Our beauty editor's ultimate Fashion Week wind-down routine

Fashion Week is a marathon of back-to-back presentations and runway shows that can leave even the most seasoned editor with a few battle wounds (blisters being the prime culprit). After a day spent darting from venue to venue, there's nothing quite like the relief of returning to the hotel, so I dragged myself and my poor, plaster-clad feet back to the room. The time? Just shy of midnight. The mission? A well-deserved wind-down.

This evening routine has become a non-negotiable part of surviving the fashion week frenzy. It’s a carefully crafted ritual designed to rejuvenate, ensuring everything’s in top form for the next day’s chaos. Because let’s face it, juggling yet-to-be-written runway reviews while maintaining that fashion week glow takes more than just enthusiasm – it’s about the prep behind the scenes.

After slipping out of the sparkling Pearl Octopuss.y jacket and those delightfully fringed Munthe jeans, the first order of business is a trip to the shower. There’s something undeniably therapeutic about letting the day quite literally wash away, with the sound of pouring water providing the perfect backdrop for a much-needed moment of decompression.

As Vogue Scandinavia's fashion news editor, I spend my days reporting on the latest from the runways. But as our magazine's beauty editor, I'm also lucky enough to dive into an endless stream of new beauty products. With so many lotions and potions crossing my desk, it’s essential to have a few trusted staples to fall back on – especially when the chaos of fashion week hits.

Lately, my skin-saving routine has been all about Germaine de Capuccini’s Timeexpert SRNS and Premier lines. This mix of gentle cleansers and rich, nourishing textures has become my go-to, particularly as we edge into the colder months. Whether it's defending against the bite of chilly weather or surviving yet another night in a hotel room with relentless aircon, these products are my skin barrier protectors.

With cameras constantly snapping during fashion week, waterproof makeup becomes a non-negotiable considering it’s got to last through long hours without a single touch-up. But there’s nothing more aggravating – both for your patience and the delicate skin around your eyes – than stubborn makeup that refuses to budge. After too many nights spent rubbing away at mascara that seems more determined than I am, I’ve learned to always keep Germaine de Capuccini’s 'Express Micellar Cleansing Water' and some cotton pads on hand to gently wipe away the day.

While Germaine de Capuccini's micellar water certainly holds its own against stubborn makeup, it should be followed up by a proper cleanser. Inspired by the Asian double-cleansing ritual, a gel-to-foam cleanser like 'Dual Cleanse' effectively removes makeup, impurities, and pollution residues, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed – without any greasiness or tightness. There’s something incredibly satisfying about lathering up and letting the day’s stress simply wash away with the suds.

I have to admit, there was a time when I didn’t quite see the point of toner – but I’m now a complete convert. The right toner does more than just treat your specific skin concerns; it also helps to remove the harsh chemicals from tap water that can dry out your skin. For someone with perpetually dry skin like mine, I’ve become particularly fond of the 'Essential Toning Lotion,' which is specially formulated for normal, dry, and delicate skin. It brightens and tightens without stripping away that much-needed moisture.

And here’s a tip I’ve come to swear by: tapping in your toner rather than wiping it on with a cotton pad helps to increase absorption and stimulate circulation. This gentle patting motion ensures that your skin drinks in every last drop, leaving it feeling plump and refreshed.

Being a notorious jaw clencher when stressed, my masseter always takes a beating during fashion week. That's why I've started taking a couple of minutes when applying my serum at night to indulge in a stress-reducing, lymph-draining serum-fuelled face massage. Germaine de Capuccini's Repair Night Progress formula protects the skin by day and repairs by night, making it particularly suitable to knead into the skin.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Start at the centre of your face: Apply a few drops of serum to your fingertips and begin by gently pressing and smoothing the serum from the centre of your face outwards, starting with your forehead, then your cheeks, and finally your chin.

2. Focus on the jawline: Using your knuckles, massage along your jawline in an upward motion, applying gentle pressure to release tension in the masseter muscles. This not only helps to relax the muscles but also promotes lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness.

3. Finish with upward strokes: Finally, use your fingertips to make upward sweeping motions from your neck to your jawline, encouraging blood flow and giving your skin a natural lift.

Related: The expert guide on how to gua sha

The delicate skin around your eyes requires gentle care, which is why tapping in your eye serum is crucial. Tapping, rather than rubbing, helps prevent unnecessary tugging that can lead to fine lines and ensures better product absorption. Currently, I reach for Germaine de Capuccini's Timexpert SRNS Repair Night Progress Eye Serum, a silky smooth formula that provides intense hydration, revitalisation, and a de-fatiguing effect – perfect for brightening tired eyes after a long day. To apply, dispense a small amount onto your ring finger and gently tap it along your under-eye area, from the inner to the outer corners.

No evening routine feels complete without a comforting, rich night cream to cap it off. After a day spent darting between shows, your skin deserves a moment of indulgence. That’s where Germaine de Capuccini’s latest release comes 'The Cream' in – a lush lotion designed to restore and rejuvenate tired skin. Drawing inspiration from the serene Japanese island of Okinawa, this cream features Alpinia, a unique ingredient that helps bolster collagen and revive the skin’s natural vitality.

Now, I’d love nothing more than to dive headfirst into bed, but if there’s one thing you’re always short on during runway season, it’s time – especially time to write. With the buzz of the day still fresh in my mind, I brew myself a hot cup of tea, a small comfort amid the chaos, and settle in to tackle the night’s tasks. The hours after midnight become my quiet time, where I can finally pour my thoughts into fashion show reviews and catch up on the flood of emails that seem never-ending.

When the clock strikes far later than I'd prefer, I finally wrap up for the night, ready to catch whatever rest I can. Working from bed might seem counter-intuitive, but by the time I finish up around 1:30AM, with my alarm set for 6:30AM, I’ll take any opportunity to remain horisontal. After all, beauty sleep is essential – even if it’s just a few precious hours.