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We spend a third of our lives asleep—that means our bedroom is the most lived-in space in our homes. It’s the room where we start and end our days, and that’s why the rituals that happen there are extra-important. In The Wind Down, we’ll be exploring the nighttime routines of people we admire and taking their advice to make the moments just before bed feel our best.
We could say that there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about Morgane Sezalory’s nighttime routine, but let’s be honest: We can guess why it’s so good. The founder of fashion brand Sézane knows a thing or two about personal style, and that extends to her life at home. From her linen sheets to her choice of bedtime reading, Sezalory has a knack for making winding down feel extra-special—without sacrificing a ton of time or money in the process.
That is, after all, the appeal of the French-girl lifestyle—they know how to make just about anything look effortless. Lucky for us, Sezalory was willing to share the rituals that keep her feeling fresh, no matter how busy her days get.
Kids first: I have two little girls, so every day I put them in bed at 8 p.m. and read them a story. Then I have dinner with my husband. Sometimes, I like to have a very simple meal of tomatoes and mozzarella. Generally, I won’t go into my bedroom until 10 or 11 p.m.
Skin saviors: Paris can be quite polluted and humid—in summer you really feel the need to wash your face after a long day. Each night, I cleanse using something gentle, usually a micellar water, then I like to tone and massage in Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair serum while my skin is still damp. This gives a nice, plumped effect and calms everything down. Next, I’ll apply a moisturizer. Sometimes I’ll use something very rich like La Créme de La Mer, but French pharmacies have really high-quality brands, too. I love to use the Caudalie Thé des Vines Shower Gel in the shower—it’s great for sensitive skin.
Light up: I think that lighting is very important. It can totally change the feel of a room and how you feel in it. In France, we prefer lamps to overhead lighting. I light lots of candles in the evening—I like the brands Diptyque and Cire Trudon—and I lower the lights. I want the room to feel warm.
Bath time: When I have the time, I love to close the bathroom door and spend a little time by myself to read (or reread) a book I love. In winter, particularly, a bath is instantly comforting to me.
Extra stretch: I started doing yoga a few years ago. I definitely notice a difference on the days when I take a little time to practice.
Perfect pj’s: The French brand Ysé make beautiful, comfortable pieces designed here in Paris.
The best bed: I use linen sheets for our rooms in summer and winter. I usually buy them at Bon Marché Rive Gauche—it has a large selection of household linens in all colors.
Required reading: As I mentioned, I like to have time to read and maybe do some relaxed breathing for five minutes. I genre-hop: fiction, nonfiction, biographies. Sometimes I’ll just flip through interesting photography books I’ve collected. Some of my favorite books are Avec Mon Meilleur Souvenir by Françoise Sagan, Blue Nights by Joan Didion, and Les Fleurs du Mal, Charles Baudelaire’s collection of poems.
Light’s out by midnight!
See more nighttime routines: Babba Canales Rivera’s Nighttime Routine Includes Plenty of Herbal Cures Glow Recipe’s Founders Start Their Evenings With a Good Face Wash Outdoor Voices Founder Ty Haney Ends Her Day With a Casual Jog