Evening Ritual

(My framed postcard of Renoir’s Bather on a Rock.)

I’ve always loved my morning ritual of getting ready for the day, but I’ve never put much stock in preparing for bed at night. In the past, I washed my face right before bed, usually at 10:30 or 11:00, if not later. By then, my makeup had been on my face for over ten hours, and I would hurriedly remove it and fall into bed exhausted. Since I’ve become interested in more natural skincare and I’m trying to be gentle with my skin, as opposed to just covering it up each day, I’m beginning to understand the importance of an evening ritual.

I’m trying to be more deliberate in the time I take for myself each evening, as I change into pajamas, wash my face, and prepare to wind down. It’s actually really hard, since I’m the type that likes to finish everything on my list before I relax at the end of the day. But, on the nights when I take a little time to enjoy my face products or a new scented oil, I notice that I sleep better and I wake up feeling more refreshed.

This video inspired me to take more time for myself in the evenings, and this story on a new art exhibit featuring women bathing reminded me how much I love my own toilette. I’m also trying samples of May Lindstrom’s products right now, and they are dedicated to the ritual of self care. It’s fun rediscovering the art of relaxation after so many years, and I think it’s making a difference in how I feel, too.

Do you have an evening routine that you love?