This Creative Director and Beauty-Brand Owner Shares Her A.M. Wellness Rituals

What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? A well-rounded morning routine sets the tone for the day and gets you prepped—both mentally and physically—before you dive into a packed schedule filled with emails, chores, happy hours, workouts, and more. Our series Morning Person profiles those who have mastered the art of the morning routine.

Tune in every week here and on our Instagram to learn exactly how the pros get it all done before the sun comes up, from their go-to breakfasts to their a.m. workouts.

Like us, Carrie Barber is a beauty-and-wellness enthusiast. The sought-after creative director leveraged her passion and expertise to help build some of the coolest beauty brands and retailers around: Glossier, Violet Grey, and Sephora. For her latest endeavor as the new owner of Make Beauty, she's tasked with relaunching and rebranding the iconic beauty line, which is no small feat. 

Keep scrolling to see how Barber gets herself (and her glowing skin!) prepped for a busy and productive workday.

6 A.M.

As soon I wake up, I'll make coffee, and unless there is anything urgent, I'll spend an hour or so just doing whatever I want. I would either put on what I was watching the night before, scroll through Instagram, window-shop, etc. It’s my free, unscheduled time that helps me clear my head and get focused for my day. 

6:15 A.M.

I make stove-top espresso and steam some non-dairy milk with the Agent Nateur Holi (Mane). This hair supplement powder is amazing. I first saw it all over my Instagram, and then multiple friends brought it up. After two weeks, my skin was glowing and plump, and there was visible hair growth around my hairline. It also tastes amazing, which makes it a win-win. 

7 A.M.

I'm now at the stage in my life where exercise is for my energy and mental health more than anything. In my 20s, I worked out for vanity, but now I enjoy it so much more because it gives me the needed gusto for the rest of my day.

I'll train on FaceTime with my best friend, Marissa Hamera, a few days a week, which we have been doing since I moved to California from New York in 2016. I also love the Pilates by Amanda Core Club quickies because they go by fast but so hard. When I really need cardio and movement, I'll do a dance class on Forward Space. 

7:35 A.M.

After my workout, I'll usually check to see if my dog is awake. When he is not, I'll put on a podcast (The Daily is my favorite) and start getting ready for the day. I wash my hair twice a week when I shower. Otherwise, I love taking baths. Usually, when I shower, I'll also go ahead and shave my entire body, do a hair mask, a face mask, etc.

Once a week, I'll use the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt and its Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil, along with Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner. These products help to keep my hair clean without drying out my ends. 

I've never gotten laser hair removal, and waxing just kills me, so instead, I shave with Gillette Venus Comfortglide Razors. I have tried everything else, and this blade is the least irritating. Years ago, I got this chic Mave Razor from Violet Grey, and luckily, these Venus razor blades are compatible. Hot tip: If you shave your bikini area, go with the hairline. My 74-year-old therapist told me this, and I’ve never looked back. 

8 A.M.

By now, the coffee has kicked in, so I'll have a celery juice from Organic Oren. It’s unlike any other juice I have had; it's both sweet and salty, light, and just so good. I know the benefits that celery juice has for my skin, and it's much easier for me to drink my greens rather than eat them. The majority of the "healthy" things I do are for the sake of my skin, and thankfully, it's been relatively blemish-free.

8:25 A.M.

Today, I have an important work Zoom, so I am putting a little extra effort into my skin. My morning skincare starts with a gentle exfoliation using Naturium Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser and Make Beauty Micro Ferment Rice Essence to prepare skin for serums. 

Right now, I am using light moisturizers and gel creams as serums mostly because I am obsessed with the texture of the Make Beauty Succulent Skin Gel Cream. When I need an added layer of moisture, I'll layer Naturium Multi-Peptide Cream or a rich cream on top.

During the day, I keep my makeup pretty minimal because I'm wearing masks. I'll use concealer where I need it and apply BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick on top since it has SPF and blends so well into the skin.

Then, I'll brush up my brows with Make Beauty Sculpting Lash and Brow Gel, swipe on a coat of mascara (either from Chantecaille or Merit), apply some 

Chanel blush, and finish with Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick under my eyes and on my cheekbones.

9:15 A.M.

By now, Gio is awake, so I'll take him out for a walk. Afterward, I'll feed him and myself, as well as take my supplements and medication. I’ve been doubling up on this Moon Juice Super You to help regulate my cortisol and keep my energy consistent.

Then, I'll pour a dose of this Ion Gut Health into my large glass of water and get started on my workday!

Up next: How This Actress and Lifestyle Entrepreneur Prioritizes Self-Care Every Evening