AM to PM with A Bar Manager Sophie Penichet

“With a schedule that includes a 5:30am breakfast opening one day and 12am bar closing the next, my morning routine varies as often as my work.

Early mornings are kept to a minimum: shower, tousled hair with TRESemmé Curl Care Mousse, a touch of Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche (not Eau de Cologne!) and Cover Girl Black Oynx Eyeliner applied to my lower inner lids. I consistently break the female beauty tenant and leave the house without mascara.

With night events that require a day to evening look, I focus on dressing up the eyes. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is essential to avoid creases and smudges. I’m a big fan of Urban Decay palettes (I own Volume III and Volume IV) but now that I used all neutrals in each set will make my next makeup purchase Urban Decay Naked palette. I’ve never owned foundation or blush but regularly invest in Guerlain Terracotta bronzer.

Though I never (ever) color my hair, I often alternate from curly to straight with the use of CHI Ceramic flat iron and a heat protector. Currently, Kiehl’s Heat Protective Straightening Cream is my favorite in tandem with its Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

Adrian at Nectar Skin Bar has done my eyebrows since his time at Erwin. I have (and will) followed him all over the city! For big events he’ll squeeze me in for makeup too. Getting my nails done is my biggest indulgence. I swear by the Essie collection at Aqua Nail Salon in Georgetown. Secretly, when I’m indecisive between colors I’ll choose between which of their names I like better.

No matter the difference in my morning routine, time spent or layers applied, my bedtime routine never changes. Take it all off every time, no excuses! It’s the most important beauty advice I follow, naturally, given by my mom.”

Bronzer/ Palette/ Shampoo & Conditioner/ Fragrance/ Primer

Sophie Penichet is the manager of A Bar Lounge in DC.