Atelier Doré

You might remember Rachel from this wonderful essay she penned for us. We adore her so brought her back to chat about one of our other favorite things… beauty :)

What is your morning beauty routine?

As much as I try, I’m not a morning person, so before anything else: coffee. While sipping on a freshly brewed cup of Stumptown (lovingly prepared by my partner John, a morning person to the core), I catch up on the latest news and check my inbox. Then, I’ll typically spend a solid amount of time cuddling with my lionhead rabbit, Pepper. She always puts me in the best state of mind! (It’s worth mentioning that she has her own beauty/grooming routine. ;))

Most of my beauty routine happens early in the day. I start with a shower and use Dove’s Original Beauty Bar. I typically wash my hair three to four times a week and currently use MALIN+GOETZ’s Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Conditioner. Afterward, I brush my teeth and hair. I use Crown Affair’s Comb No. 001 while my hair is still wet and then The Brush No. 003 once it’s dry. I finish things off with skincare: Supergoop’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer on my face, Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion on my body.

When I do wear makeup, it’s minimal. I fill in my brows with L’Oreal’s Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil and apply Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in black. If I have a meeting, I’ll add some lipstick. (I’m gravitating towards Clinique these days.)

What products do you use throughout the day and why?

As I’ve gotten older, my skin has become much more sensitive, so I try to moisturize throughout the day—usually with Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Lotion on my hands and legs to keep flares under control. If needed, I’ll freshen up with a swipe of lip balm (Burt’s Bees forever!) or a spritz of perfume (my current rotation includes Creed Boutique and AERIN fragrances). I also like to have candles going throughout the day. D.S. & DURGA, Diptyque, Otherland, and Maison Louis Marie are a few favorites.

What is your evening beauty routine?

At night, it’s pretty straightforward: I take off any makeup, wash my face (with Cetaphil products), brush my teeth, and comb my hair. But in terms of maintaining my overall wellbeing, I’m trying to take back my evenings. I tend to get a second wind at night and feel the urge to work, particularly on writing projects. But I know my eyes need a break from screens by this point, so I’ll get some TV time in early, unwind with John and Pepper, and read in bed.

What is your definition of beauty?

For me, beauty has become less about aesthetics. It’s kindness, slowness, purpose, and grace—it’s a lifelong practice.

When do you feel most beautiful?

When I’m happy and healthy—physically and mentally, spiritually and creatively.