What’s your story, morning glory? Do you have a morning routine? Do you shower and dash out the door with barely a sip of coffee? Or do you practice some extensive A.M. self-care? We know it's hard to carve out time for the latter. We are all so super busy! And Jenette Serrins, our founder and CEO, is one of the busiest people we know. She's our alchemist-in-chief and doyenne of all things beauty and wellness, but beyond that, she wears many other hats, from business owner to mother to philanthropist and so much more. Still, she always seems to radiate from within, wiith that incredible glow.

Focus on the Non-Negotiables

We wanted to find out her secret morning weapon for how she starts her day to look and feel her best on a typical day — the kind of day where you don't have time for a luxurious breakfast, a long hike, and a full-on yoga session. The type of day where you just get up and go, go, go. We discussed her non-negotiables and must-do’s that set the tone for the rest of her day: as much for her flawless skin as for her health and well-being. Read on to find out how Jenette has mastered her perfect — and doable!!! — morning routine that might just inspire you to create your own!

First thing upon waking up, Jenette mists her Be Happy – Brightening Toner for an instant aromatherapeutic and mood-boosting wake-up call. She keeps water on her bedside table, so she can hydrate right away in the morning. (There are actually studies that say if you sip water upon waking, you are more likely to drink more water throughout the day; ideally half your body weight in ounces!)

Next, she puts the kettle on to brew a cup of antioxidant-rich and immunity-boosting green tea. (Tea for Tabitha) While the water heats up, she takes all her tonics and supplements such as aloe vera, green powder or chlorophyll and mushroom tinctures to keep her insides clean and her complexion clear, bright, and nourished from the inside.

Take a Little “Me” Time

Then it’s time for a little meditation, stretching, or breathing — a must to limber up, get the blood flowing, set intentions, and feel grounded, calm yet energized to seize the day in style. When time permits, she might take a bath and put on a masque (especially if she knows she won’t have time later in the day), but usually it’s a quick shower.

“No matter what, I absolutely have to wash my face,” says Jenette. “My Green Tea soap leaves my skin feeling so clean and soft. I rinse my face well to get off all the dust, dirt, and maybe even a little sweat,” says Jenette.

We always beg our clients to not skip washing their faces at night. After all, it’s astounding what accumulates after just one day, from makeup and sunscreen to sweat, dirt, and environmental stressors. But a thorough face cleanse in the morning is just as important. Jenette follows her cleanse with a few mists of her favorite toner, Be Divine, then layers just a few potent and protective products.

Layer Your Must-Have Products

She leaves on Transform – Niacin Serum for about a minute. Packed with everything good for your skin, it instantly balances any skin type. Next is Potion No. 2 – Age Defying Serum, a skin saver with 75 percent probiotics that is truly a MAGIC POTION for your skin. She follows up with our New and Improved Be Nourished moisturizer (now infused with Snow Mushrooms) and dusts on some Jane Iredale loose mineral powder (in Warm Sienna) with SPF 20. Then she sets her face with Be Divine – Age Defying Toner. Voilà, she’s good to go.

Yes, there’s a whole lot more one could cram into a busy morning. We always read that the most successful people (think Jeff Bezos) get up super early like 4 a.m., get in an hour of intense cardio, and read every newspaper and business journal in existence. Sounds impressive, but it’s simply not feasible for most of us on a daily basis. Instead, carve out just enough time to find your own non-negotiables for a healthier, happier kind of day. This can lead to a healthier, happier life. 

Set the Tone for the Rest of the Day

Your morning routine could be sipping on some mushroom coffee in bed and listening to an uplifting podcast. It could be five minutes of deep, meditative breathing or doing positive affirmations. It could be washing your face and layering a few healing products that repair and protect your skin on a cellular level. Then a minimal makeup that plays up your glow. True beauty is as much about what we put on our skin as it is about what we put into our bodies and the very thoughts we think. It is about the mindful self-care we practice, the way we talk to ourselves, this is how we set the tone for our day.

Whether you are an early riser or prefer to hit the snooze button five times before dragging yourself out from under your duvet, let us know your must-do (non-negotiable) morning tips. We would love to hear from you!