Q & A with Ashley: All about her AM/PM routine
Ashley, what’s your best tip for creating a self-care strategy?
Keep it simple! If a 10-step skincare routine stresses you out, then don’t do that. Find experts who can help you curate a plan that works with your life. That way no matter what direction the day goes, you’re able to carve out a few minutes here and there to take for yourself. Even on my busiest of days, I can still make my routine happen because it’s truly tailored to the reality of demands at home and at work. Another tip is to treat one area in your life at a time. If sleep is your biggest issue, then focus on that first. It never works for me if I try to overhaul everything all at once.
How did you know that you needed to make some changes?
About a year ago, I was extremely stressed and not taking care of myself. And whenever my self-care slips, one of the biggest ways that it shows up is in my skin. So when I saw what was happening in the mirror, I knew it was time for a reset. In this last year, I’ve started putting more time and energy into caring for myself both mentally and physically. I try to get in 3-5 workouts a week, I found wellness products that actually work (thanks to my amazing facialist), and I’m eating a higher protein diet that also incorporates intermittent fasting.
Tell us more about your morning ramp-up and evening wind-down routines.
I L-O-V-E talking about my routine and I take it V-E-R-Y seriously. It brings me so much joy to stick to this schedule because I know I’m setting my best self up for success. I’ve been loyal to a lot of the same products over the last ten years, but have also incorporated new ones as needed, with the help of my facialist. (FYI: We’re doing a feature on Ashley’s facialist on the blog soon! So you’ll get all the insider tips.)
Ashley’s AM Routine
Caffeine first! Always! I have a Smeg espresso machine and LOVE It. I make a double espresso in my favorite glass mugs with steamed whole milk and a hint of cinnamon. I add a teaspoon of coconut sugar and a scoop of Vital Proteins collagen powder with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. It’s the easiest cappuccino ever – even my toddlers know how to make it!
My skincare routine comes next:
Wash face with warm water - no soap - pat dry
Trader Joes - Hyaluronic acid serum
3-4 Drops mixed into my tinted moisturizer of Luxe Unfiltered Bronzing Drops
Last step: Brush, floss, and tongue scrape. I also whiten my teeth 1-2 times a week. Then, it’s right into my 5 minute make-up routine! (Hmmm…maybe we should do a blog post on this, too!)
Ashley’s PM Routine
My favorite PM ritual: Drink a cup of detox tea. It’s so yummy and tastes like vanilla!
An hour or more before bed I (try to) eliminate any blue or overhead lighting. I’ve swapped our bedside table lamps with red light bulbs and love these salt lamp night lights. A major game changer was switching my iPhone to red light from 8PM to 8AM. Here’s a tutorial on how to do it.
My nighttime skincare routine is similar to my morning routine, but tailored to helping my skin repair as I sleep.
Remove makeup with Organic cotton pads and micellar water
Wash face 2x with Circadia Micro Honey Cleanser
Trader Joes - Hyaluronic acid serum
Gua Sha Lymphatic Facial Massage (This how-to video is my fave!)
Add 3-4 drops of Luxe Unfiltered Bronzing Drops to my tinted moisturizer.
Mix 1 teaspoon of my Magnesi-om with 8 ounce of water
Last step: I apply my mouth tape. My husband Sean thinks I’ve lost my mind, but I’ve seen a huge difference in my sleep quality and facial puffiness. This is the one I use!
