Whether we are escaping the mundanity of our post-restricted lives or the messiness of our social media feeds, a woman’s night time routine has become a much-needed tool to disconnect and relax. In a series “How I Wind Down…”, we speak to lot of different women about how they prepare for a restful evening.

Credit: Supplied / Joseph Sinclair

Bursting on the scene in the new Netflix series Wednesday (which is totally binge worthy by the way) Naomi J. Ogawa is a natural star. Hailing from London, the up-and-coming actress stars as Yoko in the Tim Burton series, a vampire and a “cool kid” at Nevermore Academy alongside the likes of Jenna Ortega and Riki Lindhome.

With credits in Skylines – a recent top 10 film on Netflix – and a recurring role in Avenue 5, it’s likely we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future. As she rises to fame a nighttime routine is more important than ever. Here she speaks to GRAZIA on her pared back skincare routine, why she loves rewatching old TV (just like us) and her new habit for falling asleep.

GRAZIA: Can you describe your night-time beauty routine?

“I like to keep my beauty routine very simple. When it comes to skincare, I like using a gentle cleanser and if I feel like my skin needs some more TLC, I’ll pop on a hydrating face mask. It’s so easy to get carried away with using a bunch of different creams and serums but I like to stick to two that work for my skin type. I use the SkinCeuticals redness neutraliser and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream. They’re a bit of a splurge but they honestly work wonders for my skin and a small amount of product goes a long way. I’m also obsessed with pimple patches as I have acne prone skin. The minute I see a spot emerging, I pop a sticker on to not even give it a chance of life. If I feel like my face is puffy, I like to Gua Sha my face and give it a little massage to get the circulation going and give myself a little lymphatic drainage. I do love to keep my skin moisturised, so after I take a shower I lotion up my body with e45 cream. I always put my hair up in a bun using my silk hair scrunchies that my friend gifted me (thank you Pria) as I like to keep my hair out of my face when I sleep.”

How do you wind down after a busy day?

“The first thing I like to do is take a shower to wash off the day. Then I’ll pop on a few candles and cook a healthy meal. I’m guilty of watching TV whilst I eat. So, If I’ve had a long day, I’ll typically watch reality television like Real Housewives of New Jersey. I don’t know why but I just love re-watching old episodes and reliving the drama. I’m also trying this new habit where I switch off my phone at around 9pm so that I can disconnect from technology and before bed, I like to wind down by reading a book.”

How do you decorate your space to assist in falling asleep?

“I always make sure that my space is decluttered and clean. I’ll only keep a few items on my nightstand. I do believe that if you have a clean home then you have a clear mind. Occasionally, I’ll light some incense with sage in it and the smell of that usually relaxes me and helps me fall asleep.”

What time do you go to sleep?

“I typically go to sleep around 10 pm, at the latest 11 pm, because I’m an early riser. So I make sure I get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.”

Wednesday. Naomi j Ogawa as Yoko Tanaka in Wednesday. Credit: Vlad Cioplea/Netflix © 2022
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?

“I have to plan my look the night before because I’m so indecisive. If I leave it until the next morning, I’ll never leave the house! I normally set out my workout clothes then my look for afterwards, so I have the two outfits ready to slay the day. It also just saves you a lot of time and you avoid chaos of rummaging through your closet in the morning.

“I’m a sweats kinda gal. I love a comfort chic kind of look when I don’t have much going on the next day. I think you can make comfort look fashionable, so even if I’m not meeting up with anyone or I don’t have any plans, I still want to look put together but comfortable. Since it’s getting chillier, my go to look at the moment is a Set Active loungewear set, platform Ugg Boots, a baggy leather jacket and a slicked back bun. Super easy and cute.”