My Daily Routine Unfiltered

While my site has always been a beauty blog at its core, sharing my personal life every now and then is equal parts refreshing and therapeutic. To be honest, it’s a balancing act between my full-time job, my blog, wedding planning, and life’s important moments. At times it’s overwhelming—scratch that—it’s exhausting. But my daily routine is real and unfiltered. You won’t read about me cooking in high heels or going to posh parties. Today, I’m sharing my daily routine, unfiltered.

7:20AM—My alarm goes off and (most) of the time I’m ready to start the day. Occasionally I hit the snooze button but I read an article a while back explaining why hitting the snooze button is bad for your health.

7:30AM—I usually do my makeup at my desk-turned-vanity so I can take advantage of natural light. No matter what kind of a day I have ahead of me, I always take care of my skin. First, I apply Shiseido Ultimune on my face using upward motions to help protect skin and prep it for the day. The formula is so lightweight that I can apply my daily serum and moisturizer next without feeling smothered in product. Short term, this formula feels great and over time, my skin has developed this natural glow. Perhaps what I love most is how I am able to pull off a glowing natural complexion (even on days when I don’t have time to apply tinted moisturizer or foundation). If I have an important meeting or presentation, I apply eyeshadow, a couple coats of waterproof mascara and a little blush.

8:15AM—I’m on my way to work, hoping I don’t get stuck in traffic, and I’m jamming out to Taylor Swift or Ellie Goulding. (Unfiltered moment: Usually when I’m driving is when I realize I need some lip balm so I wait until I hit a red light.)

8:50AM—At work and ready to be productive. I work in digital marketing full-time so much of my day is spent working one on one with clients, helping them with their content marketing strategies.

10:00AM—Unfiltered moment: While my to-do list is endless, I’m so happy in my career and personal life that I enjoy what I do so it doesn’t feel like work.

11:30AM—I head to the women’s locker room to get ready for Boot Camp. I am so lucky I have access to a gym facility at my job. I feel even luckier that I get access to free fitness classes like yoga and Boot Camp. I’ve been attending this class for four months now and squeezing in an intense 45-minute workout has significantly improved my daily routine. I feel like I can conquer the world after these classes—the inner strength and confidence I’ve gained through working out has completely changed my life.

12:30PM—During my lunch break, I like to catch up on my favorite blogs. I always scroll through Atlantic Pacific’s style posts and enjoy reading top-shelf beauty picks on Into the Gloss. It’s so important to keep up with what other people are talking about. (Unfiltered moment: it’s what I like to do when I procrastinate.)

5:30PM—I arrive home from work. I like to get comfortable (unfiltered moment: I feel most comfortable in my own skin when I take off my skinny jeans and change in to a pair of sweats), feed my Persian cat, catch up on my favorite glossies (Marie Claire and SELF), and sift through any new packages I received that day.

6:30PM—If my fiancé is feeling domestic, he’ll cook me dinner. If we’re both feeling lazy, we’ll order take-out. (Unfiltered moment: I’ve been known to store beauty products in my pantry. Needless to say, I am NOT much of a cook.)

7:30PM—I open up my laptop and I’m back to work—this time on my blog. I spend every evening writing and researching (read: shopping on Sephora). Unfiltered moment: This is also my chance to catch up on Pinterest and pretend that I can afford a luxury wedding as I pin different décor ideas.)

9:00PM—I like to unwind by catching up my favorite TV shows with my fiancé. Right now we’re watching Marriage at First Sight: The First Year, CSI, Law & Order SVU and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (a guilty pleasure), and Vanderpump Rules.

10:30—Time for bed! I typically shower at night. I cleanse my face and post-shower I apply Ultimune on my face and neck. I finish with my nighttime moisturizer and eye cream. I also like to apply an overnight lip balm so I don’t wake up with dry, cracked lips. Before I set my alarm, I enjoy catching up on Instagram and say goodnight.

Photography by Kate Ann

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Shiseido. While I was compensated to write a post featuring Shiseido, all opinions are my own.