Kate Demolder: These 8 beauty products work wonders while you sleep

This is lazy beauty at its best, from pimple patches to castor oil, Kate Demolder writes.

Some of Kate Demolder's sleep-time beauty essentials

We should all be getting more sleep. Personally, I’d love a hibernation. 

But since that can’t happen, we must resort to getting a paltry seven to nine hours every night. 

And while sleep is sacred, there are products you can use to look somewhat put together for those 8am Zoom calls.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector (€35, Brown Thomas)

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector (€35, Brown Thomas)

Not your average nightcap, this featherlight overnight treatment — I have super fine hair and it never, ever makes it feel heavy — works as you sleep to seal cuticles, prevent frizz, increase elasticity and improve shine and resilience. 

One treatment offers results that last for up to five washes, so as well as being highly effective it’s also pleasingly economical.

Cosrx Pimple Patches (€6.75, Beauty Bay)

Cosrx Pimple Patches (€6.75, Beauty Bay)

The holy grail of spot patches, and the only ones light enough and sticky enough to wear throughout the day, and night. 

The jury is out on whether these guys actually extract anything, but they are amazing at making sure you don’t pick at your skin, and they’re brilliant to layer on top of spots after you’ve washed your face at night. 

They sort of keep a spot treatment in place, too, ensuring it fights the power all night.

Jane Darcy Silk Hair Ties (€50 for 3, janedarcy.ie)

Jane Darcy Silk Hair Ties (€50 for 3, janedarcy.ie)

Hairdressers and trichologists alike suggest tying your hair up at night to avoid excess heat damage while you sleep. 

And, if you’re looking to protect your damaged or fine hair, the best thing you can put near it is silk. 

Designed with delicate hair in mind, the Jane Darcy Mulberry silk scrunchies avoid the pulling and tugging of original hair ties, meaning that even the finest hair can be protected come bedtime.

Shiseido Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Night Concentrate (€168.45 Look Fantastic)

Shiseido Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Night Concentrate (€168.45, Look Fantastic)

Sometimes serums are worth the money. Shiseido is known for skin innovation, and this serum is no different. 

Backed by research, this night concentrate effectively lifts the skin by defying the effects of gravity while you sleep. 

Powered by LiftDynamic 4D Technology, it relies on four-dimensional approaches; skin’s natural anti-gravity system activation with Licorice Extract; nighttime skin self-regeneration to restore; lock-in texture for intensive action on skin sagging throughout the night and a specific night sculpt massage for boosted effects. 

It’s pretty wild, and does leave you feeling very glowy.

Q+A Retinol 0.2 Serum (€15, Holland & Barrett)

Q+A Retinol 0.2 Serum (€15, Holland & Barrett)

This is a great little product, and perfect for those just starting their retinol/Vitamin A journey. 

It’s gentle, affordable and effective. 

(Sidenote: with retinol, you have to start low and slow. For total newbies, I’d recommend this every second night. And please, please wear SPF the next morning.)

Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum (€30, Brown Thomas)

Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum (€30, Brown Thomas)

One of the very few overnight tanning products that leaves you neither patchy nor orange, the Bare By Vogue tanning serum is specifically created with the face in mind, meaning that it’s full of Hyaluronic Acid, Peptide Complex and Vitamin E. 

These ingredients draw moisture into the skin and keep things plump.

Heritage Castor Oil 237ml (€12.95, Health Matters)

Heritage Castor Oil (€12.95, Health Matters)

I have gotten compliments on my eyelashes for some time now, and it’s entirely down to castor oil. 

Take a spoolie and slick it over your eyelashes and eyebrows at night, and after a few weeks, you’ll notice a difference.

Flora + Fiona, Rest Oil (€29, The Sleep Care Co)

Flora + Fiona, Rest Oil (€29, The Sleep Care Co)

I was very kindly gifted this oil about six years ago, and I have rebought it ever since because it completely winds me down when I need it. 

Made in Ireland by clinical aromatherapist Fiona Hedigan, this oil blends Frankincense, Moroccan organic Neroli (orange blossom) and organic Lavender to allow your brain to switch off and get you in the mood for sleep.