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.
When we think of beauty routines, we usually picture either a lengthy 12-step regimens in the comfort of our own bathroom, or us placing our face in the hands of a dimly-lit, eucalyptus-scented spa—not in the locker room of a SoulCycle. Yet, here we are, sweat-soaked and trying to do a full shower, hair, and skin and makeup routine in a crowded gym “private area” before we head to work, dinner parties, dates, or whatever may be on the agenda.
Well, gone are the days of these conundrums, thanks to Jackie Stauffer. The former Equinox marketing director decided to make the jump into the niche gray area between fitness and beauty by creating RECESS, a line of post-workout beauty products (think: deodorant wipes, face wipes, basically every wipe you could want to clean your body) that’ll have you feeling fresh without wasting time. As the queen of on-the-go beauty, we needed to know how Stauffer preps for the day ahead. Below, she reveals all.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Feed and walk my dog, Morty! He’s a sassy chihuahua and his morning energy is unparalleled.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
Yes! I love working out in the morning. It gives me the best mindset for the day. I take a lot of fitness classes, and my favorites right now are New York Pilates, [solidcore], SoulCycle, and The Sculpt Society. I also do obé at home, which I love for a quick effective workout.
Shower at-night, morning, or both?
Night. The city is gross and I do not get in bed with any “city air” on me.
Daily alarm time? How many times do you hit snooze?
7:30 or 8 a.m. I go to bed late (around midnight) but always shoot for eight hours. I do not snooze and am usually excited to start my day!
If you’re running late, what’s the one thing you have to do?
I will not leave the house if I haven’t brushed my teeth and washed my face.
Favorite breakfast?
My weekday breakfast is typically greek yogurt (with fat), berries, and some combination of nuts and seeds on top. Sometimes, I add maca too.
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Weirdest morning beauty habit?
I don’t use soap for my morning face wash. Just a splash of water, no matter the season.
What does your morning hair-care routine consist of? Go-to products?
I love a good beach spray and am currently using Herbivore Botanicals’ Sea Mist Texturizing Salt Spray in Coconut—I love coconut. I alternate between quick pony/bun, or a more styled/beach wave look. Post-shower, the only product I use is raw coconut oil. It has made my hair so much softer.
How much time do you spend on your skincare routine?
I keep my routine simple and effective. A few minutes in the morning, and a few in the evening. Once or twice a week I do a bit more with a high-frequency wand, moisture mask, and pore cleansing. Right now, I’m loving the Environ line I discovered at Glowbar. I also love Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief for general moisture and condition of skin. I use the Caudalie Premier Cru for my daily eye cream. I also use EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
How long do you usually take to get ready for the day?
Less than 15 minutes unless I have specific meetings that I need to dress a certain way for.
What’s the one product you could never leave the house without putting on?
RECESS! I always have the Bacteria Fighting Face Wipe and Aluminum-Free Deodorant Wipe in my bag. I run around all day and especially in the summer, I love knowing I can freshen up no matter where I am.
The first word/thing that popped into your head this morning?
Coffee.
Your favorite morning read?
I read the news at least three times a day, the first time being in the morning. I’ve been reading Little Black Stretchy Pants by Chip Wilson, the founder of Lululemon, and have really been enjoying learning more about his journey.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
A book on body language and Little Back Stretchy Pants, a headband, a hair-tie, my allergy medicine (I’d 100% not take it if it wasn’t the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see before I go to bed), a beautiful lamp from my parents’ old house in Boston, and a coaster from New Orleans.
What’s the current ringtone on your alarm?
I don’t know. It’s always on vibrate. I try to tune out noise, so I prefer to just check my phone when I have time.
Coffee, tea, or go-to morning drink?
Coffee with oat or almond milk. Iced or hot.
What’s the last thing you did before you headed out the door today?
Drank a big glass of water with lemon.
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