How This Clean-Candle Brand Founder Uses Scents to Guide Her Wind-Down Routine

by Candice Aman

It's no secret that we love a good morning routine. We've come to learn, however, that the rituals we do to wind down before bed are just as important. Whether you take 10 minutes or a few hours, it's precious time that you have set aside at the end of the day to take care of yourself. Our series Weekend Wind-Down highlights the nightly routines of the people we admire.

Carol Han Pyle Headshot

Photo:

Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

What’s a ritual or habit that signals the start of your wind-down routine? Maybe it's time you set aside to do a virtual fitness class or to listen to your favorite podcast, or maybe it's giving yourself a generous pour of a chilled red as the telltale sign to turn off your computer for the day. 

For Carol Han Pyle—founder of Nette, the chicest new clean-candle company in town—changing up her home scents helps to bookend her days and transition her from WFH time to an evening full of self-care practices. Since Pyle developed these candles with thoughtfully curated fragrances from her own cherished rituals, Nette serves as a love letter to help you take good care of yourself, your people, and the world around you.

Keep reading to see the rest of Pyle’s wind-down routine.

6 P.M.

Carol Han Pyle Dog

Photo:

Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

My typical night routine is all about winding down and prepping for a really good night’s sleep. I usually try to shut down my work computer around this time so I have a good few hours to myself before sliding into bed. That’s not always possible, but I try!

Nette Laide Tomate Candle
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Nette Laide Tomate Candle ($68)

I have the Nette Laide Tomate Candle burning all day long. I find the scent super soothing but uplifting at the same time, and it helps the whole vibe of my workday, especially if it’s a busier, more stressful time. After work, I blow it out, and that kind of marks the end of the day for me! 

6:15 P.M.

Run to the beach to catch the sunset and give the dogs a good run. 

7 P.M.

Carol Han Pyle Dinner

Photo:

Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

We love an early dinner—we’re like senior citizens that way—and we usually cook, but tonight, we treated ourselves to some takeout from Dopo La Spiaggia in East Hampton. I love a big, indulgent Italian dinner with lots of pasta and fritto misto.  After that, it’s time to hang out and chill.

8 P.M.

Carol Han Pyle Jewelry

Photo:

Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

Jewelry comes off, and I change out of Zoom-appropriate clothes and into comfy clothes. These days, that’s usually a Hill House Home Nap Dress, which is also what I sleep in every night. I’m partial to the Caroline style for bed. It’s so incredibly soft and comfortable, and it makes bedtime that much more special. 

Hill House Home Caroline Nap Dress
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Hill House Home Caroline Nap Dress ($100)
Carol Han Pyle Skincare

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Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

My nighttime beauty routine is pretty minimal. I wash my face (no matter what), and lately, I’ve been using Dr. Nigma’s Cleanser No. 1, which is a foaming formula with volcanic ash in it to remove dirt and impurities. 

Dr. Nigma Cleanser No.1
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Dr. Nigma Cleanser No.1 ($70)

It also has glycolic acid (so it’s slightly exfoliating) and a bunch of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and chamomile flower to calm and hydrate. It’s such a good cleanser—I love it.

Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum
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Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum ($210)

After that, I slather on a generous amount of my Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader serum. This stuff is gold—so hydrating and nourishing. And it feels amazing going on your skin. It sinks in right away, which is key for me. 

Crown Affair Brush No.002
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Crown Affair Brush No.002 ($68)

After that, I give my hair a good, long brush using Crown Affair’s brush. I use the one with wooden pins. It’s my favorite hair tool—it gives such a great scalp massage.

Crown Affair Hair Oil
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Crown Affair Hair Oil ($40)

I finish with a few drops of their Hair Oil, which is super hydrating and conditioning. I love having it in my hair as I drift off to sleep. The scent is just fantastic.

8:30 P.M.

Nette Another Life Candle
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Nette Another Life Candle ($68)

After that, I light Nette’s Another Life Candle, which, to me, is our most relaxing scent. I spend some time on our window seat in the master bedroom reading. If I try to read in bed, I’ll fall asleep right away!

Richard Powers The Overstory
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Richard Powers The Overstory ( $19) $17

Lately, I’ve been making my way through The Overstory by Richard Powers, and it’s genius. It'll bring tears to your eyes. I’m also doing a 12-week commitment to The Artist’s Way, so sometimes, I’ll catch up on that. Reading relaxes me like nothing else and sets me up for a good night’s sleep.

Julia Cameron The Artist's Way
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Julia Cameron The Artist's Way ($16)

10 P.M.

Carol Han Pyle Wind-Down

Photo:

Courtesy of Carol Han Pyle

I make my way over to bed. I try to avoid any phone time for about an hour before bed but will take a quick 30-second peek right before I close my eyes to make sure nothing is falling apart! 

Up next, The Secret Pastime That Helps Twin DJs and Entrepreneurs Coco and Breezy Unwind

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions. See our full health disclaimer here.
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