The 12 Ugly Products I Wear Overnight to Wake Up Looking Flawless

I have a confession to make: I am not cute when I go to sleep. I’ll own up to this with full acknowledgement that I have lived with boyfriends who have seen me in my full, ugly-to-bed glory. And when my car needs to be moved for alternate side parking day, I roll out of bed at the crack of dawn, looking fifty shades of rough for all my neighbors to witness. I do. not. care. Why? Because the things I do at night, all of which leave me hitting the pillow looking like a gremlin, ultimately result in softer, smoother, brighter skin; with teeth that are straight (I spent a lot of time with Invisalign and I’m not wasting the investment) and second-day hair that is barely in need of a touch up. I know that TikTok has gotten a hold of the “go to bed ugly” trend, but baby, I’ve been committed to this lifestyle since I was 16 years old. It’s me and my ratty concert tees—and oodles of skincare—against the world.

Don’t get me wrong, I admire anyone who wishes to tuck in looking like a Disney princess—props to you, my dears. But my skin and hair aren’t exactly low-maintenance, nor are my standards, so I’d much rather throw my vanity out the window when I’m sleeping and wake up feeling and looking better than the previous eight hours (after the requisite morning shed, of course). Again, even if you live with somebody who you hope finds you attractive and desirable, fear not—the good ones will understand. Also, who cares!? You’re asleep. Let your products do the work while you get some much-deserved shut-eye.

Slug It Up

Since my skin is so dry and I use retinol five nights a week, I swear by a thick layer of an occlusive balm or cream to lock in moisture. Use it over an emollient moisturizer to attract hydration to the skin first.

Embrace Pimple Paste

I’ve been struggling with breakouts this summer, and nothing banishes a pimple faster than an overnight pimple paste. Think of it as the grown-up version of using toothpaste on a zit.

Show Your Scalp Some Love

Hair regrowth serums are all the rage right now, but they sadly don’t always help your hair look its best. I like to slather my scalp in my go-to formulas and then shower in the morning—because no one cares what your hair looks like while you sleep.

Brush It Out

I have wavy type 2B hair—I do not brush my hair unless I want it to become a fluffy, frizzy mess. Or because I’m going to bed after applying my growth serums and I know I’m going to shower and wash my hair in the morning. A nice brush will distribute the oils, detangle, and give me a nice relaxing massage before winding down for the night.

Cut the Grind

I’m an anxious enough person during the daytime but apparently, I also incessantly grind my teeth at night as well. My dentist basically told me that if I don’t start wearing a night guard, I’ll need to cap my molars in a few years—no thank you. So I never go to sleep without one. Sexy, I know.

Hydration From Head to Toe

Your hands and feet take a beating from your lifestyle and the elements, so use the time when you’re horizontal to slather them in some nourishing moisture. An overnight mask (bonus points if you throw on some cotton socks as well) is the fastest way to wake up with super soft skin.

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