Three of My Must-Have P.M. Products

I wish I were one of those jetsetter types who could survive on just a few hours of sleep -- emerging from an overnight flight from, say, Sri Lanka, looking effortlessly fresh and bright as a daisy.

Sadly, it's just not in my genetic makeup. I'm one of those people who need to clock a full eight hours every single night (nine if I can possibly manage to eek out 60 bonus minutes). And, though it may sound incredibly predictable, I definitely see a correlation between how I look and how much sleep I've been getting. My skin improves, my eyes are brighter, heck, even my hair seems shinier.

Listen, just because I sleep a lot doesn't mean those hours are wasted. Oh, no. I make sure to use the best products -- the ones that are specifically designed for p.m. use -- because there's scientific proof that your body temperature is a tad cooler while you're sleeping so ingredients can be better absorbed into your skin and work their magic.

Here are a few of the things I keep near my nightstand to help me sleep smarter.

Cleansing Wipes: You may not get many beauty editors to cop to this type of transgression, but here goes: By the end of the day I'm usually so exhausted that I can hardly remember to lock the door, much less wash my face. I've gotten under the covers so many times without having wiped off the day's grime that keeping cleansing wipes like Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Cleansing Cloths, $6.99, nearby is a major skin saver. They don't require water (and don't leave your face feeling tacky and needing to be washed), they gently exfoliate and thoroughly lift away dirt, makeup, and dull, dry skin. Win, win -- and I just get to lie there and enjoy!

Hand Cream: Even though I treat myself to a manicure every week and apply hand cream countless times throughout the day, during the winter months my hands are always dry. To combat that dryness while I sleep, I use Earth Science Purfection Hand Cream, $12.99. It has antioxidants and moisturizing plant oils to help soften dry hands and even help to reverse the signs of premature aging. It sounds old-fashioned, but I even wear a pair of "beauty gloves" to help it really seal in. If I have the energy, I even use some hand cream on my feet to keep them soft, too.

Cellulite Cream: Yes, yes, I know: Cellulite creams can't really erase cellulite. That doesn't mean my determined self isn't still going to give them a shot. Lately, I've been using Bliss Fat Girl Sleep, $35. It's made with red algae extract to help boost circulation and shrink cellulite. I figure it can't hurt (and it smells pretty good), so why not?

Do you have any must-use nighttime products? Tell me all about them. Oh, and for more ways to maximize your beauty routine, click here.