Morning Routine: What Works and What Doesn't

andi haase
Feb 12, 2019
3 min read

As I come to the middle of second semester, I realize that I constantly have two types of days:

1. days where I roll out of bed, put sweats on, brush my teeth, and head to class

2. days where I wake up and actually spend the time to look put together

Although both of these are completely acceptable, I desperately am trying to find a medium. Most of the time I would rather get the extra sleep, but if there's an event or class I need to look good for, that's an extra 15 minutes picking out an outfit, sitting in front of the mirror, etc. In this post, I'm going to try and pick apart my morning routine to see what makes the cut and what doesn't.

Setting a constant alarm: YES

This is something that has been a straight constant in my routine. Sometimes I set it for ten minutes earlier or later, but all this does is confuse my internal clock, and I'm either rushing to get out the door, or I have extra minutes to waste on my phone (which is not ideal for first thing in the morning). My advice is to try a few different times during the week, and see if you can find the more or less "perfect" time to rise and shine.

P.S. NO SNOOZING THE ALARM!

Showering in the morning: NO

I know that this is a controversial one, but I have my reasons for liking to shower at night much more.

if it's below freezing, your hair won't crisp up because it won't be wet
more time at night to do a full skin care routine if that's your thing
you go to bed feeling *clean*

In conclusion, just take one before you go to bed. If you style your hair after showering, you can plan the next day's activities/duties, snack, or meditate or something while you're waiting for your hair to dry.

Outfit Laid Out: YES

I am so indecisive that this step is probably my personal most important one. I check the weather on my phone, then rummage through my closet to see what I'll pair for the day. If I know I have an exam, I'll go for something more casual. If it's going to be cold, I can layer. The one thing I do usually leave for the morning is accessories so I can see the outfit on and decide what looks best.

Breakfast: SORT OF

DISCLAIMER: If you have to do this for dietary/medical reasons, by all means please do so!

I like to grab a granola bar (CLIF all the way) and munch either while I'm doing my face, or while I'm walking to class. If you have morning lectures and then a break like I do, it's perfect because the snack tides you over, and then you can get an actual meal after class lets out. This also ensures I'm not nauseous from not eating OR overeating.

Skincare: YES

No matter what, I always start with washing my face before I go any further with beauty products. My recent purchase included LUSH's 9 to 5 skin cleanser and tea tree water. What's awesome about this duo is that water isn't necessary - all you have to do is spread the lotion cleanser on your skin, spritz with the water, and wipe off with a wash cloth. Done in less than two minutes!

Full Face of Makeup: NO

This is probably one of the trickiest things to devote time to, because you're either beating your face for 30 seconds or an hour (depending on what you use, how much, in what order, etc.) I've cut my usage to a few key products that I almost cannot live without!

Glossier's Boy Brow in Clear

This little spool goes a long way when it comes to conditioning and grooming! I use one dip into the bottle for both brows, and they get so fluffy so fast.

Milk Makeup's Mini Cooling Water

Especially after a long night of whatever it is you're doing, this stick comes in handy for under eye bags - it contains seawater and caffeine for a boosted pick me up.

Glossier's Lash Slick

THE best mascara I've ever used, hands down. Microfiber technology adds length to your lashes, and the formula is easily applied with no clumping.

Milk Makeup's Glitter Stick

Highlight is something that I add if I'm looking to finish off the look with something *extra* - and how much more extra can you get than glitter? This stick is super pigmented and works well literally anywhere on your body.

Glossier's Balm + Gloss

This double whammy leave my lips so fucking soft and shiny! My favorite flavor of the balm dot com is the coconut due to the smell (and no tint), and the gloss smooths out the formula, making your lips look naturally plumper.