Australian model and new mum-to-be Elyse Knowles shares how she gets ready for bed, her PM beauty routine and her go-to fixes for getting no sleep.

Hello and welcome to our new editorial series Bedtime Beauty Stories. It's a space for talented individuals to share how they get ready for slumber, including ways to wind down, nighttime beauty rituals and go-to remedies for falling asleep. We catch up with two of Australia's most in-demand skin experts, Jocelyn Petroni, natural beauty enthusiast Clare McGrowdie, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and acupuncturist Elizabeth Cullen, Skinfluencer Hannah English and skin scientist Dr Michele Squire.

Elyse Knowles is expecting her first child next year, the Australian model and MAAEMO Skincare ambassador shares with Body+Soul how vegemite scrolls got her through morning sickness, and now she's sharing with us how her PM routine has changed since falling pregnant.

What’s the first thing you do to wind down before bed?

I put my phone away at least an hour before I go to bed. The end of the day is when I like to cook, spend quality time with my partner Josh or my friends and switch off. Turning my mind away from social media and emails is an important part of clocking off for the day and letting myself relax.

And the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

Tell Josh and the dogs that I love them!

Talk us through your night time beauty routine...

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When I'm in the shower at the end of the day, I thoroughly cleanse my face with Rejuvenation Clay Face Cleanser, $59.95, at MAAEMO. Loaded with certified organic ingredients such as aloe vera and sweet almond oil it's gentle, calming and can help fight off any unwarranted dryness and puffiness. For my particular skin type, this is a huge plus.

After that I apply Vitalise Face Elixir, $64,95, at MAAEMO which gives me a healthy hydration boost overnight. The hemp seed oil in this elixir gives the skin a hit of omegas which assists in creating that youthful, plumpness we all love. I find that when I sleep it's a great chance to get my skin working so by morning it feel replenished.

When it comes to haircare the product I'm using and loving at the moment is the Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave In Treatment, $55 at Aveda. It's easy to apply to damp hair and it prevents breakage and dryness. As I'm outdoors a lot and in the elements (sun, the salty sea breeze etc), the repairing element of this particular treatment is what draws me in. For people who lighten their hair in particular, I'd recommend looking into this product. Especially for summer time.

Do you take any supplements or sleep-aids?

Luckily I tend not to need sleep aids as I'm usually knackered by the end of each day, especially since falling pregnant! By the time my head hits the pillow, I'm out like a light. Having said this, Pukka have some wonderful herbal teas that I've been devouring over the last few months. The Night Time, $7.95, at Nourished Life in particular is great when it comes to helping the body and mind wind down and relax.

What do you sleep on?

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I'm a linen girl. There is something about clean and crisp linen that I love. Byron is a pretty warm place to live, so sleeping with linen sheets is a great way to stay cool and comfortable all year round.

What’s your stance on technology before bed?

When it comes time to cook and eat dinner, I try to put my phone away. We are so lucky in Australia to have access to premium local produce. From fish to poultry, grains, red meat, fruits and vegetables, there is so much to be grateful for. It's nice to get rid of all digital distractions at the end of the day and simply enjoy what you're eating, while listening to some calm music. The simple things in life are often the best.

Do you have a preferred or go-to late night snack?

I've always had a sweet tooth. I have to be very careful when it comes to sugar and my skin so I try my best to stay well away from my vice, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, $1.90 at Woolworths. Dark or raw chocolate is a nice treat to have before bed, you just need to practice self control.

What time do you usually hop into bed?

Pre-Covid, it mostly depended on my work schedule. Sometimes when I fly interstate for work it's not uncommon for me to get home very late. As I'm a big morning girl and I love to get up early to exercise and run the dogs, I like to be in bed before 10pm. This way I know I can get some solid hours of deep sleep in and feel well rested the next day.

Since Covid and since becoming pregnant, I find that my energy levels chop and change by the day. During my first trimester I found getting out of bed almost impossible, so thankfully I'm feeling much more alive now. I’m loving being in bed around 9pm.

FULL ARTICLE HERE