Opposite to what many of you may think, night creams and masks are not simply a way for cosmetic companies to make more money. There are specific benefits to using a cream or oil while you sleep, especially as eight hours of slumber allows ingredients to penetrate the skin and work much more effectively than they would under makeup. Although our skin doesn't 'sleep' as such, while we're snuggled up under the duvet our skin is less focused on battling the elements we're exposed to daily (including UV rays, pollution and other free radicals.) This frees it up to focus on repair and hydration issues, which is where the benefit of a night cream comes into play. I love to slap on a layer of goodness before bedtime, waking up to fresher and brighter skin that's just a little more supple; although I have oodles in my collection, these are the five I'm currently using.
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1. MeruMaya Overnight Recharge Night Cream (£33.50)
MeruMaya's pioneering and exclusive formulation helps with skin moisturisation, restoration, repair, firming and lifting. The night treatment is a relatively rich cream that's easily massaged and absorbed into the skin, instantly leaving your complexion feeling smooth and plump. If you apply this before bed and watch a little telly, then you'll instantly feel the benefits before you've even snoozed off - in the morning the results are even better. This is the one cream I turn to when I need to look my best the following day, even with little sleep, as it helps to reduce the signs of fatigue while targeting long-term hydration issues. So much science has gone into this little bottle and you can tell.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask (£30.00)
A long-standing favourtie, this is an extension of the Moisture Surge face cream delivered in a much lighter overnight mask. It provides deep moisturisation in a super lightweight formula that gets to work as you sleep, plumping the skin and enhancing its ability to hold onto moisture the following day. This isn't a magic treatment, but it really helps when used once a week as part of an integrated routine - you can lather it on an hour or two before bed, wait for the mask to sink in and let it get to work as you sleep. There is a little residue, so you will need to wash it off in the shower, but it's a great pick-me-up when used regularly.
3. Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Cream (£45.50)
Labelled the hero product of the year (and winner of the Stylist skincare award,) this cream claims to work 'in perfect harmony with nighttime rejuvenation cycles to help visibly reset the age of your skin.' That may sound a little too good to be true (and it is,) but it does feature rare marine algae extract to help target age-accelerating proteins, as well as powerful peptides and Vitamin C to help support natural collagen. It's really rich and a pleasure to apply, providing a slightly more luxurious experience than the previous two - however, it's a little OTT for me to use daily so I do keep it for pampering evenings when I want to be a little more indulgent.
4. Resultime Regenerating Collagen Gel (£47.00)
Technically not an overnight cream, this collagen gel is intended to be used as a moisturiser but has a texture that's perfect for slapping on just before bed. It's super lightweight and soaks in really quickly to leave skin feeling soft, simultaneously stimulating the production of collagen to give you plumped, hydrated skin and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It's great for treating very dry patches of skin and requires only seconds to apply - there's no need to massage it into the skin or spend an age being precise. This is my go-to product that I whip out just as I'm dozing off and realise I've forgotten the last beauty task of the day.
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil (£13.00)
An absolute bargain and one of the best high street buys, this serum-in-oil isn't as greasy as you'd imagine and injects the skin with much needed nourishment. Although its not the best product to apply right before bed (as the oil has a tendency to stick to the pillow,) it's amazing at leaving skin feeling baby soft come morning. It's an intensive treatment that works really well at counteracting dryness and targeting flaky patches, providing surprising results for such an affordable price.
Do you use an overnight cream? What are your current favorites?![]()
1. MeruMaya Overnight Recharge Night Cream (£33.50)
MeruMaya's pioneering and exclusive formulation helps with skin moisturisation, restoration, repair, firming and lifting. The night treatment is a relatively rich cream that's easily massaged and absorbed into the skin, instantly leaving your complexion feeling smooth and plump. If you apply this before bed and watch a little telly, then you'll instantly feel the benefits before you've even snoozed off - in the morning the results are even better. This is the one cream I turn to when I need to look my best the following day, even with little sleep, as it helps to reduce the signs of fatigue while targeting long-term hydration issues. So much science has gone into this little bottle and you can tell.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask (£30.00)
A long-standing favourtie, this is an extension of the Moisture Surge face cream delivered in a much lighter overnight mask. It provides deep moisturisation in a super lightweight formula that gets to work as you sleep, plumping the skin and enhancing its ability to hold onto moisture the following day. This isn't a magic treatment, but it really helps when used once a week as part of an integrated routine - you can lather it on an hour or two before bed, wait for the mask to sink in and let it get to work as you sleep. There is a little residue, so you will need to wash it off in the shower, but it's a great pick-me-up when used regularly.
3. Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Cream (£45.50)
Labelled the hero product of the year (and winner of the Stylist skincare award,) this cream claims to work 'in perfect harmony with nighttime rejuvenation cycles to help visibly reset the age of your skin.' That may sound a little too good to be true (and it is,) but it does feature rare marine algae extract to help target age-accelerating proteins, as well as powerful peptides and Vitamin C to help support natural collagen. It's really rich and a pleasure to apply, providing a slightly more luxurious experience than the previous two - however, it's a little OTT for me to use daily so I do keep it for pampering evenings when I want to be a little more indulgent.
4. Resultime Regenerating Collagen Gel (£47.00)
Technically not an overnight cream, this collagen gel is intended to be used as a moisturiser but has a texture that's perfect for slapping on just before bed. It's super lightweight and soaks in really quickly to leave skin feeling soft, simultaneously stimulating the production of collagen to give you plumped, hydrated skin and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It's great for treating very dry patches of skin and requires only seconds to apply - there's no need to massage it into the skin or spend an age being precise. This is my go-to product that I whip out just as I'm dozing off and realise I've forgotten the last beauty task of the day.
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil (£13.00)
An absolute bargain and one of the best high street buys, this serum-in-oil isn't as greasy as you'd imagine and injects the skin with much needed nourishment. Although its not the best product to apply right before bed (as the oil has a tendency to stick to the pillow,) it's amazing at leaving skin feeling baby soft come morning. It's an intensive treatment that works really well at counteracting dryness and targeting flaky patches, providing surprising results for such an affordable price.
Do you use an overnight cream? What are your current favorites?