Lately my nightly beauty routine has become a ritual for me. I work in the film/television industry in NYC and my workday ranges anywhere from 12 to 18 hour days. Living in NYC is energy draining in itself, so when I get home from my day, I am completely drained – mentally, physically and creatively.
Prior to my nightly beauty routine, I would just go to sleep. Most of the time I wouldn’t even wash my face (I know that’s so terrible) but I was just too tired and unmotivated. I would get into bed and go to sleep resulting in me waking up like a zombie the next morning -- which would reflect on how I carried myself throughout the day. I noticed that a lot of people in NYC walk around like zombies: glued to their phones and in their own little bubble. I didn’t want to be like that anymore – I find inspiration through my daily tasks and the beauty of my surroundings so I wanted live less like a zombie and more intentional.
I desired a way to change being so drained. I wanted to protect my creativity while working extremely long hours. The challenges that I faced while searching for ways to get my creativity and peace back were me being too lazy to change. Once I realized my laziness was keeping me from living intentionally; I found my solution.
I curated a nightly beauty routine and now I go to sleep relaxed and completely prepared for my following day.
Every night I light my favorite vanilla scented candle from Orchid Brooklyn in my room. This candle brings me happiness because it’s owned by a black girl from Brooklyn named Michaela and I love supporting other black girls! I then take a hot shower (which has become my source of meditation). I meditate on the day, what I need to accomplish and my goals while the hot water acts as a cleanser for washing my stress and woes of my day away. To me, showering is no longer something I do just to maintain good hygiene. Taking a shower is caring and loving myself.
After my shower, I return to my beautifully scented room and moisturize my body and face. I take my time with moisturizing my face because skincare is very important to me. I love having glowing skin and I take pride it making sure my face is moisturized. I then use my facial Jade roller and roll it over my face – this helps with bloating as well as soothing my skin. Jade rollers help with stimulating the lymphatic system which results in reducing puffiness/bloating. I also spray a few pumps of my favorite fragrance, “You” by Glossier on my body – going to bed smelling great is a lovely feeling.
I listen to music that soothes my soul and get into bed feeling relaxed. I like to journal a bit before bed. I journal about everything and anything that comes to mind. Putting a pen to paper and filling the paper with my thoughts is very therapeutic to me. I believe that writing down your thoughts can help you through any difficult situation that you are going through. Sometimes I don’t feel like talking to anyone after a long day and writing in my journal is what I do to vent about whatever I am going through.
Praying and internally having a conversation with God is also part of my nightly routine. I am a Christian and talking to God reminds me that I am never alone in this world. I think as humans, we often feel alone but with me knowing that God is my healer, I never feel alone anymore.
I blow out my candle and go to bed after journaling and purging my thoughts and feelings and talking to God (I make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night – which is also part of my nightly beauty routine). Getting enough sleep is just as important to me as hydrating my body with enough water throughout the day. When I don’t get enough sleep, I can immediately see it in my face and skin. Sleeping also helps me with maintaining my weight and my mental clarity.
I’ve noticed that by doing all of these things, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. I am more creative and purposeful throughout the day as well.
I went from being exhausted creatively to having new ideas flow to me naturally because of the curation of my nightly beauty routine.
What do you do to fuel your creativity?
xo,
Kelsey-Marie
