It’s been more than three decades since Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson was crowned “the Body.” And while the nickname stuck, Macpherson’s relationship with her body has continued to evolve. Now 60, she takes a much more holistic approach to beauty and wellness. She’s swapped caffeine for elixirs, said good-bye to alcohol, and made eight hours of sleep (up from four!) non-negotiable. Macpherson’s wellness brand, WelleCo, was born out of her own journey toward better health in her late 40s, learning about the power of minerals, vitamins, and clean protein. And, while we may never be the body, we can learn from Macpherson’s nighttime tips, from rose oil to magnesium-rich hot chocolate, to help us find peace with the bodies we have.
WHEN DO YOU START GETTING READY FOR BED?
When I feel it’s time to rest and regenerate. I don’t really have a fixed time, although I’m always aiming for eight hours of sleep, so I work backward, depending on what I have the next day.
TAKE US THROUGH YOUR NIGHTTIME SKIN-CARE ROUTINE.
It’s super simple. I cleanse my face. I put on some rose oil. Dr Sebagh has a really good one. And I smile. It’s so important to smile before you go to bed.
DO YOU ADD ANY STEPS WHEN YOU’RE SHOOTING A PROJECT?
I have my bag packed, or my wardrobe sorted the night before, so I can have a pretty relaxed morning.
DO YOU TAKE ANY SUPPLEMENTS BEFORE BED?
I do take our Evening Elixir by WelleCo. It’s a hot chocolate that helps you sleep and also works on your skin. It’s infused with magnesium, vitamin C, and niacin, and it’s been formulated by experts to boost skin collagen and help maintain skin structure and function. It also has antioxidants to protect cells from free-radical damage. It’s delicious and has only 13 calories.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU HAVE TO DO BEFORE BED?
I have to clean my teeth and put on my Invisalign. I know that’s not very sexy, but … And I have a Charlotte Olympia kitty eye mask for sleeping. So, sleep mask and Invisalign.
HOW DO YOU DECOMPRESS AFTER A LONG DAY?
Laughter. I think having a good laugh is just so good for the soul and opens up the heart. That’s the most important for me—to take life seriously, but not solemnly. Also, to create a great plant-based meal shared with people I love. Sometimes I’ll jump into my portable infrared sauna. It’s one by Therasage, and then I’ll dip into the cold plunge.
WHAT PAJAMAS DO YOU WEAR?
None. I like to feel free.
ARE YOU PARTICULAR ABOUT YOUR SLEEP CONDITIONS?
Absolutely. I like it to be dark, cold, and quiet.
HOW ABOUT YOUR BED?
I’m on the road a lot, so I can’t really be in control of the mattress situation. But at my home, I like organic, so natural fibers, a firm mattress, and soft pillows. I use two pillows.
DO YOU READ ANYTHING BEFORE BED?
I like to fall asleep naturally and consciously by just simply lying in bed and releasing the day. Sometimes, I read something that inspires me or interests me. At the moment, I’m loving Mary Magdalene Revealed, by Meggan Watterson. It was a gift from a dear girlfriend.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO FALL ASLEEP?
I do a gratitude list in my head, and then I’m usually out within moments.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SLEEP?
With a happy and fulfilled, inspired heart, wherever I am.
WHAT’S THE BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP YOU’VE EVER HAD?
It was after the birth of my sons. I was so fulfilled, so in love, and so grateful that they’re in my life. And obviously after a long labor, that’s something else. But it’s really about welcoming those souls into my life and just such a sense of peace.
Clara Molot is a Senior Editor at Air Mail
