan oil makes your skin glow like no other because it has detoxifying and regenerative properties. Since essential oils are so concentrated, dilute them with water or olive oil so it's not so harsh on the skin. Apply to a clean face using a cotton pad, and you'll feel its therapeutic qualities right away.

100% Pure Lemongrass Oil, $6.50, Amazon

3. Get Rid Of Those Dark Circles For Good

Eye creams might give you Mom Vibes, but even 20-year-olds get under-eye circles. The reason you might have dark circles is a lack moisture. If you want to get rid of those pesky bags, fill up on water and apply an eye cream after cleansing your face. I like to use Tarte's Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment, because not only does it help de-puff your under-eyes and go on smoothly, but it's also made without parabens or phthalates (aka bad news for your skin and health). Bonus: You'll get a head start on keeping wrinkles at bay. If you don't have the money or interest in picking up an eye cream, you can always use an unscented moisturizer or green tea bags for some instant relief.

Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment, $18, Amazon

4. Hydrate Your Cuticles

Regular people probably don't think about their cuticles all that often, but if you're a beauty freak like myself, then dry cuticles just aren't going to cut it. Wash your hands with warm water, dry them thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of coconut oil or your favorite multi-purpose balm (like Glossier's Coconut Balm Dot Calm). Either leave them to soak in that delicious moisture overnight or put on some gloves (or clean socks, because 20-somethings generally don't make shopping for cashmere moisturizing gloves a priority) in order to speed up the process. This makes going in with a cuticle remover much, much easier, or just leaves your nail beds soft and supple.

Nature's Way Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, $13, Amazon

Glossier Balm Dot Calm, $12, Glossier

5. Deep Condition Your Hair

I'm sorry, but very few things boost your self esteem like an awesome hair day. And if you had the ability to bestow that gift upon yourself, why wouldn't you? Try out a deep conditioning hair mask, especially one with the amazing hydrating qualities of coconut oil (like My Mane Care's Hydrating Mask). Leave it in for 5-10 minutes, wash it out, and know a day of bouncy locks await you.

My Mane Care Hydrating Mask, $16, Urban Outfitters

Also try: Radha Beauty Coconut Oil Hair Mask, $12.95, Amazon

Images: AlexVan/Pixabay, KellyZNails, FigAndYarrow, AromaMagicAU, Tanikart, MyManeCare/Instagram