We’ve all tried night creams, amirite? They are usually heavier than a day cream, as they are intended to address our skincare needs when our skin is optimally ready for help, and this time happens to be while we sleep. We slather them on and hope for a miracle. I recently spent some quality time with Garnier and they spoiled me with their skincare miracles and goodness!

Let us first address the issue of nighttime skincare. Does our skin do different things at night?  The skin does go through some changes as you sleep. It’s metabolic rate increases and cell production increases as well, and blood flow seems to be higher at night. When blood flow is increased to the skin, the area of absorption of whatever you put on at night likely increases as well. Night creams/serums absorb easier and more deeply into skin at night since it isn’t conflicting with any other products, like say makeup . The warmth of our skin will also accept the products better than, say, running around all day in cold weather etc. If your skin is dry, using a deeply moisturizing night cream can do the “hard work” for you overnight so it won’t disturb your makeup during the day. Also, some night time products contain retinols which should not used when your skin is exposed to UV light.

Now. Let’s discuss “sleeping creams”. They are different from night creams as they are designed to do a little more heavy lifting, pardon the pun. I’d say they are more like a mask, but with a gorgeous melting texture – “self smoothing”- and the technology behind them was inspired by the hugely popular sleeping packs from Asia. Sleeping creams feel utterly different from a heavy night cream and simply feel lovely and soothing on the skin. This is what Garnier has created with their Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream. From Garnier:

Garnier introduces Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping CreamTM Night Cream, a new product that combines the hydrating and recharging power of a mask with the light and refreshing feel of a cream. This anti-aging formula reduces signs of dull and dry tired looking skin. Infused with Lavender Essential Oil*, Rare Plant Extracts, Adenosine, Hyaluronic & Beta Hydroxy acids, the care helps exfoliation of the skin surface layer, repairs skin’s moisture barrier and reduces the look of wrinkles. Night after night, skin looks energized, younger, feels lifted and firm.

Results:
1st Morning:
• 93% said skin felt smoother & hydrated
• 77% said skin looked rested.

In 1 week:
• Wrinkles look reduced.

In 4 Weeks:
• 91% said skin texture looked improved
• 77% said skin felt firmer and looked revitalized.

I’ve been using the Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream along with the Ultra Lift Sleeping Eye Cream for a few weeks and so far I loveth them, I do. I love the soothing feeling of the cream, and who doesn’t want to wake up with a glow? Every time I use it I am AMAZED that they are drugstore products. It feels like a sponge of moisture feeding my skin, if that makes sense. I am wearing less makeup – basically some concealer around my eyes (I haz old), a dusting of powder and blush. That’s it!

If you have dry, tired and/or fatigued skin that needs some TLC, I highly recommend you run out to the drugstore and treat yoself. I would also say this is not limited to “aging” skin. Anyone who wants to pamper and moisturize and wake up like they slept a spa should use the Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping cream line. Verdict? Love. You will not spend a better $24.99 CAN. You can get Garnier products

* regarding the lavender – lots of people say omg lavender is not good for the skin on your face! Is it? I don’t know. I found arguments for and against on the internet. I use Osmia Organics Spot Treatment for acne and I love it. In the Garnier Sleeping Cream line, the lavender is minimal, and simply for aromatherapeutic reasons, ie to help you sleep.