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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.
Any curly hair gal will attest that at times, those unruly locks are both a blessing and a curse. It’s something many people try to emulate with hours of practice and lots of heat but unfortunately, if you use the wrong product or don’t take the time to care for natural curls, disaster often ensues. Thus, a tried-and-tested beauty routine is paramount.
Since joining Bread Beauty Supply – a hair and body care brand born from New York and recently launched in Sephora Australia – Global Styling Director Shelby Samaria has perfected a nighttime routine that not only helps her wind down for the day, but ensure she’s prepared for the next. With experience in the city’s top salons including Ion Studio and Suite Caroline as well as working across leading fashion week shows such as Ganni, Burberry, Prada, Versace, Sacai, Dior, Valentino, Celine, Alexander McQueen & Miu Miu (to name a few), Samaria is a well-seasoned professional.
In a special edition of How I Wind Down, we spoke with the expert on how she spends her evenings, plus the dos and don’ts of evening haircare. You’re welcome.
GRAZIA: Can you describe your nighttime beauty routine?
“First I set the mood! After a long day, I usually come home, light my favourite Woods candle by Byredo, turn on my tea kettle to make a little cup of Iribancha Japanese tea, and If I’m exhausted from a long day and need to wind down, I’ll pour a glass of chilled red wine instead.
Next, I tie up my hair properly depending on my current hairstyle. Lately, I’m wearing my hair styled long and lengthy, pressed, with a bit of kinky texture, very 90’s – so I either braid it into two low pigtails with a bit of BREAD Hair Oil or put it in a low bun with my BREAD Hair Puff. And I always protect my hair with a shower cap!
I hop in a hot shower – I also prefer to cleanse my face whilst I shower. I use a soft cotton pad with Micellar water to remove any makeup or build up from the day. I usually use my Lait U Milk Cleanser by Biologique Recherche or Cetaphil, depending on if i wore makeup or not. Also depending on how hydrated my skin feels at the moment. Once I’m out of the shower, I moisturise. Lately, I’ve been into Osea’s body butter and I finish with BREAD’s Macadamia Oil.
Some nights, I tone my face with Biologique’s P50 if needed and moisturise with whatever’s agreeing with my skin at the moment. I cocktail moisturisers and serums. I’m in love with Epi.Logic’s Daily Dose Vitamin C and their Double Feature Retinol to finish.”
How do you prep your hair for a fuss-free next morning?
“If I am wearing my hair straight, I always wrap my hair and put on a silk bonnet or a silk scarf. Some nights, I’ll put on a little BREAD Hair Oil to keep my ends fresh. If my hair is textured and in my most natural form of 4C curls, I’ll either place it high into a pineapple ponytail with a silk scarf or scrunchie or I’ll put in a few twists or braids using BREAD Hair Cream (launching in Australia this year) to keep the hydration and texture soft and lively.”
What are the do’s and don’ts of haircare in the evening?
“DON’TS: Constantly wetting your hair during every shower, sleeping without any hair protection SILK PILLOW CASES OR SILK SCARVES, using rubber bands or hair ties with too much friction when putting up the hair, sleeping on the hair without prepping, sleeping on wet hair, cotton pillow cases, flat ironing, wrapping the hair with metal clips or hair pins.
DO’S: Shower caps when showering, Silk Scarves, Silk HeadBands, Silk Scrunchies and Pillow Cases, Nightly Hair Prepping for protection using creams and oils to achieve lively, refreshed hair in the am, rubber prong hair clips.”
How do you wind down after a busy day?
“I keep the lights low and warm, turn on relaxing music, take a hot shower, and some nights meditate and stretch to release any tension before heading to bed. As an over thinker, I think it’s so important to lie down with an empty mind. I usually smudge my entire apartment to keep the good energy flowing and to assist me with a great night’s rest.”
How do you decorate your space to assist in falling asleep?
“My space is very calming. In my bedroom I like to keep things light and airy with calm bits of natural depth. I have lots of happy plants near my windows. My linens are often plush, soft white or lighter in colours and textures. And every week, I buy light coloured, dainty, delicate flowers from my local florist to place on my white oak nightstand for happiness.
I don’t have curtains in my bedroom because I love waking up to the sun and looking out at the moon. Without them, it makes my space feel larger and more transitional. I wake up to lots of greenery in the yard and the birds chirping. I have so much gratitude for being able to wake up to those perks of nature in Brooklyn.”
What time do you go to sleep?
“Did I mention I’m an insomniac? Ha! Bed times vary for me. Age and my day-to-day responsibilities help get me to bed at a “decent” time. Oh and the calming, nightly teas help a ton. I usually go to sleep between 11:30pm – 1:00am.”
Do you plan the next day’s look before you go to sleep? What is your go-to ensemble?
“If I have something important to attend like meetings, events, or a hangout with friends after work in the studio, YES! But usually, no. I’m very organised, but never have the energy to take out a look the night before. I’m a total casual, figure it out in the morning person these days. I have many versatile pieces in my closet that are easily collaborative, so that helps. Lately, my go to ensemble would have to be an oversized black tailored pant with a fun, fitted shirt.”
