Renée Rouleau is considered to be the secret weapon of Hollywood’s most radiant complexions—Demi Lovato, for example, has been a disciple to Rouleau and her Triple Berry Smoothing Peel for years, and clearly it seems to be working. The Austin-based celebrity esthetician is best-known for her brightening, pore-clarifying skincare treatments, so it’s no surprise she has countless tips and tricks to give your skin that filter-free glow.
It makes sense, then, that her skincare routine is pretty impressive. While some of us abide by 10-step beauty routines day in and day out, Rouleau keeps it pretty simple. Here’s what she swears by.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
“I work out a lot, so when I sleep, my muscles get tight. So I do a good stretch first thing in the morning.”
Do you have a morning workout routine?
“I generally work out in the evening, usually around 5 or 6 p.m. Throughout the day when I’m at the office, I’m doing stretches. I’m currently doing a push-up challenge because my goal is to do a one-handed push-up and clapping push-up. So I try and knock some of those out even when I don’t go to the gym, or in addition to the gym.”
Shower at-night, morning, or both?
“Both. I’ll shower in the morning to start my day. I don’t drink coffee, so I usually just get right in the shower and get going. I sprinkle peppermint and eucalyptus oil over the floor of the shower so it feels like an at-home spa. I also shower in the evening when I get home from working out.”
Daily alarm time? How many times do you hit snooze?
“I generally don’t roll into the office until about 10 a.m. I actually don’t even turn on an alarm. I very much want to let my body be my alarm clock. But generally, I wake up around eight.”
If you’re running late, what’s the one thing you have to do?
“I don’t often run late, but I’m also never early. I’m usually right on time. I always try to show respect by just notifying somebody if I’m going to be running late. Austin traffic is really bad, so you always have to leave early and give yourself extra time.”
Favorite breakfast?
“Hard boiled eggs or a turkey stick. I try to keep it low carb, high protein.”
Weirdest morning beauty habit?
“My bathroom gets really great natural light in the morning, so I end up inspecting my unnecessary facial fuzz and cleaning things up with a razor. Face shaving is a popular treatment among women—not only does it remove peach fuzz, which allows for seamless foundation application, but it also helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts and removes surface dry cells.”
What does your morning hair-care routine consist of? Go-to products?
“I don’t shampoo every day, but when I do, I use Olaplex Shampoo. My hair color is pastel pink, so after shampooing I’ll use Overtone Conditioner—it’s color depositing. When I wash my hair, I’ll blow dry it and add some Oribe Styling Creme to give it some texture and separation. I like a messy, just rolled out of bed look.”
How much time do you spend on your skincare routine? Go-to products?
“I follow a six-step skincare routine in the morning:
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- “Step 1: I wash my face with Moisture Protecting Cleanser, which is a non-drying, low-foaming, sulfate-free gel. Cleansing in the morning is very important because when you wash your skin in the morning, you’re removing toxins and sebum that were produced while you sleep along with your nighttime products so that your daytime products (particularly sunscreen moisturizer) can get into the skin better.
- “Step 2: Within 60 seconds (to avoid moisture evaporation from occurring), I immediately go into using a toner, like my Energy Boosting Toner. This is one of my most important steps as toner supports the skin’s natural protective barrier and balances the pH of skin.
- “Step 3: I then apply Vitamin C&E Treatment. Everyone knows their importance, but I prefer esters of vitamin C versus acid forms since my skin is sensitive.
- “Step 4: Of course, sunscreen. I use one that has both chemical and physical blockers in the formula. I like to think of it as getting the best of both worlds—an inside/out approach. Weightless Protection SPF 30 is my go-to for everyday use. I always do one application to my face (applied generously) and then do a second application to the neck. I treat these areas separately and make caring for my neck a top priority.
- “Step 5: I never forget the eye area. After all, it shows the first signs of aging on the face. I like something lightweight during the day and something to help my tired eyes in the morning look brighter and more awake. I dab on a small amount of Vitamin C Eye Brightener.
- “Step 6: The sixth step is my makeup. I believe that some sort of liquid foundation makeup or powder should be used on the face every single day. Makeup plays an important supporting role in your morning skin care routine. If I’m just headed to gym, I’ll dust on Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder. It does not say it has sunscreen, but since it contains titanium dioxide, it acts as a sun protectant. If it’s a work day, I’ll use Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation followed by Charlotte Tilbury Magic Powder. Again, these do no list sunscreen numbers either but they most definitely are providing protection and a shield from the sun.”
How long do you usually take to get ready for the day?
“If I’m washing my hair and doing full makeup, I’d say it’s a good hour and 20 minutes. When I don’t wash my hair, I use a Shhhowercap, and it takes me about 15 minutes.”
What’s the one product you could never leave the house without putting on?
“I’m kind of addicted to lip balm. Right now I’m using Bite Beauty Agave + Daytime Vegan Lip Balm.”
The first word/thing that popped into your head this morning?
“Flow. It was Monday and I have a lot going on this week. I was just kind of anxious about some new things going on. And I’m just going to go with the flow.”
Your favorite morning read?
“Instagram, of course. Gotta see who slid into my DMs while I slept! And this daily email I get called “Cool Hunting.” I love exploring their new finds. It’s everything from curated music to art pieces to technology, you know, cool things being discovered in the world.”
What’s on your nightstand right now?
“My friend Amanda Montell just wrote a book so I’ve had that on my nightstand. It’s called Wordslut.
What’s the current ringtone on your alarm?
“It’s a song called “When I Get my Hands on You” from The Basement Tapes. It’s Bob Dylan. It’s my warning alarm.”
Coffee, tea, or go-to morning drink?
“I don’t drink coffee. I don’t drink tea. But every morning I do take a probiotic.”
What’s the last thing you did before you headed out the door today?
“I put a top coat on my nails. I always do my own manicure. And then the day after I do my manicure I put on a second top coat and it just kind of makes it last longer.”