What’s Your Morning Routine Like?
On weekdays, my alarm clock goes off at 6:21 a.m. The weekends, however, call for a little extra beauty sleep so I wake around 8 a.m. As far as beauty goes, I brush my teeth and then wash my face in the shower with sulfate-free Renée Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel and will use my Exfoliating Body Cloth to smooth away dry skin cells. After I get out of the shower, I immediately apply my alcohol-free Elderberry Toner, Vitamin C&E Treatment and a generous amount of Daily Protection SPF 30 to my face, all around my neck and chest. I also perform a lymphatic drainage massage around my eyes to move out some nighttime under eye puffiness. When it comes to my hair, I recently went from blonde to a rose gold color, so I have to use a pink shampoo and wash and condition my hair with cold water to avoid the color from fading. It definitely wakes me up!
For breakfast, I eat a Paleo Diet Bar for a pre-workout boost. When I get back home, I usually have two hard-boiled eggs served warm with a tiny bit of sea salt. I don’t drink coffee at all but I do drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning. It flushes out my system and helps prevent breakouts. I like to give myself an hour and a half to get ready. I don’t like to be rushed, especially when applying a cat-eye. It takes time and a steady hand to get each side to look the same! I also have a TV in my bathroom, so I like to catch up on some recorded shows while I get ready.
Describe A Typical Day At Work
My days vary from one day to the next. I have two skin-care spas and a distribution warehouse but I primarily use my home as my office while I’m in the country. For the type of work that I do, I need to have the least amount of distractions to plan future initiatives, so aside from the occasional barks or demands from my dogs for belly rubs, my home office is my “think tank” where all the magic and creativity happens.
I write blog posts, Skype with my chemists to discuss new product formulas, plan training classes for my aestheticians, work on enhancements to our website and plan future projects. I have a weekly conference call with my team to communicate, problem-solve, strategize and make sure we’re all on the same page. I work on clients in my downtown Dallas skin-care spa once a week so that’s my day to focus on skin. Although once a week is all my schedule will allow, after 27 years, I still love the hands-on work. Between my website and blog, our skin-care spas, the product line, my pop-up’s in New York and Los Angeles and TV appearances, we have a lot of moving parts so communication is everything. As both the founder and CEO, I keep my finger on the pulse of all aspects of my company and provide the vision for where we’re headed.
What Do You Eat For Lunch?
I’ll have a salad with some water. It’s almost always the same seven days a week. The salad may vary but I always have a salad that’s loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. My favorites include grilled chicken, spinach, goat cheese, nuts, blueberries and strawberries.
What Do You Do Once Work Is Over?
Doing CrossFit in the morning allows me to work well into the evening. I’m a self-confessed workaholic. It’s a genetic trait in my family—we’re hard workers. If I don’t have an event scheduled, I work at least 10 hours each day during the week (I work on the weekends, just not as much). I love what I do so much and it brings me so much joy that I don’t mind it one bit.
For dinner, I don’t make the time to cook very often but I try to eat healthy. I usually grab dinner from Whole Foods, anything from sushi or soup to meatloaf or grilled salmon. I mainly drink water and only drink wine when I’m on vacation or on nights that I’m out with friends or my husband.
At 9:30 p.m. I grab a few magazines and do 30 minutes of stretching on my bed while I read. CrossFit requires a lot of mobility so stretching is necessary, plus it feels so good. Then lights out at 10 p.m. To further unwind, I do deep breathing techniques to calm my mind.
Any New Products You’re Excited About?
I always have a new product in the works, but right now I’m working on another new eye cream as well as a facial oil. I’m in the testing phase and I absolutely love them.
Are There Any Interesting Things In Your Beauty Routine?
When I do my evening stretches, I hold my head upside down for three minutes while leaning over. I get a good hamstring stretch, plus I love the much-needed boost of blood flow that comes to my face. After all, circulation slows down as we age so this helps a lot. I also won’t drink out of straws and use mostly wide-mouthed glasses to avoid unnecessary pursing of the mouth to prevent lip lines. I also always leave my toner damp on my skin before I apply moisturizer. This way my moisturizer locks in all the hydrating benefits that the toner offers.
What Would We Be Surprised To Know About You?
I own and ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle. It’s a hobby that I do with my husband and it’s so much fun! Of course when I’m out on the open road, I have protecting my skin from the UV light down to a science (hello UV protective clothing!) We travel around the globe and ride. Recent trips include riding in Auckland, New Zealand, Bali, Indonesia and Big Sur, California. I believe one of the keys to a good marriage is to find common hobbies that allow you time together. Travel and motorcycles are definitely ours!
