7:30AM

The alarm rings twice before I hit snooze. If I were a more motivated (or simply a sophisticated, well-developed human), I’d nearly be done with an at-home workout or sun salutation by now—but I’m not. Fifteen more minutes.

I pull the covers over my head.

7:45AM

Turns out 15 minutes feels more like five. I drag myself out of the cocoon and instinctively—still with my eyes half shut—make the bed. A hint of Silky Underwear lingers between the sheets and I have to force myself not to slip back in. Instead, I sprinkle more of the dusting powder before replacing the duvet. Straighten, fluff, smooth; a choreographed act that ends only when my Kiki de Montparnasse pillows are propped at attention, “Sleep” side up.

7:48AM

One of the perks of being a night shower-er is having the luxury to sleep in. Sleeping in as an insomniac, however, means I tend to take liberties (read: sleep in late)—making it imperative that I keep my routine under 20.

Non-negotiable is tongue-scraping, borrowed from Ayurvedic self-care practices. I’m not sure how I lived before owning a tongue cleaner—nor can I offer rationale behind its benefits—but I’m left with an inexplicable sense of physical and mental clarity once my palate is cleansed. I check my phone, sipping on hot lemon water while flicking between the weather app, Whatsapp (to check for or answer my boyfriend’s “good morning text”), and Instagram.

Hair depends on a few factors: time left, humidity, and its current working state. If on a good day my waves look more intentional than I-just-woke-up, I’ll liberally mist with Ouai Wave Spray first, then set with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to ensure hold throughout my 15-hour day. Everything is piled on top my head—secured with a giant claw clip—to maximize volume.

A hopeless situation (like today) begs for Tancho Lavender Pomade, which I Prime’d immediately after spotting it at a shoot on set.  göt2b Glued used to be the only thing that could hold down these baby hairs, but it was always a little extreme for day; now Tancho is all I use for sleek topknots or high ponies. I finish the remaining water—still steaming—to rest my arms in between bobby-pinning.

Time is of the essence. I can live with a scalded tongue.

Since I hate getting my tiny bathroom countertop wet, I skip my morning face wash and instead, start with toner. I’m non-committal and will rotate between different formulas depending on my mood; all I need is a clean, fresh base. My skin craves deeper hydration now that it’s fall, so to counter the dryness without causing greasy shine (I’m combination-oily), I cocktail my own face cream. In the palm of my hand, I mix a smaller-than-pea-sized squeeze of Weleda Skin Food and add two pumps CosRx BHA Blackhead Powder Liquid to thin out the cream. If I had more time I’d let it sink in—but because patience is a virtue I was born without, I wait all but 20 seconds before massaging a thin layer of Image Skincare Prevention Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32 on top. Excess sunscreen is applied to the backs of my hands, always.

7:52AM

I’m good on time! My day-to-day consists of mascara and blonzer (a term coined by ex-beauty editor Cat Marnell that refers to a blush-bronzer hybrid), but because I have a meeting today, I’m going for a fuller face of makeup.

Brows are first. I never touched them until I needed something to distract from my swollen, bloody eyes post-Lasik, and now four months later, I’ve grown appreciative of how it can lift your complexion. Natural definition is the aim: with a light hand, I outline with ABH Brow Wiz (Dark Brown), blend the pencil with a spoolie, then fill in the center using Glossier Boy Brow (Black).

7:54AM

Since buying my first RMS Eye Polish, I’ve fully converted to using multi-purpose cream products for my entire face. There’s something about using your fingers to apply everything that I find both artistic and intimate, and this part of the routine has become meditative for me. Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer in Baked is perfect in both formulation and finish, so I apply the stick across my cheeks—just under the highest point—and across my nose to emulate a sun-kissed look. Blending can be messy, luckily; it’s forgiving.

 

Blush is mix of Cloud Paints. Two parts Dusk, one part Dawn creates a tawny coral that goes on my cheeks. Never on the apples, though, but right above the hollows to give the illusion of a more sculpted face without traditional contouring. With my ring finger, I tap RMS Lunar Cream Eye Polish just above my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. (Everyone raves about Living Luminizer, but Lunar flies under the radar. Though meant for the eyes, it’s beautiful as a highlighter.)

I peer into the mirror to assess the shine. My face is in need of a little more bronze and glow, so I tap another RMS eyeshadow—this time in Lucky, a creamy copper—as a transition shade between the matte bronzer and champagne highlight.

Eyes are simple. Normally, I don’t mind the slight pinkish cast—but because they’re looking a little vein-ier than I’d like (I was up until 3AM. binge-reading Journey to Ixtlan), ABH Honey Waterproof Crème Color helps conceal and brighten. Just this product alone makes a world of a difference. Not only is it the perfect shade with golden-peach undertones, but its dry consistency means it won’t budge on my oily eyelids.

8:09AM

Ah, the step de resistance: curling my lashes. A quick pump or two using Shiseido Eyelash Curler gives an instant illusion of length, and when followed with Glossier Lash Slick, I’m asked where I get my lash extensions done—not what mascara I’m using.

And at last, the finishing touch! A generous coat of La Mer The Lip Balm to revive and nourish.

8:11AM

I can’t figure out what to wear.

Even if I did plan an outfit the night before, it would be in vain. I’m emotional; everything depends on my mood in a particular moment, which is some combination of how I feel and how I want to be perceived that day. As a woman and POC, clothing is a means of regaining some semblance of control over how others see me. Even as a kid I was subconsciously aware of first impressions and what mine came with. At five, it was only the shape of my eyes that I had to deal with; once I turned 15, it became about the shape of my hips, too.

Being hypersensitive so young meant I had to develop armor early on. Skincare and makeup is how I’ve learned to embrace what I can’t erase or hide. Clothing is how I rewrite the narrative. The golden in my skin is mine, but it’s not their version of me. I refuse to be prescribed.

I’m more than just the single fold of my lids and the slight slant of my eyes.

8:17AM

Still can’t decide on an outfit. So, accessories first it is (if just because I wear the same things every day). Large, thin hoops and The Last Line huggies, always. I clasp my silver nameplate—of my Chinese name—around my neck.

Perhaps I’ll be inspired if I pick out the day’s lingerie…? I open a drawer and reach for the first thing I see: an Agent Provocateur set in black leopard lace.

Progress! I’m halfway there.

8:22AM

After much deliberation (punctuated by pacing back and forth between closets, pausing only to dab Kuumba Persian Garden on my wrists and the nape of my neck), I settle on a twill The Line by K dress with contrast stitching.

Why I own anything else is beyond me. I could be perfectly happy with a wardrobe of just TLK pieces.

8:30AM

Minnetonkas on, black knee-high boots in hand, and I’m out the door. Granted, it looks silly for now but I’m a practical girl.

Heels are made for walking, not driving.

.   .   .

xx