TheSleepBeautifuî §y Guide Christmas 2015
Hello
& Welcome
Christmas is round the corner
Get ready to curl up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate and an extra comfy pair of pyjamas. Any excuse for wooly socks and a snuggly blanket and we’re there As we all know, making Christmas happen takes a lot of work. Shopping, cooking, entertaining, wrapping – the to-do list can be pretty daunting This year we’d love to do our bit to ensure your Christmas is a peaceful one. We’ve got a whole sleighful of gorgeous relaxing products to share. So let us help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list (who doesn’t want the promise of a beautiful night’s sleep?) In all of the flurry, don’t forget to look after your own sleep and well-being. Treat yourself to a little bit of quiet time before bed. We hope you love the goodies we have on offer this year and that we can tempt you to a little Christmas night-time TLC to keep you well rested and looking party ready Wishing you a very happy Christmas and plenty of beautiful sleep in 2016
Love from the team at Kiss the Moon xx
Contents Why sleep matters
P6
A Christmas thank you
P9
How to sleep beautifully
P10
Perfect match
P12
Tired skin?
P16
Gift ideas for a peaceful Christmas
P24
Music to fall asleep to
P38
A-Zzzz of sleep
P40
The night before Christmas
P56
Stocking fillers
P62
3 for 2 Offer
P64
Sleeping beauties
P66
Win ÂŁ300
P86
Our Christmas wish list
P88
About us
P90
Why Sleep Matters Why does sleep matter? Sleep is critical to health and wellbeing. It is a basic and fundamental human requirement and is vitally important for good physical, mental and emotional health as well as crucial for memory, learning and growth
We spoke to Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council to get some expert advice on why sleep matters and get the inside line on how to make sure we get the rest we need...
What happens to our body while we are sleeping? When you’re fast asleep a whole raft of functions take place to make sure that we get optimal benefit from our nightly rest. The body goes into repair mode and regenerates skin, blood and brain cells, as well as muscles. Sleep regulates your mood, improves your memory but also maintains health, weight and energy levels
What about our skin - what’s going on overnight?
What are the tell-tale signs of someone who needs more sleep?
The main reason sleep deprivation causes such change in the skin is because of stress. It creates a hormonal response whereby the body produces extra adrenalin which has a major impact on skin function – drier skin, lines, sagging skin
There are the obvious signs of tiredness such as being low on energy, having dull, unhappy skin and bags under your eyes. However, there are some less obvious ones to watch out for too. These include finding it hard to concentrate and being short tempered. Poor sleep can even affect your appetite - making you feel always hungry. That's because running low on rest can increase production of ghrelin otherwise known as the hunger hormone"
What is your top bit of advice for anyone struggling to sleep?
How can people find out more about the Sleep Council?
Create a restful sleeping environment. Visit www.sleepcouncil.org.uk Your bedroom should be cool, quiet, dark and have a comfortable supportive bed, ideally not older than seven years. A bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep and free from distractions. Anything entertaining or work related such as TV’s, computers, tablets, games consoles and mobile phones should be turned off or even better, banned from the room
A Christmas
Thank yov c We want you to sleep beautifully too this Christmas So we’re offering a FREE Bedtime Bliss Set for all orders over £60 made at kissthemoon.com Each set contains a 5ml trio of our After Dark Bath Oils: LOVE, GLOW & DREAM – just what you need to get you through the Christmas flurry Terms & conditions apply. See our website for details. Offer runs while stocks last.
How to
Sleep Beautifully FEELING WEARY?
You’re not the only one Over a third of the UK population suffers from insufficient sleep. That’s a lot of people who are missing out on the 7-8 hours rest that our bodys and minds need to repair themselves overnight. Poor sleep really does lead to poor mood, poor skin and poor health Try out these tips to get your sleep back on track
Make getting enough shut-eye a priority
Six steps to better sleep Put time aside before bed to
get yourself in to sleep mode
Soak in a warm scented bath to relax muscles and tune out the world for a while
Cut out stimulants such as Use calming aromas and some caffeine and alcohol a few simple meditation techniques to hours before you want to nod off quieten the mind Unplug your tech. Computers Make sure your bedroom is sleep and phones emit blue-light friendly - consider the practical which switches the body in to stuff. Is it quiet enough? Dark wake up mode. Have a 9pm enough? Cool enough? curfew on all things screen But also the softer things (is it based to give yourself some comfortable, does it make you pre bed down time feel safe and happy?)
Perfect Match Have you discovered your perfect Kiss the Moon signature blend yet? Â We've got four to choose from
Each one made from nature's most soothing ingredients to help you get in the right frame of mind for a good night's sleep and help to nourish skin while you are resting
Let us introduce you to the family‌
CALM
LOVE
Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang & Sandalwood
Rose, Frankincense, Palmarosa and Ylang Ylang
r those in o f t c e f r Pe r a hug need fo
Pe sing r fect wo for rrie sa w
cha
ay
Per fect for quie tenin overact ive mind g s
GLOW
Orange, Geranium, Myrrh & Litsea
g othin o s r ct fo ime Per fe l at bedt ou the s
DREAM
Lavender, Bergamot, Cedarwood & Roman Chamomile
TAKE OUR KISS THE MOON MATCHMAKER TEST Click here to find out which of our signature blends is best for your skin and sleep needs
Tired Skin?
Is your skin showing signs of needing more sleep? Take the Kiss the Moon Morning Mirror Test to check for these four telltale signs and follow our guide for what to do about it‌
1. stressed out skin What to look for
Outbreaks of spots or sensitive skin flare ups
Cause
When we don’t get enough sleep, levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, increases. Too much suppresses collagen production and makes skin vulnerable to inflammation
What to do
Pare back your skincare routine - avoid artificial and chemical additions which can irritate sensitive skin further and worsen the reaction. Go natural and simple instead Take time to de-stress your mind to help you restore your body’s natural internal balance and help make getting to sleep easier
How we can help
Try our jasmine infused CALM After Dark Face Oil. The combination of Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang not only make it smell amazingly relaxing? It also contains skin soothing properties and is gentle enough for sensitive skin Most importantly of all - remember that our skin is a barometer that tells the tale of whether we’re getting enough sleep. So while there are ways to handle those days when you wake up looking tired, the real solution is to tackle the main issue and find ways of getting the sleep your skin needs to stay looking its best
2. puffy eyes What to look for
Bags and dark circles under the eyes
Cause
Build up of toxins overnight as a result of a sluggish lymphatic system not able to do it’s clear up job effectively. While we are sleeping the lymph system kicks in, flushing out toxins and other waste materials that have built up through the day. We notice this first around our eyes as our skin here is much thinner than elsewhere
What to do
Relieve puffiness by placing a cotton pad soaked in chilled green or camomile tea over each eye. The cool will ease and refresh and also stimulate the circulation so you’ll look and feel a bit more wide awake
Also try some gentle lymphatic drainage massage moves. They’ll help drain away excess fluid from the delicate outer eye area
How we can help
Massaging your face gently with any one of our nutrient rich After Dark Face Oils gives you a double whammy - the action helps boost circulation and speed up drainage of toxins while the ingredients nourish and moisture. Choose from LOVE, GLOW or CALM
3. dehydrated skin What to look for
What to do
Cause
Upgrade your moisturiser to ensure it is heavy duty enough to do the job.
More visible wrinkles and a crepey feel Dry skin is caused by loss of natural oil from the skin’s surface. Dehydrated skin is a result of loss of water from the deeper layers. Both are a result of a poor cell repair and are antagonised by external factors such as over exposure to aircon, heating and harsh weather conditions. The older we get the more prone our skin becomes
Drink plenty of water through the day.
Consider an oil rather than a lotion at night for extra richness. Add a drop of face oil to your daytime moisturiser to give it a nutrient and monitoring boost when you need one
How we can help
Our GLOW After Dark Face Oil is our first choice for dry and dehydrated skin. It contains precious neroli (orange blossom) essential oil which is great for rejuvenation at cell level, plus has geranium and myrrh for speedy healing
4. dullness What to look for:
Lacklustre skin that lacks smoothness and is missing its healthy glow
Cause:
Lack of sleep disrupts the cell regeneration process so skin can’t heal and renew itself fully. Old and damaged cells are rougher than newly formed healthy ones and can’t hold moisture as well so don’t appear as plump or fleshy
What to do:
Gentle exfoliation will help speed up the removal of dead and damaged surface cells. Moisturise and protect from the sun during the day to avoid more drying out. Apply a nourishing night oil (ideally one high in natural vitamin A and E) to deliver nutrients at cell level and deeply moisturise
How we can help
Try LOVE After Dark Face Oil - all our face oils contain Rosehip Seed Oil (high in vitamin A and a well known wonder oil for skin repair) and anti-oxidant vitamin E in the form of Wheatgerm Oil. Our LOVE blend also contains rose absolute which boosts the circulation and helps skin to maintain a youthful bloom. The Frankincense essential oil we’ve added also helps to tone and smooth
c
Sleep beautifully everyone
Fancy a
Kiss?
The tradition of hanging mistletoe in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology and that's where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from
Gift ideas for a peaceful Christmas
o
Find the right Kiss the Moon for everyone on your shopping list
Best for
bathing belles Beautifully scented natural bath oils that nourish skin, relax muscles and prepare the body, mind and soul for bed
After Dark Bath Oil ÂŁ38 100ml Available in LOVE, GLOW & DREAM
Best for
beauty queens Night-time nourishment for your skin. Loaded with natural Vitamin A & E and beautifully scented with nutrient rich essential oils that plump up the skin and lull you to sleep
After Dark Face Oil 30ml ÂŁ48 Available in LOVE, GLOW & CALM
Best for
Sunday soakers Give them the ultimate relaxing night-time bathing experience. Natural salts and essential oils, combined with flower petals and white tea to soften skin and deeply detox at the end of a long week
Bedtime Bath Infusions ÂŁ20 4x50ml Available in LOVE, GLOW, CALM & DREAM
3 Best for
light sleepers After Dark Balm 12ml ÂŁ16 Available in CALM & DREAM
Massage into pulse points before bed to help you drift back to sleep slumber if woken through the night
Best for
home lovers
100% natural sleep-inducing room mists - the most glamorous way to scent your bedroom
Pillow Mist 100ml ÂŁ40 Available in LOVE & DREAM
Best for
someone special Hand selected products from across the Kiss the Moon range, all wrapped up and ready to give. Available in all four of our signature blends COLLECTIONS ÂŁ80 Available in LOVE & GLOW, CALM & DREAM
Best for
explorers A collection of all six of our After Dark Bath Oils & Face Oils - an ideal gift for the naturally curious. Help them find their perfect Kiss the Moon match
DISCOVERY SET a set of 6 mini After Dark Bath and Face Oils ÂŁ34
Best for
frequent fliers
A take-anywhere set of travel-sized After Dark Bath Oils & Face Oil with a luxurious pure silk sleep mask. Essential for jet setters and those wanting to make the most of a relaxing long weekend away
Sleep Recovery Set ÂŁ28 (3 x 5ml After Dark Bath Oil, 1 x 5ml After Dark Face Oil, plus a silk sleep mask) available in LOVE & GLOW
Did you know that turkey can help make
you sleepy? It’s rich in an amino acid called tryptophan which helps to produce sleep-inducing chemicals serotonin (which makes you relaxed) & melatonin (which makes you sleepy). Maybe that’s why everyone falls asleep on the sofa after Christmas lunch…
Music to fall asleep l to Few things can help transport you to another world as powerfully as music. So when it comes to falling asleep, a set of laid back tunes are just the ticket
We'd love to know what your favourite tunes are to fall asleep to. Tell us your suggestions and we'll create a Kiss the Moon night-time playlist for everyone to share...  Send us a message via our twitter or Instagram pages (kissthemoonxx) using #kissthemoontunes Here's a collection of some of our all time favourites to play after dark...
My Sad Captains Elbow
1234 Feist
Run Snow Patrol
The air that I breathe kd Lang
Heartbeats Jose Gonzales
Dream a Little Dream The Beautiful South
Home Jasmine Thompson
Sing to the Moon Laura Mvula
Everywhere I go Lissie
The Shining Badly Drawn Boy
Speaking Confidentially Cowboy Junkies
Night Bus Lucy Rose
Lights off. Music on.
l
Sleep beautifully lovely people
A -Zzzz of
Sleep
Turn off the
artificial light
A
Darkness is nature's way of signaling to the body that it is time to switch into sleep mode. In the natural world, when the sun goes down our ancestors would naturally get sleepy and doze until dawn. That’s because when the human eye picks up falling light levels, they tell the brain to produce the sleepy hormone melatonin, and hey presto, our body knows it’s time to go to sleep. So, if you want a good night’s sleep the first thing to do is cut out the light. Even a little bit of a glow in your bedroom can get in the way. And yes, I’m afraid that does include your iPad. Sorry
Take a bath
before bed
B
A warm bath before bed is a perfect way to prepare your body for a great night’s sleep. The warm water can ease away aches and pains and help your muscles relax before bed. When we have a bath, our body temperature rises temporarily and when you step out, it slowly falls. This fall is similar to the temperature change at sundown, so the body reads this as a sign that it’s time to go into sleep mode
Get
comfy
C
When it comes to choosing your sleepwear our advice is to wear what you love. Going to bed feeling relaxed and comfortable is the key. Opt for loose cuts to help circulation flow and to let you move around in your sleep without restriction. Breathable fabrics work best as they help maintain a steady body temperature. Make sure whatever you choose is able to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. We never say no to a good pair of bedsocks to keep our tootsies warm whatever the weather
Mind what you drink
D
We all know caffeine keeps us awake, but did you know that experts advise your last cuppa is at least 2 hrs before you go to bed. I can’t cope without a hot drink at night so have switched to a cup of soothing chamomile instead. It’s mildly sedative and is known to help calm worried minds
Exercise
during the day
E
Sleep comes easier when you go to bed physically tired so make sure you move during the day. Ideally outdoors if possible as the shot of natural daylight helps keep your body clock in synch. Avoid exercising directly before bed as this will raise your heart rate and your body temperature, making getting to sleep harder to do
Breathe in some fresh air
F
The key to getting into a regular sleep pattern is to manage your light exposure through the day. Mariana Figueiro, light & health expert says "the best way to get a good day’s light and therefore a good night’s sleep is to wake up and go for a walk in the morning. Every morning.” Need an incentive? What could be better than a four-legged friend (or two) with a hopeful look on their face. If you want to sleep better get a dog
Know when to get
G
professional help
Tried all you can to get your sleep hygiene sorted and still can’t get the sleep you need? Then it might be time to talk to your GP so together you can rule out any medical issues that could be underlying causes of poor sleep. If your sleep issues are accompanied by other symptoms such as feeling thirsty, headaches, sore throats or feeling achy or if they go on for more than a few months, then put your mind at rest and get them checked out. Find out a bit more about some of the common medical causes of sleep disruption at www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ website
Use your bed only for sleep & sex
H
Turn your bedroom in to a haven for sleep
The National Sleep Foundation advises: ‘Use your bed only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.’ Given how much of your life you spend in bed it makes sense to invest in a good mattress (and check it every 7-8 years to ensure it is still giving you the support you need). Dump the lumpy pillows and get fresh ones that support your neck. Buy bedding that feels smooth and keep it crisp and clean. Once all that is sorted it’s time to decorate. Spend some time turning your nest into a space you feel good about snuggling up
Get smart about
I
intrinsic ageing
Intrinsic ageing is the name given to the internal workings of skin. Although largely driven by genetics, a study in 2013 in Ohio proved that poor quality sleep also plays a part. Poor sleep was shown to increase signs of ageing and slows the skin’s ability to heal itself. Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body. This triggers the breakdown of collagen bundles (the building blocks of the skin) causing skin to sag and wrinkle. As we rest, our body repairs itself. Skin care products applied before a good night’s sleep are believed to work better because our skin’s cells have the opportunity to use them to their full advantage when they need them most (Source: freshdermatology.com)
Poor quality sleep increase signs of ageing Jot it
down
J
Do you often go to bed tired from a busy day but can’t get to sleep because your mind won’t switch off? Our top tip is to park your thoughts for the night. Have a notepad and pen on your bedside table. Write down your to do list for tomorrow and anything else that is whirring in your brain. You’ll find it easier to drift off, knowing you won’t forget about anything overnight and it’s there ready for you to tackle when you wake up
Keep the
temperature down low
K
Most sleep scientists recommend that the room you sleep in is between 18-19 degrees Celsius at night. According to Richard Wiseman in his sleep bible ‘Night School’, at that temperature, with just a few normal-weight bedcovers over you, your body should remain ‘thermally neutral’. Our body temperature fluctuates during the night – falling to a low at around 2.30am, so have a spare blanket to hand at the foot of your bed in case. Wiseman also sings the praise of bed socks - perfect for those with poor circulation to avoid the curse of sleep distracting, cold feet
Learn
to let go
L
Meditation. Mindfulness. There’s a lot of it around right now. Whatever your spin on it is, there is a real benefit in having a few relaxation techniques up your sleeve. One we find handy is “body scan” meditation (or as we like to call it, ‘The Squeeze’). Get comfortable and then take three slow, deep abdominal breaths. Move your attention to your body, focusing on one part at a time starting at your foot. Consciously tense your muscles there, hold for the count of five then relax. Then do the same up your calf and continue round your body. You’ll notice that each part you focus on will begin to feel heavy like you are sinking into the bed. As you go, feel the tension release. Feels good huh?
Top up your
M
magnesium levels
Magnesium is a mineral that rarely gets a mention but is crucial to keep us healthy and well. It’s found in all of our bodily tissues and is responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions. One of its key functions is to help muscles relax. Findings have shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to insomnia. Unlike some other essential minerals, magnesium is not absorbed easily by the body and levels are sapped by everyday things such as alcohol, salt, coffee, colas, sweating and prolonged or intense stress. Include magnesium rich food in your diet kelp, nuts, grains, pulses, brown rice, figs, dates, shrimp, avocado, parsley and garlic all help. As magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, a soak in a salt bath is another great way to stay topped up
Know how to nap
N
More than 85% of mammalian species are ‘polyphasic sleepers’, meaning that they sleep for short periods throughout the day. Humans are ‘monophasic sleepers’. Our days are divided into two distinct periods, one for sleep and one for wakefulness. However, evidence suggests this may not be the natural sleep pattern of humans. Some scientists believe our busy lifestyle has taken over at the expense of our natural need to nap. The National Sleep Foundation official line is to nap if you need but keep it short. “While naps do not necessarily make up for inadequate or poor quality night-time sleep, a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance” (Source: sleepfoundation.org)
Give night oils a go
O
Night time is a crucial time for our skin because that’s when cellular repair and collagen production is going on. So while you are sleeping your skin really needs a boost of nutrients the most. Of all the ways to nourish skin overnight, oils are our favorite because, unlike most creams which are usually chemically complex, oils are such simple natural structures they can penetrate deep in to the layers of the skin. If you’ve got oily skin, it might feel counter-logical to add more oil but in fact, it’s the best thing you can do. When skin is stripped of its own essential fatty acids it becomes unbalanced and goes in to overdrive to produce more oil. By applying a good quality face oil at night you are doing some of that replacement job for it and so your skin’s own oil producing sebaceous glands can ease off
Get your sleep posture right
P
If you wake up all aches and pains then it could be that your sleep posture is doing you no favours. Experts tell us that back sleeping is usually the best option for your spine. It’s also thought to reduce wrinkles that could be caused by your face nestling against your pillow all night. If you suffer from back ache, lying straight and putting a pillow under your knees can help. Make sure your head and neck are well supported with a good firm pillow. Most of us are side sleepers. If that’s what makes you comfy we say do it. But it does put some pressure on the lungs and stomach. Sleeping on your front is the least favored option as it flattens the natural curve of the spine and could result in lower back pain. It can reduce snoring however and may help in some cases of apnea
Shhhh. Keep things quiet
Q
While we sleep, our brain continues to process sounds on a basic level. Noise can interrupt sleep patterns without you even knowing. They can trigger a shift between stages of sleep, change your heart rate and blood pressure or wake you so briefly that you don't remember the next morning. Whether sounds disturb your sleep depends on the stage of sleep you're in, the time of night, and even your feelings about the sounds themselves. Some noise – the regular hum we call white noise that you get from a fan or air purifier, can actually help sleep as it makes our brains tune out other background sounds. However, uncontrollable noises are often disrupting and are linked to high stress levels, be conscious of this when choosing a new home, or deciding which room to make your bedroom
Help your body repair itself
R
Ever wonder why we sleep so much when we are recovering from an illness? Sleep is slow down time for some of the vital organs that are working to keep us alive all day. Our blood pressure lowers, our breathing calms, our kidney function reduces. While these bodily functions are in rest, others are taking over and coming fully to life. Our brains are in clean up overdrive ‘washing away’ toxins that have built up during the day and filing memories. At a cellular level repair and renewal is going on. Skin produces collagen overnight – the building block it needs to stay intact and youthful looking. Lack of sleep interferes with the process, just one reason why poor sleep so often leads to poor skin
Take a leaf out of the bedtime routines that new Mum's put in place for babies... Make the most of your sense
of smell
S
Our sense of smell is registered in one of the oldest parts of our brain - the limbic system - along with the other activities that are vital to our survival such as hunger, thirst, memory, sexual response and importantly - sleep. Smell and sleep it seems, have been woven together from the beginning. Different scents have the power to influence how calm we are and therefore how readily we can get to sleep. Research has shown that breathing in certain scents (such as jasmine, rose and neroli essential oils) can influence both sides of our brain, changing its rhythm and helping to induce a state close to meditation
Take time to get in to sleep mode
T
Our days are often so busy that we try and squeeze as much into every minute and then when it comes to night-time we expect our brains to be able to flip into sleep mode at the drop of a hat. Take a leaf out of the bedtime routines that new Mum’s put in place for babies. Starting from the last meal, then chance for a bit of quiet play, then upstairs for a bath, changing in to clean night clothes and a story with the lights down dim. Put time aside to enjoy getting ready for sleep. Some gentle music, a warm soak, a bit of pamper time before bed should do the trick
Know when to unplug
U
Set a 2hr before bed curfew for looking at computer or phone screens so the blue light they emit doesn't confuse your sleep seeking brain. If you look forward to reading before sleep then go old school - a book is a better idea than a tablet. Even better, try an audio book – and let someone else read you to sleep
Night-time is the perfect time to nourish your skin
Get vitamin savvy
V
Nighttime is the perfect time to nourish your skin and give it the nutrients it needs to repair and generate new cells while you sleep. The reason we love night time face and bath oils is that these are the perfect way to deliver nourishment deep into the layers of skin where they are needed most. From vitamin A - known as the anti ageing vitamin because of it’s ability to reduce fine lines through to natural anti-oxidant vitamin E. Natural oils carry these and the other essential building blocks for healthy skin in abundance and in a simple form that the body can absorb and use
Worry less
W
The worst thing you can do when you need to get to sleep but can’t is to lie in bed worrying about it. Experts recommend trying to switch your thoughts to something mundane - counting sheep, or playing a simple word game is perfect. If that doesn’t work - get up, leave your bedroom and do something else to distract yourself. Don’t rely on a computer or smart phone screen though, or the blue light it emits will tell your brain it’s time to wake up. Better to do something simple but absorbing - like a jigsaw puzzle
And (e)xhale…
X
Deep breathing is one of the most effective relaxation techniques to encourage you to fall asleep. Once you are in bed and comfortable, close your eyes and take three long, slow, deep breaths. Concentrating on your technique helps to centre you on the moment rather than past or future problems and de-clutter the noise levels in your mind. Ahhh – that’s better already
Do yoga before bed
Y
Put ten minutes aside at the end of each day to do some simple yoga stretches. It’s the perfect way to release tension and get your body fully relaxed ready to sleep. Yoga teacher and owner of Stretch London, Sophie Whippy suggests these four moves as part of your bedtime wind down routine: Shoulder stand - soothes the nervous system and lengthens the spinal cord releasing tension in the head, neck & shoulders perfect for a good night’s Zzzzz Childs pose – calms the brain and helps relieve stress, by supporting the front of the body. The central nervous systems winds right down to a state of comfort and relaxation
Reclining bound angle pose improves digestion, calms the central nervous system and opens the hips externally, hips hold a lot of emotion and tension. Supine Spinal Twist - releases stress, lengthens the spine and stimulates the internal organs, giving you a good flush out before allowing the body to rest and recharge Check out our Bedtime Blog at kissthemoon.com to see Sophie showcasing these four moves in person for us
Every organ in our body needs sleep Respect the
Zzzzzz’s
Z
As a species we need it to survive and without good quality and sufficient quantity of sleep we can not thrive Every organ in our body needs sleep. It’s the time when our brain makes sense of the world around it; when we solve problems and make connections that allow us to create and have original thoughts. Poor sleep shows on your skin but it also impacts every other cell in our body. We say sleep is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and something to be invested in
Need to
Escape?
House full of guests this Christmas? It’s lovely to see them we know, but exhausting at the same time. Our solution? Turn your bathroom into a little sanctuary. Lock the door, run a deep bath and soak away the day. It is the season of peace and goodwill after all
r
Night before d Christmas d We asked five of the people we’ve collaborated with in 2015 to tell us how they’ll be spending their Christmas Eve…
Madeleine
Shaw “ The night before Christmas I will be wrapping presents and making mince pies. I love cooking with my family over the festive season. I’m a christmas veg fiend, lots of Brussel Sprouts with bacon and flaked almonds and cinnamon spiced sweet potato. I usually go to church and sing some carols at midnight and then try and sleep before the big day I always find it hard to sleep from the excitement of my stocking “ Madeleine Shaw Nutritionist & Food Writer
"The night before Christmas is usually spent squirrelled away in a room late at night to wrap presents for the kids and sip whisky. Last year a Christmas Eve trip to the Royal Opera House to see the Royal Ballets 'Alice in Wonderland' was truly magical This year we’ll be at our little wooden house in the Wye Valley going for walks in the woods and drinking hot chocolate to warm our hands. It’s not as fabulous as it sounds – it’s freezing when you get up, has got lots of spiders and the odd mouse (at least, we kid ourselves it’s the odd one) Graham Atkins Hughes Photographer
Jo Atkins Hughes Stylist
Graham & Jo
Atkins Hughes
Sophie
Whippy "This year I'll be in Goa with Carl my partner at Stretch & bf (!) and our son Duke. We're leading a retreat over the New Year holiday so we've decided to spend a few nights before and after to make it a little longer and soak up some sunshine. Hopefully we'll be chilling on the beach or by a pool, tiring the little man out" Sophie Whippy Owner of Stretch London Yoga
" My night before Christmas starts with me madly finishing off knitting some gifts that I’ve left until the last minute. I’m then usually wrapping presents with a gin and tonic on standby. Once all that’s done, I’m able to relax and enjoy being surrounded by family and friends" Row Pinto Knitwear Designer
Row
Pinto
Jane
Rockett
“The girls love to pitch in with the decoration as we refresh the collection each year – it is always an exciting experience. As a tradition we all like to squeeze on the sofa and snuggle down to a classic Christmas movie on TV. After flinging baubles at the tree, finishing off some last minute wrapping and guzzling some wine (!) I will be putting the final touches to my table top too. I'm hosting this year so I will be dressing the table with all our latest tableware and preparing it the night before to take out some of the hard work on the big day” Jane Rockett co-founder of Rockett St George
Stocking Fillers
Mini Moments Face Oil avaiable in: LOVE, GLOW & CALM
Bedtime Bath Infusions
5ml £9.50
avaialable in: LOVE, GLOW, CALM & DREAM 4 x 50g £20
After Dark Balms available in: CALM & DREAM 12ml £16
3 for 2
Buy our Mini Moment Face Trio for just £19 (normal RRP £28.50) 3 gorgeously wrapped 5ml After Dark Face Oils (one in each of our blends LOVE, GLOW & CALM). Perfect stocking fillers Available for a limited time only in our Gift of Sleep section at kissthemoon.com
Sleeping Beauties
Our sense of smell has the power to transform the way we feel. Nature has given us a whole suite of aromas that can help us get in to the right frame of mind for sleep Our four Kiss the Moon blends are based on fourteen of the most soothing essential oils available. Let us share why we love them...
Roman Chamomile One of the gentlest oils of all. Known for its ability to calm the senses and sooth dry or irritated skin These daisy-like flowers have been described as having an aroma of that is part apple, part English grasses. In our mind it’s the essential oil equivalent of having a lovely supportive hug. Soothing, calming and anti-inflammatory – an oil that makes you go ahhhh. It is often used in massage to help ease muscular pains and inflamed joints so can be handy if aches and pains is what is keeping you awake. Chamomile is a godsend for very sensitive, red or dry skin and is often used to calm allergies and itch
Ylang Ylang An exotic flower from the South Sea islands with the power to relax and rebalance Breathing in this intoxicating oil can feel like being transported to a tropical island. It has a special power to calm – so is perfect for those needing to de-stress after a tough day and relax into a peaceful sleep. It also is used to bring balance to the skin and can help too dry or too oily skin normalise its own oil production. Because just a little bit of Ylang Ylang can go a long way, we’ve added just a touch to our LOVE & CALM range – just enough to ease you towards a beautiful night’s sleep
Orange Aromatics from the orange tree, to lift the spirit and encourage a healthy circulation The orange tree gives us a host of beautiful oils that can be used for both skin and to help encourage a great night’s sleep. We’ve used the precious orange blossom oil, Neroli, in our GLOW range because we love its skin rejuvenating powers at a cellular level. Our GLOW After Dark Bath Oil uses Petitgrain oil from the orange tree leaves, to deliver the same uplifting scent and bring skin softening properties. Both aromas chase away anxiety and encourage a positive spirit so help to make sure you fall asleep with a smile on your face
Sandalwood Prized for its beautiful scent and its ability to balance skin’s natural oil production One of the oldest known essential oils, sandalwood is revered by the beauty industry for its sweet-woody balsamic perfume and for the magic it can weave on stressed out skin. It is a key oil used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to soothe and it is used widely to restore stressed out skin to a stable, healthy state. Often used by traditional barbers to calm the effects of shaving rash
Rose A timeless classic that supports the skin’s natural processes to help it stay looking and feeling beautiful From the petals of the ‘Queen of Flowers’, Rose Absolute is possibly the most romantic of all the oils. Considered a precious beauty aid and much loved perfume for generations, it forms the heart of our LOVE range. The warm scent of rose is linked to the female world and has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. The aroma is also considered to be a gentle but potent anti-depressant. In terms of skincare, rose oil has a tonic and mildly astringent effect on the circulation and, while lovely for all skin types, this makes it particularly useful for helping older skin maintain a youthful bloom
Litsea A sweet smelling, light citrus shrub used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and spirit A light citrussy scent which smells like a sweeter version of lemongrass. Litsea oil, also known in its native China as May Chang, is widely used in skin care because it is non-irritant even on unhappy skin that needs re-balancing. Its antiseptic too so often used to treat over-oily skin, acne and spots in general. We think this light, happy scent helps to bring a breath of fresh air to bedtime
Jasmine A precious oil absolute from flowers picked at night when their warm, relaxing aromas are at their most potent This beautifully scented flower comes to life at night time. It takes a huge a number of petals to produce the Absolute we use in our CALM range. However, it’s worth it for its ability to quieten the nerves and encourage a feeling of confidence and optimism. Jasmine oil is also a valuable skin treatment – used to aid elasticity and assist with anti-scarring and to rebalance unhappy skin
Bergamot Brings a soft, subtle citrus note that lifts the mood and brightens the spirit A gentle mix of sweet lemony notes with a warm balsamic undertone. Bergamot is known as the king of essential oils and has been used in perfumes and skin care products for generations. We’ve added it to our DREAM range to add a freshness to the blend and for its ability to lift the spirit and help bring a positivity to the mind
Myrrh Used for hundreds of years to heal and repair A complex scent of spice, wood and herbs it is said that in Ancient Greece, no soldier went to war without a paste of myrrh in his pouch. Its healing properties mean it can be perfect for skin that needs a little TLC or a helping hand to repair. It’s also fungicidal so can be a winner with things like cracked heels or chapped skin
Lavender Sleep inducing essential oil well-known for its ability to relax muscles and bring calm to over-active minds The Lavender we use in our DREAM range is naturally farmed by growers in France who pride themselves on producing highly therapeutic quality crops. That’s vital to us because high quality Lavender oil has been clinically proven to help aid sleep. One of the most versatile oils of all, Lavender really is a perfect night-time treat as it soothes both mind and body. As well as being an effective sedative, Lavender oil can be very skin-friendly, helping balance skin’s sebum production and encourage healthy new cells to form. It also is used to help healing and prevent scarring
Palmarosa A gentle floral scent originally from India where it has been used for centuries to heal and calm Although it sounds like a flower, palmarosa is actually a scented grass. It comes from the same family as lemongrass but has a delicate floral aroma that is a mix between rose and geranium. As well as it’s delicious, stress busting aroma, it is a valued skin care oil – hydrating, stimulating and able to balance sebum production it also stimulates cellular regeneration. Perfect for helping keep skin smooth and crepe-free
Cedarwood Sweet balsamic notes used to calm anxiety & soothe aches & pains Woody and deep, Cedarwood adds a bit of aromatic oomph to our DREAM range and avoids the Lavender becoming too sickly sweet. Cedarwood’s therapeutic properties have been recognised since antiquity – a powerful antiseptic and mild astringent so good for soothing upset skin. Commonly used to reduce stress and tension – and, it has a reputation as a bit of an aphrodisiac Sweet dreams!
Frankincense Relied on since ancient times to help our minds wind down, find peace and to restore the spirit From the bark of a small tree that is native to Northern Africa, Frankincense has an aroma that combines citrus top-notes with spicy, woody undertones. Described as the “it will be all right tomorrow” oil it is used to help clear the mind of worries and to encourage relaxation. While well known as a meditation oil, it has also been traditionally valued as an anti-wrinkle agent, used to tone and smooth skin
Geranium Prized for its gentleness and beautiful flower scent and for its ability to balance the skins natural oil levels Popular and pretty, these flowers combine a delicate floral scent with some powers that make it a perfect overnight treat for skin. Like lots of flower oils it is mildly antiseptic and a valuable astringent. It has a reputation for helping promote speedy healing and balancing skin’s natural equilibrium which makes it especially good for dry skins. `it’s aroma is considered to have a gently relaxing effect on the mood and work as a natural anti-depressant
Win A Kiss the Moon Overnight Case
our favourite Kiss the Moon goodies in a one off vintage leather suitcase worth
ÂŁ300
Place an order with us at kissthemoon.com between 23rd October and 24th December and you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win this gorgeous overnight case ready for that new year get away The case includes: 1 x Mini Moment of LOVE, 1 x Mini Moment of GLOW, 1 x Mini Moment of CALM, 1 x CALM After Dark Balm, 1 x LOVE After Dark Mist, 1 x DREAM After Dark Bath Oil, 1 x GLOW Bedtime Bath Infusions, 1 x Row Pinto Kiss the Moon luxury silk eye mask, 1 x Row Pinto luxury cashmere hot water bottle, 1 x vintage leather carry case
For terms and condtions please click here
Our Christmas Wish list Here’s what the Kiss the Moon team are hoping to find under their Christmas trees this year.
Are you listening Santa Claus???
“I always sleep better when I’ve got my to do list sorted – so can I have a beautiful desk diary please? Ideally one as gorgeous as this" 2016 Soho Diary £160 from Smythson
“I'm hoping for something to cosy up under this year whilst I curl on the sofa and catch up on some TV” PomPom Throw £65 in store at M&S
“These slippers have the right mix of glamour and toastiness – I’d be very happy to find them under my tree” Glitter Pouffe Ballerina Slippers £37.50 from Ruby&Ed
“I'd loved one of these Baa stool for my dressing table. I’m just not sure what the cat would think” Baa Stool £215 from rockettstgeorge.com
“2016 is going to be a year of home renovation for me. So some inspiration on how to play with colour in the form of designer Abigail Ahern’s new book would be very handy" Colour £24 signed from abigailahern.com
About us
Kiss the Moon is a company based in the North Yorkshire countryside, driven by a passion to help people have a beautiful night's sleep
ALSO AVAILABLE AT: Selfridges, Oxford Street, London The Shop at Bluebird, Kings Road, London beautyexpert.com hairhq.co.uk haute-elan.com lookfantastic.com mankind.com naturisimo.com rockettstgeorge.co.uk
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
SLEEP + SKIN
PERFECT PARTNER
NO COMPROMISE
All our 100% natural products aim to get you into the right frame of mind for sleep and, at the same time, provide your skin with the nutrients it needs as it repairs itself overnight. So every drop is doubly good for you
Everyone’s skin is different and there's an array of things that can get in the way of a peaceful night’s sleep. We’ve tapped into a wealth of soothing ingredients nature provides to create four signature blends that deliver a beautiful bedtime, so you'll be able to find your perfect night-time match
We use the best ingredients we can lay our hands on. That means pure essential oils grown and harvested for their therapeutic benefits and keeping everything 100% natural – no parabens, no harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes, no compromise
*Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas * with love from Kiss the Moon xx
@kissthemoonxx www.kissthemoon.com