Very few moments in the day are as bare as the moment you wake up. We each have our own kinks and quirks that help us get out of bed, but few of us are brave enough to share them with the world. Introducing A Cool Morning, a deep dive into the intimate daytime rituals of our coolest friends and beauty innovators.
What do ballet and skincare have in common? Jordan Samuel Pacitti, of course. After years of being under heavy spotlights and doused in professional-grade makeup for his performances with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pacitti decided to change direction with his career. Now, he’s one of the most sought-after estheticians out there, and has been mentored by industry veterans like Joanna Vargas. And, he has his own high-end skincare line, Jordan Samuel Skin, which is beloved by athletes like Adam Rippon.
It’s clear Pacitti embodies the true meaning of a “renaissance man.” But, as a pro who helps other people keep their skin on-point, what does he do for his own? Below, Pacitti unveils his morning routine.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Check my phone! I KNOW. I KNOW. I feel accomplished when I can get things checked off my list right away.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
I do! It doesn’t happen first thing in the morning, but by late morning I go to the gym to do 45 minutes of cardio (the elliptical) five times a week, and I add in upper body weights three times a week. Working out really helps my mind as much as my body!
Shower at-night, morning, or both?
I do this after the gym, which is typically in the afternoon.
Daily alarm time? How many times do you hit snooze?
8 a.m.! But in the spring and summer, I’m usually up well before then without snoozing. During the winter season, I’ll typically snooze one or two cycles.
If you’re running late, what’s the one thing you have to do?
I try to never run late. It’s part of my ballet background and training. I always feel if you aren’t early, you are late. However, if I was running late, I would have to make sure my cats have food and fresh water before I’m out the door. That will give me peace of mind.
Favorite breakfast?
I LOVE breakfast so much. I currently have three different favorite breakfasts: scrambled eggs with avocado and potatoes; a chia bowl with oat milk, bananas, and blueberries; or a bagel with lox, cream cheese, red onion, capers, and a tomato.
Weirdest morning beauty habit?
This definitely won’t sound weird to the skin obsessed out there, but I have to look at my skin intensely every morning, really checking in on it. How did my nighttime routine treat me? What does my skin need this morning? I do this, but never judge what’s going on. This is for learning, adjusting, and adapting.
What does your morning hair-care routine look like?
No hair = no problem, though I do cleanse my scalp with CurlyWorld Sham-Free everyday.
How much time do you spend on your skincare routine? Go-to products?
Five minutes max. My signature Matinee Gel Cleanser and Hydrate Facial Serum are my two absolute musts!
How long do you usually take to get ready for the day?
I’m definitely minimal when it comes to a routine. I would say 30 minutes from the start of a shower to getting out the door.
What’s the one product you could never leave the house without putting on?
SPF and fragrance. Supergoop! SPF (most of theirs work really well for me) and Ortigia Lime Di Sicilia for fragrance are my current go-to’s.
The first word/thing that popped into your head this morning?
I thought how nice it was that the sun was out.
Your favorite morning read?
I don’t do much morning reading outside of business emails and social media messages and posts. But The Today Show is a big must for me!
What’s on your nightstand right now?
Lip balm, hand cream, and my Kindle.
What’s the current ringtone on your alarm?
I use the bedtime part of the iPhone alarm so I can get the “bird chirping” alarm ringtone. It’s so gentle and isn’t jarring at all.
Coffee, tea, or go-to morning drink?
COFFEE!
What’s the last thing you did before you headed out the door today?
I work from home, but if I was leaving for a meeting it would be to check on the cats and spray my fragrance.