I'm a night owl. I can stay up late and sleep in even later. It's like my circadian rhythm is naturally nocturnal. As an adult with personal and professional responsibilities, though, this isn't the ideal schedule to keep. For overall productivity and wellness purposes, I need to start my day early.
When I first tried to turn my sleep schedule around, I found it difficult (actually, near impossible) to wake up early. I would set 10 alarms, roll over, and hit snooze, without surrendering my slumber. Once I found enough fortitude to get out of bed, I would immediately drink a cup of coffee...and then another one...and then maybe another one after that. I was so well known for this behavior that one of my friends once joked they'd never seen me without a cup of coffee in my hand.
After a few months of this, I grew tired of it. I had seen all of the healthy morning routine inspiration on Pinterest and TikTok, and wanted in. So, I re-dedicated myself to the cause and did what any beauty editor would do. I set myself up with the right products to create one. You see, there was no way I was going to let good money go to waste, so in a way, investing in a few items motivated me to (get this) actually use them and therefore wake up on time.
It's been a year, and I'm happy to report that I'm a morning person. Or, at the very least, I'm less of a night owl. I work out almost every morning, drink less coffee, and eat a healthy breakfast. Keep scrolling to see my intentional morning routine and shop my must-have AM items.
My Early Morning Must-Haves
This alarm clock was a game-changer for my routine. It gradually wakes me with a soft sound and a sunrise lamp—a complete 180 from the jarring phone alarms I used before. It's also a sound machine. I play rain noise every night as I sleep, so I wake up well-rested and less inclined to laze around before breakfast.
Plus, it just looks pretty. Maybe it's because I'm particular about my living space or because I'm a Taurus inclined to like a luxury item, but I find the sleek design is easy on the eyes.
My next order of business is to take a morning walk. I try to do this as soon as possible—before coffee and checking email. I change into my favorite pair of running shorts, slather on some sunscreen, put my dog in his harness, and head out the door. I aim for two to three miles.
This is the sunscreen I've been using lately. The Korean formula is lightweight and milky and melts into my skin, giving it a little glow. The broad-spectrum SPF 45 formula contains birch sap and hyaluronic acid for a cooling, hydrating effect. Panthenol and purslane soothe the skin.
Once I'm back from my daily walk and podcast binge, I hydrate. This is my favorite water bottle. I spontaneously purchased it on Amazon one day, and I've been using it ever since.
After my walk, I'll move right into a Pilates flow about three times a week. I swear by Melissa Wood Health (I subscribe to her website for unlimited classes). Her videos are easy to follow along with, not too long or short, and always make me feel accomplished. I use the Bala Bangles whenever ankle weights are called for.
After a quick 15 to 30-minute workout, it's time to hop in the shower. I don't use a dry brush every day, but I'll use one when I feel inclined. I simply brush my bare skin in short, quick strokes, moving upward and inward toward my heart. It makes my skin look bright and fresh and leaves me feeling awake and invigorated.
This cleanser uses vitamin C, acai and goji berry, hyaluronic acid, and galactoarabinan extract to protect collagen, diminish hyperpigmentation, and defend the skin against free radical damage. I love that, and I also love its fresh citrusy scent.
Naturium makes some of the best body washes in the game. This one has vitamin C to brighten the skin and protect against free radical damage. It also contains natural fruit enzymes and niacinamide to keep skin smooth and even.
I don't always have time to moisturize my entire body, but when I do, I like this body lotion. It smells bright, fresh, and basically like a tall glass of grapefruit juice. It never fails to make me feel awake, refreshed, and happy.
Admittedly, I was totally influenced to try this by TikTok. But now I swear it works and have proof to back it up. This body-sculpting tool is based on traditional Latin-American wood-therapy tools, and it assists in lymphatic drainage. Read up on how it works and how I use it in my routine.
This product is expensive but totally worth it, in my opinion. That's because it's a moisturizer, serum, and treatment mask in one, thanks to firming peptides and brightening antioxidants.
I've been using it for a few months, and my skin absolutely loves it. My dark spots have diminished, my complexion looks brighter, and my skin feels plump and hydrated. Celebs like Kaia Gerber and January Jones also love it, so you know it's good.
I know I said I'm drinking less coffee lately, but that doesn't mean I'm not drinking any at all. It's one of life's greatest joys, and I'll never go without it entirely, even if that means drinking decaf more often than not.
Before getting this espresso machine, I'd drink endless cups of black coffee from my old coffee pot. Now that I have to make individual pods, I can easily limit myself to one (maybe two tops) each morning. Plus, I can make foamy lattes thanks to a milk frother attachment. Once my coffee is made, I can get to work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Cheers to enjoying mornings and carving out some much-needed self-care time.
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