Have a cosy weekend!

How to sleep better, beat the cold in style and nourish autumn lips.

Happy weekend, everyone! How are you?

We’ve had blue skies and sunshine here today, but the sweaters are OUT!

The difference between my husband, Will’s, Celtic (Welsh/Irish) internal thermostat versus my own, English-Italian one, is the reason why he’s still happily hanging out in short-sleeved t-shirts, while I’m already wrapping myself in every fleece available - sofa throws included - and coming to dinner looking like Mel Gibson in Braveheart.

Substack has taken a distinctly cosy turn this week, with writers weighing in with the merits of their favourite knits. See

Farrah @Substack

, here, and

India Knight

, who shares her perfect black jumper in this post, while admitting she prefers the less sweltering option of a cardigan, although getting the appeal of the chunky jumper, and “the suggestion of a wholesome, simple life, hands cupped around a mug of hot chocolate, big socks by a roaring fire, oh look, a leaf in your hair, how charming, etc.”. So true.

The warmest WELCOME to all those who’ve joined us over the last few days!

Photo, via Freight HHG

For those who have jumped in with, or upgraded to, a paid subscription (thank you!), you can access The Midlife Beauty Edit archives in full - including inspiring interviews with the likes of

Bobbi Brown

, here, Caroline-Caroline’s Circuits-Idiens, Kate Rowe-Ham, and NEOM Wellbeing’s Nicola Elliott - and access the upcoming Chat.

However you subscribe, I‘m thrilled you’re here!

What’s helping me sleep better

Give me all the aromatherapy sleep sprays - I LOVE them. Will literally takes cover when I’m wielding one of my lavender-laced pillow mists. I don’t hold back.

I am convinced they make a difference, and even if it were the placebo effect … whatever works? Ones I love and always back to include This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, Tisserand Sleep Better Body & Pillow Mist, and Boots’ Peaceful Night Pillow Mist (a total bargain).

I take a mini version of the This Works spray when travelling, and even make space for it in my liquids pouch when flying.

(ICYMI, if you’re planning an autumn break, you’ll find my other hacks for making a glowing midlife getaway here ).

My most recent discovery isn’t for bedding, but the skin: Feather & Down’s Sweet Dreams Sleep Face & Body Mist. I was kindly sent a bottle of this chamomile and lavender-based spray to review, and it’s lovely - the super-fine mist smells soothing and super-clean, which lends it a fresh-sheet feel, too, at bedtime. Comfort in a bottle.

I’m a longtime fan of Aromatherapy Associates’ Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, which I take away in the travel size bottle, too, if I think I’ll need some extra help getting to sleep.

I’ve mentioned Better You’s Magnesium Sleep Body Spray before, and, again, I’m convinced it makes a difference to my sleep. It smells deliciously of lavender and chamomile, and the magnesium chloride is readily absorbed by the skin (it can sting a little to begin with, as you get used to it, which is why it’s recommended to gradually building up to a few sprays over the body).

Speaking of bath oils

My German aunt was the coolest. Growing up, I loved it when I got to stay with her for a few days during the summer holidays. My older cousin, Denise, read Jackie, had Queen posters on her bedroom wall and took me to the local roller disco.

Denise is in the pink dress, behind me (the only one in a cardi. IN SUMMER!)

Auntie Karen had moved to the UK when she married my Uncle, but maintained many of her German traditions. She always had a glossy green bottle of the OG Badedas bath gel in her bathroom (along with one of those green and white Elanycl “body contouring” mitts. Isn’t it funny what we remember?).

I associate the distinctive, pine-y smell with happy childhood memories.

Along similar, albeit more luxe lines, Olverum is a herbal bath oil with a devoted following (it’s also available as one of those Space NK minis we talked about last week).

Loved for its potent, Siberian pine essential oil scent (amongst others) and muscle-soothing benefits,

Esther

at

The Spike

called it “the best bath oil ever created”.

Whether you add oils or nothing at all, having a warm soak or shower, an hour or so before bedtime, lowers your body’s core temperature and gives it the cue that it’s time to sleep.

Last week, I replaced my white noise apps with a teeny-tiny White Noise Machine, at the recommendation of my friend

Natalie

, at Everyday Natalie.

One menopause-related symptom that’s bothered me in recent years is tinnitus, which comes and goes but is definitely exacerbated by tiredness (so, viscous cycle there), stress or alcohol.

I’ve got a couple of white noise apps on my phone, which help to mask any tinnitus at night (when it can seem amplified), but they’re are also popular for helping anyone who finds it hard to drop off in total silence. Among my go-to’s are a Bavarian Forest waterfall, waves lapping the shore and birdsong (I have birdsong set as a wake up alarm on my phone - far less stressful).

My white noise machine really is TITCHY (and so perfect for travel - just charge it up between uses with the cable supplied). And it’s impressively powerful, volume-wise.

The vibe. Via Pinterest

Add an eye mask to reduce light and external distractions, encouraging deeper sleep. Studies have shown that eye masks can help increase the amount of REM sleep, which is the stage involved in dreaming and other key brain functions.

Stateside friends, check out this chic cheapie at IKEA!

Cosy toes

I’m already in bed sock mode, although admittedly they aren’t as luxe as these Cashmere Bed Socks, from The White Company.

Or M&S’ AUTOGRAPH Pure Cashmere Socks.

Or, for half the price, you can get two pairs of snuggly Chenille Bed Socks (online-only at John Lewis).

Boost the midlife beauty sleep benefits by slathering on some foot cream, before you pop on your socks.

And finally, the lip care equivalent of a cashmere turtle neck.

I keep a tube of Clarins’ Lip Perfector Glow in the hallway, and apply it when I remember, before heading out.

The squeeze-on balm/plumper/highlighter/tint-in-one comes in a few shades, but I love it in Clear (pictured). It leaves lips feeling deeply nourished, moisturised and protected, with a glossy sheen.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your weekend.

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Keep warm, and see you next week!

Cashmere at The White Company