A busy schedule doesn’t mean slow Sundays for Tan-Luxe founder Marc Elrick. Read on to discover the skin, bath and body picks he saves for his jam-packed, pampering Sunday night session…
The Wind Down
I’m a bit of a night owl so will usually work late during the week, but Sundays are a different story altogether. I’ll usually get back from an early dinner with my husband around 8pm and have some time to chill out and plan the coming week before doing a bit of Sunday skin treatment. My Sunday night beauty routine is a must no matter where I am in the world; I always find the time to try out new product finds. I often find myself playing around with formulations from our lab too, so it can often turn into a bit of a working session. My Sunday session is all about the reboot – I am a massive skincare ingredients geek, so I’m pretty experimental with what I use on my skin and love trying anything new. It’s a time for a bit of self-care and taking the extra time to try new treatments, throw on a mask (or 3!), which I never would have the chance to do in the week. As well as my routine I’ll usually go through my schedule for the week and double check travel arrangements. I try to have a suitcase packed and ready to go most weeks to save time for last minute meetings.
I always light candles to start things off. My bathroom at home is filled with Diptyque Santal and Baies candles which I love and I’m also into Byredo Bibliotheque, which I recently got for Christmas. For a Sunday playlist, I usually listen to Alt J, Young Fathers, The XX, or catch up on podcasts. I love Emma G’s Beauty PodCast and The Fat Mascara, as well as Jules & Sarah for a laugh.
Where I do my routine is usually travel dependent, but mainly I’ll be hanging out in the bathroom. I’m a massive fan of laying out all of my products in hotels so that I can see everything… slightly OCD but it has to be done!
The Routine
I’m all about the experimentation in my routine as I can get bored easily, but I do still have my staples. Anything that gives my skin a glow and an even tone but also calms it, is a winner. When it comes to cleansing I love Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm. It’s packed full of natural oils, and I find it really relaxing to use, it reminds me of being at a spa. I exfoliate once a week. My favourite exfoliating mask is the Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask but I love the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Formula peels too. In fact I’m slightly obsessed with those. I always do a mask or 3 on a Sunday; if I’ve been travelling I’ll use something super hydrating.
Then depending on how my skin feels I have a few favourites: Rodin Lavender Absolute Luxury Face Oil, Sunday Riley C.E.O moisturiser, and then La Mer Moisturizing Cream is great for when I’m flying as it is super hydrating, Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Cushion, which is also amazing for when I’m travelling loads. Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich has a great texture that I love, and I adore Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil. I’ll always finish with Tan-Luxe Sleep Oil – this is a major labour of love for me and I don’t go anywhere without it. My skin completely drinks it up and it keeps me looking healthy and glowing through the winter months. I’ve just started using the Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite as well — it’s so good.
If I am at home and if I have time, I love a bath on a Sunday. I love to use the Susanne Kaufmann Oil Bath For The Senses and Byredo Bal d’Afrique Body Wash is one of my favourites. Then again I also love Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser. To moisturise in winter I flit between Kiehl’s Crème de Corps and Caudalie The Divine Oil. I wash my hair everyday, so Sunday is no exception but I am more likely to leave it messier then and keep it more styled during the week. Product-wise I like everything from Living Proof and Malin & Goetz, and I love the Ouai Smooth Spray.
Bedtime
I’m usually in bed before midnight on a Sunday and I like the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. I always write a last minute list on my phone notes, so I can switch off fully and pick up on everything the next morning. I’ve been told Headspace and Calm are great apps to try but I’m yet to download… it’s on New Year’s To Do list! I take a max strength garlic supplement and I also juice everyday so will have had my daily glass at some point before lights out. I switch between a green day and orange, and I’m also big on daily turmeric or ginger shots. Before I go to sleep it’s always chamomile tea then it’s lights out. I need between 4-6 hours sleep ideally and I’m an all or nothing sleeper; I’m either fighting insomnia or dead to the world. Jet lag has a lot to answer for…
Monday Morning
My alarm is set for 6am on a Monday. I either hit the gym or get out for a run, then walk to the office for my first meeting. I usually feel energised — as much sleep and as early a night I can get on a Sunday makes a world of difference — and then I find I’m ready for whatever the week has in store. First thing I do is check emails, have a green or matcha tea and shower – but not all at the same time!
