Erin Cunningham, COOLS’ Freelance Managing Editor, and I have very different mornings. While I wake up promptly at 7 A.M. to religiously start my full 10-step skincare routine, she takes a much more minimal approach to her beauty regimen—and still has enviously clear skin. Seriously, Erin, how?
Clearly, I had to know her beauty secrets. And lo and behold, they involve a subtle routine of drugstore and luxury favorites, plus a few Parisian add-ins. Below, Erin shares her quick beauty routine, her love of showers, and her disdain for breakfast.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
“Snooze my alarm for an hour (at least), then scroll through Instagram and Twitter until I realize I have less than 20 minutes to get ready.”
Do you have a morning workout routine?
“I’ve tried, but it’s just not for me. I work out four to five times a week (I love Sculpt Society, ModelFIT, and Rumble Boxing) and I feel much more motivated going straight from work than attempting to go right from bed.”
Shower at-night, morning or both?
“Both. I shower (including washing my hair) a minimum of twice a day.”
Daily alarm time? How many times do you hit snooze?
“LOL. I set my alarm for anytime between 7:30/8 and will likely lay there until right before 9.”
If you’re running late, what’s the one thing you have to do?
“Shower. If I don’t, I’ll obsess over it the rest of the day.”
Favorite breakfast?
“I hate eating breakfast, even though I know it’s important. Every morning I have to get an iced chai with skim milk, and then I’ll force myself to eat a banana or some Skyr yogurt.”
Weirdest morning beauty habit?
“I spritz myself incessantly with Uriage Eau Thermale Water Serum (I buy it in bulk when I’m in Paris because it’s randomly hard to find in America and expensive to ship). My apartment is so dry I should probably just get a humidifier, but this works too.”
Tell us your morning hair-care routine.
“I wash and condition my hair with L’Oreal’s EverPure Sulfate Free line, then let it air dry.”
How much time do you spend on your skincare routine?
“Skincare routine is a very generous term, but I’m trying to get better about it. I wash my face with Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash purely because it’s what my boyfriend uses and it’s already in the shower. I just started trying out the Tula Purifying Face Cleanser since my skin is so dry. Then, I’ll rub on some Joanna Vargas Daily Serum, and finish off with Resultime’s Anti-Aging Day Cream, which I bought in a French pharmacy. If my face ever feels dirty during the day, I use Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes.”
How long do you usually take to get ready for the day?
“Less than 20 minutes. I like to maximize the amount of time I can stay in bed in the morning, so I’ve become a pro at getting ready quick.”
What’s the one product you could never leave the house without putting on?
“I don’t wear makeup unless I have a special occasion. Pause for reaction.”
The first thing that popped into your head this morning?
“WHY AM I SO TIRED?!”
