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Whether we are escaping the mundanity of our restricted lives or the messiness of our social media feeds, a woman’s nighttime routine has become a much-needed tool to disconnect and relax. In this series “How I Wind Down…”, we speak to a lot of different women about how they prepare for a restful evening.
At first glance of Blanca Padilla‘s social media it is immediately clear that this Spanish-born model is a well seasoned jet-setter. From Los Angeles to New York, international runways and far flung coastlines, Padilla’s work take her across oceans. More recently, she was the face of Faithfull The Brand‘s Spring/Summer 2022 campaign. “It’s hard to choose a favourite,” the 27-year-old admits when she’s asked to pick a favourite look. A hard task for anyone.
“Absolutely everything we shot, I would wear it and would love to have those pieces in my wardrobe,” she added.
Hailing from the sunny shores of Bali, Indonesia, Faithfull The Brand has become synonymous with a relaxed and slow lifestyle. While Padilla’s is seemingly anything but, here she tells GRAZIA exactly how she winds down each day (with an insight into her unmatched glow).
GRAZIA: Can you describe your nighttime beauty routine?
“My nighttime beauty routine is all about unwinding in a way that feels good and relaxes my system after the whole day. It starts with lighting some candles and setting my phone aside with some mindfulness music playing, putting my hair up and then removing remaining make up with micellar water, followed by a cleanser. Then, I use my Augustinus Bader moisturiser, applying onto face and neck with a gentle massage. The key for it to be a relaxing moment – whether your routine includes three or seven steps – is to try to be fully present in each moment. Details such as the sounds, textures of what you’re applying, smell and feelings from whatever you’re doing. I love to do all this in a robe or cozy pyjamas. Then (and after brushing my teeth) I head to bed and apply moisturiser to my feet and hands, lip balm, I do a low pony and add and rub some lavender essential oil onto my wrists. As I don’t have the best circulation, I rest my feet up the wall for a good 15 to 20 minutes. This is very helpful. And voilà! I’m ready for a good night of sleep.”
How do you wind down after a busy day?
“I think something that helps me greatly after a busy day is a nice nourishing meal. Secondly, putting my phone away, relaxing, watching a good movie or tv show or taking a warm bath or massage. But I don’t always get the chance to do those. So, I stick to couch time with my partner watching something we love and being lazy. Enjoying and connecting to gratefulness from all the good I have in my life.”
How do you decorate your space to assist in falling asleep?
“For our room, I really wanted to do something minimal and cozy. I have so much respect for Japanese interior and design. It brings me so much peace and I have always loved Japan. So we did a very low bed with minimal bedside tables coming out of the headboard, all one single piece. We chose low nude lamps hanging over them, imitating clouds with a very soft texture, organic shape and with a warm, golden light. For the curtains, we chose linen in a beige tone. We added a big armchair, also in nude tones. The wood we used for the bed structure and everything around it is very light, which I think contributes to that peaceful feeling and the chill vibe I wanted to create.”
What time do you go to sleep?
“I struggle with planning and scheduling slightly as it hasn’t been a part of my general lifestyle before modelling. So when I have actual free time it can get late. My partner usually works until 8 to 9pm and I tend to have dinner with him because that’s important quality time for us, so it ends up being a late dinner and late bedtime! I am working on adjusting that… but, as of now, between 12:30 and 1am. I would ideally want to go to sleep between 11:30 and 12am. While I am in New York, I definitely have a different schedule. In Spain, it’s the Spanish spirit gets to me.”
Do you plan the next day’s look the night before or in the morning? If so, what’s your go-to look for an easy morning the next day?
“If I’m off, I usually start my day changing into a workout outfit. This is my everyday hack to get that workout done, even if it’s only 15 to 20 minutes of movement. If I’m going to be working or traveling, I like to plan the day before and be prepared. I like a lounge monochrome and oversized look for an easy morning, or a baggy jean and my favourite sweater with a simple tee. Basic and statement pieces are best. You can always build up from there with accessories.”
