Morning routines – we all know we need one to ace the day, so how do other inspiring and successful women do it?

The alarm has fired off – how you start the day?

For many of us, drowning down a coffee, pulling on a smart knit and pant combo and cursing our way through traffic is about as zen as the morning routine gets. For others, it’s all 5 am starts, 10 pages of journaling and yoga.

No matter your flavour, a morning routine sets the tone for the whole day – and successful people know if you do each day right, you’ll do life right.

Get it, gurl!

Studies show that not having a good morning routine and feeling overwhelmed and disorganised were connected – so we’re talking about making the time to organising your thoughts and your beauty wardrobe.

Creating good habits in the morning will get you out the door quicker than you can say Venti Latte.

Whether it means waking up earlier to give yourself ample time to focus on your goals, streamline your routine or leave time for those simple pleasures, imagine having the space to walk to work or take tea with birds in the garden.

So what the heck should you do in the morning? Take your pick between journaling, a spin class, reflecting on goals, drinking a crazy smoothie or just extra time to cuddle with your kids.

At MM, we’ve discovered a nifty app to take the guesswork out of your morning. With Flowjam, simply select how you want to feel today (relaxed? energetic? creative?), how long you have (5 minutes or 45 mins, for instance) and select from a menu of self-care options. This nifty app will then organise your routine for you, all accompanied by delicious ambient beats (so very sunset Ibiza) and inspired reminders and support. Get it here!

The truth is it doesn’t matter how much time you have, as long as you are prioritising yourself and taking some time for you every single day.

We asked our three favourite #boss ladies about how they start their day to further fuel your inspiration.

Carpe diem.

LISA MESSENGER

Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Collective Hub, publisher, author, speaker; mum to Benny the Cavoodle

What time do you wake up?

Generally between 5.55am when I’m being good and 8 am when I am overtired … I LOVE my sleep.

What’s the first thing you drink? Eat?

Lemon in hot water followed by a green smoothie. I’ve been doing this routine for at least ten years… I figure if it all goes a bit downhill after that I’ve started the day perfectly.  I generally don’t eat anything after that until about 11 am.

Do you exercise? Meditate?

Yes, I journal and meditate every morning. I often use Insight Timer to tap into my mood at the time.  I try to exercise every day even if it’s just a walk in nature with my Cavoodle Benny. I try to do Barre Body at least three times a week and I go to the gym a couple of times a week for a spin class/weights training. I’ll try any type of exercise – tennis, surfing, rock climbing – I’m pretty adventurous. I can do them all moderately well but am the master of none in particular.

And most importantly what is your beauty routine? What products and in what order?

My go-to is Rationale.  I start with the Pro Ceramide Cleanser, followed by the Immunologist Serum. Then, onto the PhotoDynamic Day Cream with SPF15. For my body, I use Pure Castile Hemp Lavender soap and then love the Body Shop’s Spa of the World Japanese Camellia Cream.

NADIA BARTEL

Founder of Chronicles of Nadia and The Connection; style ambassador; busy mum to Aston

What time do you get up?
6 am. I like to get a bit done before Aston gets up – some mornings it’s exercise and on the other days, it’s straight to my computer and on top of my emails.

What’s the first thing you drink? Eat?

I always have a big glass of water as soon as I wake up. Then I have brekky. I swap between an egg white omelette with avocado and cottage cheese or Greek yoghurt with wheat bran and or psyllium husks (great for fibre) and pumpkin seeds.

Do you exercise? Meditate?

Three mornings a week I do Pilates. I also write in my journal as soon as I wake up, what I am grateful for and my goals for the day. I have found this really helps to clear my mind and motivate me for the day. I would love to include meditation into my morning routine, but I may need to get up a little earlier to fit it in.

And most importantly what is your beauty routine? What products and in what order?

I would be lying if I said I have a ‘low key’ beauty routine- I love my beauty and I am always trialling new products.

I start the day by washing my face with Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Cleanser – it’s great for my skin as it’s a gentle formula but also keeps the oil’s in my skin at bay. I then wipe on a BHA lotion (also from Paula’s Choice) which is a leave on exfoliant and great to minimise pores. On alternate days I use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

I like to then use a serum with Vitamin C, I swap between Ole Henricksen Truth Serum or Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster mixed in Paula’s Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Serum. I also love the new Ole Henricksen. Finally, a hydrating moisturiser, once again from Paula’s Choice (it sounds like I am their ambassador- but I am not, I have been using their products for over 7 years and obsessed as they actually work).

ROXY JACENKO

Founder and CEO at Sweaty Betty and Ministry of Talent; speaker, author; busy mum to Pixie and Hunter

What time do you get up?

I cannot remember the last time I slept in past 6 am so splashing my face with ice cold water first thing is a MUST, it is unbelievable at offering an instant de-puff and tightening up those pours in a flash.

What is your beauty routine? What products and in what order?

Bobbi Brown Extra is the girl boss’s best-kept secret. You apply prior to beginning your skincare regime and in a nutshell, it just maximises your skin’s potential before you have even begun your day. It’s like the lazy person primer of the skincare world

I change my moisturiser routine through the seasons, in winter I am OBSESSED with the super high potency Du’It Vitamin E cream that nourishes your skin. Fun Fact: there’s 6 times as much vitamin E packed into this cream than the standard vitamin E moisturisers out there. You can also use this under makeup with no issues – it will ensure your makeup appears flawless and lasts a full 17 hour work day!

In summer, I switch to La Mer Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream. For those who thought the original cream was too thick, this is a lighter alternative. It’s not oily either so it will never leave you looking too ‘dewy’.

I also begin my morning beauty routine in the evening!

Who doesn’t love a sheet-mask, and I am currently obsessed with Estee Lauder’s Micro Essence Infusion Mask. Pop on when finishing up emails in bed, leave on for 10 minutes and throw it away with ease. You’re looking after your skin without the hard work and effort!

What are some of your morning routine beauty tips and self-love non-negotiables?

CREDITS

Words: Alina B / Photographers: Hero Image: Tim Ashton / Roxy Image: Richard Freeman / Nadia image: Emily Delphine / Model: Samie Robinson

Special thanks to Lisa, Roxy & Nadia for their support & for sharing their morning rituals! xMM