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THE SUNDAY EDIT

The Sunday Reset: A Japanese & Korean Beauty Routine for Cosy Evenings

Slow down, switch off and make Sunday evenings feel a little more special with a comforting J-Beauty and K-Beauty self-care ritual.

There's something rather lovely about a Sunday evening. The weekend is winding down, there's something comforting on the telly, and you've got a little time before Monday comes knocking.

But Sunday evenings can also bring those familiar Sunday scaries. That's where a little Sunday reset comes in.

Not a complete life overhaul. Not a three-hour beauty routine. Just a few thoughtful moments to help you feel refreshed, comfortable and ready for the week ahead.

The Sunday Reset: A Japanese & Korean Beauty Routine for Cosy Evenings

A moment to slow down

What Is a Sunday Reset?

A Sunday reset is simply a way to make the transition from weekend to working week feel a little easier.

For some people, it means changing the bedsheets, tidying their room and planning meals. For others, it's an everything shower, fresh pyjamas and an early night.

For beauty lovers, it's the perfect excuse to spend a little extra time on skincare and haircare.

There's no correct way to do a Sunday reset.

A Cosy Space

A Cosy Space

Soft blankets, a comforting cup of tea and warm, gentle lighting.

A Little Beauty Ritual

A Little Beauty Ritual

Make space for the skincare and haircare favourites that help you feel refreshed.

Time for Yourself

Time for Yourself

A quiet, relaxing evening to unwind and ease into the week ahead.

Set the Mood for a Cosy Evening

STEP 01

Set the Mood for a Cosy Evening

Before reaching for your skincare, make your surroundings feel inviting.

Put on your favourite playlist. Change into something comfortable. Make a cup of tea, hot chocolate or whatever you fancy.

There's something deeply satisfying about being warm indoors while the rain taps against the window.

  • Fresh, comfortable pyjamas
  • A soft blanket or dressing gown
  • Warm, gentle lighting
  • Your favourite book or comfort programme
  • A phone that's finally on silent
The point is to enjoy it, not photograph it.
Start with an Everything Shower

STEP 02

Start with an Everything Shower

Is it really a Sunday reset without an everything shower? Take your time cleansing your hair and body, concentrating shampoo on the scalp.

Give Your Hair a Little Extra Love

During a busy week, you might only have time for a quick shampoo and conditioner. Sunday is the perfect opportunity to add a nourishing hair mask.
SHISEIDO Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask 230g

SHISEIDO Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask 230g

SHOP SHISEIDO FINO HAIR MASK

STEP 03

Wash Away the Week with Gentle Cleansing

Once you're out of the shower, it's time to turn your attention to skincare.

Even if you haven't worn much make-up over the weekend, cleansing can help remove sunscreen, excess oil and everyday impurities.

Japanese cleansing oils are particularly popular as a first step for removing make-up and sunscreen.

The cleansing edit

[New Version]Kose Softymo Deep Makeup Remover Cleansing Oil 240ml

Massage the cleansing oil onto dry skin and follow the product directions for emulsifying and rinsing. If needed, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.

You don't have to double cleanse every evening if your skin doesn't need it.

SHOP KOSE SOFTYMO CLEANSING OIL

STEP 04

Make Time for a Hydrating Sheet Mask

Now for the part that makes an ordinary Sunday evening feel a little more like a spa night.

Japanese and Korean sheet masks are a lovely way to add an extra hydrating step to your skincare routine without making things complicated.

How to Choose Your Sunday Sheet Mask

DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN

DRY OR DEHYDRATED SKIN

Look for moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

SENSITIVE SKIN

Consider a gentle, fragrance-free formula suited to sensitive skin.

TIRED-LOOKING COMPLEXION

TIRED-LOOKING COMPLEXION

A hydrating mask can help skin appear fresher and more supple.

LOVE TRYING SOMETHING NEW?

LOVE TRYING SOMETHING NEW?

Explore Japanese and Korean sheet masks with different textures and ingredients.

Layer on the Hydration

STEP 05

Layer on the Hydration

After your sheet mask, keep the rest of your skincare simple. Start with lightweight hydration and finish with a moisturising product suited to your skin.

SHISEIDO IHADA Medicated Lotion (Rich) 180ml

Japanese facial lotions are generally lightweight, water-based products applied after cleansing. Gently press the lotion into your skin, then follow with your preferred moisturiser or emulsion.
SHOP SHISEIDO IHADA LOTION

Do You Need a Ten-Step Skincare Routine?

Absolutely not. A good skincare routine should leave your skin feeling comfortable, not overwhelmed.

YOUR SIMPLE ROUTINE

  1. Cleanser
  2. Hydrating Lotion
  3. Moisturiser

YOUR EXTRA PAMPERING ROUTINE

  1. Cleanser
  2. Sheet Mask
  3. Hydrating Lotion (if needed)
  4. Serum
  5. Moisturiser
A quiet evening self-care moment

STEP 06

Put Your Phone Down and Enjoy a Warm Eye Mask

You've washed your hair, finished your skincare and changed into your favourite pyjamas.

Now comes the final little treat.

For anyone who spends much of the week looking at a laptop or phone, a few screen-free minutes can feel surprisingly luxurious.

KAO MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask

These Japanese self-warming eye masks provide gentle warmth around your closed eyes. No microwave or hot water required.

Choose a Scent to Suit Your Mood

ChamomileA soft, comforting fragrance for a cosy evening.
OsmanthusA delicate floral option.
Forest ShowerA refreshing, nature-inspired fragrance.

Use as directed, remove contact lenses beforehand and take off the mask if the warmth feels uncomfortable.

EXPLORE KAO MEGRHYTHM STEAM EYE MASKS

STEP 07

Add a cosy bedside-table photograph

Add a Little Care for Tomorrow

A Sunday reset doesn't have to end with skincare.

Sometimes, doing one or two small things for your future self can make Monday morning feel a little less rushed.

  • Choose tomorrow's outfit
  • Pack your work bag
  • Fill your water bottle
  • Set out your morning skincare
  • Write down your three main priorities for Monday

You don't need to plan every minute of the coming week. And if all you manage is washing your face and getting into bed a little earlier? That counts too.

Your 30-Minute Sunday Beauty Reset

Short on time? Here's a simple routine you can adapt.

00–10 MINUTES

Enjoy a shower and apply a hair treatment.

10–15 MINUTES

Cleanse your face and finish your haircare.

15–25 MINUTES

Apply a sheet mask and relax.

25–30 MINUTES

Finish with moisturiser and get comfortable.

Timings are flexible. Always follow individual product instructions, particularly for hair masks, sheet masks and warming eye masks.

The Sunday Reset Isn't About Being Perfect

Some Sundays you'll have time for a full everything shower, a hair mask, a sheet mask and a beautifully organised bedroom.

Other Sundays, you'll eat leftovers on the sofa, watch one more episode than you intended and realise it's nearly bedtime.

Both are perfectly fine.

Self-care shouldn't become another thing you feel guilty about not doing properly.

At its heart, a Sunday reset is simply about finding a few moments that make you feel good.

Small rituals. A softer Sunday. A fresh start to the week.

At Reiwatakiya, we love bringing thoughtful Japanese and Korean beauty essentials into everyday routines.

Whether you're planning a full Sunday pamper session or just looking for one lovely new addition to your evening, discover beauty products that make slowing down feel a little more special.

Frequently Asked Questions