One of the biggest changes that working for myself has brought about is how HUGELY important it is to establish a routine and then STICK TO IT. Much easier said than done. When I get going, really get going into a good work groove (you know the one, where you’re pumping out work, knocking down your to-do list like it’s nothing and you feel like you can take on the world.) I’ll finally feel like I’m at a good stopping point, look at the clock, and realize that it’s now 3 a.m.

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Even Adults Need a Bedtime Routine

My eyelids suddenly weigh 10lbs each, and nothing I can do will keep them open. It’s easiest to make my way down the hall, fall face first into bed, and sleep until I wake up to do it all again.

I pretty quickly realized that two or three days could go buy, I’d still be wearing the same cozy clothes, I hadn’t showered, and while I’d washed my face and brushed my teeth, that’s about all I was getting done. (btw, if you’re washing your hair every day, STAAAAHP. I wash mine now three times a week, and it has never been healthier. An unintended consequence, but hey, I’ll take it)

One of the first routines I established for myself, and one that has become a cornerstone of my day is my skincare routine. (also, one of biggest realizations of whoa, I’m an adult (usually followed by “when the hell did that happen?”) Maddie, the PHENOMENAL makeup artist I work with helped get me on the right track earlier this spring, bringing over products based on her professional expertise, and lemme tell ya, ammmmmmazing.  My skin has NEVER looked better,  and by implementing a set routine, (even though the time of day that it happens at varies wildly) my body knows that it’s time to start winding down and shifting gears from the never-ending to-do list that is self-employment, to getting ready to sleep.

Heather, one of my all-time best friends, (seriously, we met playing soccer together in middle school, she was the Matron of Honor at my wedding, and is all around one of the coolest most amazing women I’ve ever known), and I were having a wine and face time date (the closest we can come to hanging out as she’s in Denver, and I’m out here in Ohio), and our conversation segued into the special kinda crazy you have to be to want to work for yourself as a creative entrepreneur. (Heather runs not one but two businesses, The Caterpillar Years, her blog, as well as Bauer Studios)

Apparently, we’re both the same kind of crazy but lemme tell you, having someone to bounce ideas off of, who really gets it, PRICELESS.

As we talked, our conversation veered towards how when we’re taking care of children, how vitally important sticking to a routine is. So when did we as adults get away from the same?

There is absolutely something to be said for maintaining routines in our personal lives, be it having dinner with our families on Sunday nights, date night with our spouses the same night every week, the same bedtime routine to wind down your day.

My getting ready routine, it’s just as important in gearing up for a meeting with a client or potential collaborator, as is winding down at the end of the night, and runs on the same principle.

Routine tells our bodies what to expect next, right? Anyone who’s spent time with little kids gets this, and anyone who’s spent measurable time around little humans knows what happens when those same little humans are away from their routines for too long. It’s not fun. For anyone.

So when did we get so busy and stuck on the task of doing that we forgot that? When did we as a collective whole get so wrapped up in everything else that we shoved aside the thought that we need to care for our selves too? SELF CARE IS SO IMPORTANT.

What’s in My Bag

Trial and error is a thing. Trust me, it is worth it.

Journal. You’ll write down what you need to hear.

Invest in products that work with your skin.

Getting ready in the morning, even when I may not see anyone other than my dogs and husband that day, tells my body that it’s time to work, it’s time get up and be productive. Call it an occupational carry over from working in professional sales, when every day meant full hair and makeup, and dress clothes. And heels. Every day.

Now, my work attire on days that I don’t have any meetings consists mainly of yoga pants, t-shirts, and chambray shirts, but be that as at it may, putting my face on every morning makes me feel better, and really, that’s what it’s about.

CHANEL LE BLANC

This isn’t one that I use every day, but rather when I am wearing less than a full face of makeup. (Think quick and out the door kind of days) It adds the perfect pop of brightening, an even base for whatever blush and powder I’m adding to it, and I’m good to go. Seriously, the days that the dark circles are really bad, this is a huge helper.

[check it out here]

BECCA Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector

After my skincare routine, this is the first thing that I put on my face is the BECCA primer. It is AMAZEBALLS.  Hands down, best primer I’ve ever used. My face stays matte all day long, the makeup that I use stays put and feels better as it goes on.

My favorite part of it? It’s still breathable, and an added bonus, it helps me tame my crazy eyebrows.

[check it out here]

CHANEL Blush

AMMMMMMAZING. All around. I love the texture of the powder, the way it smells is amazing, and while it’s definitely not on the cheaper end of the spectrum, it takes so little on your brush and lasts all day. Wellllll worth the cost.

[check it out here]

Guerlain Timeproof Foundation

Like Chanel’s blush, Guerlain is not at the cheapest end of the spectrum, but it’s coverage and feel is well worth the money that you’ll outlay. The undertones lean towards the more rosy, which I need, especially in the winter when my olive skin tends to make me look like I’m sick.

The other point that I have to mention is this.  I get ready in the morning, deal with whatever the day throws at me, and by the time I get home and am taking off my makeup, it’s actually still there.  That staying power is pretty fantastic, especially on days that I have shoots and am sweating all day.

[check it out here] 

Sephora Bronzer

I bounce back and forth between this and NARS Laguna (really though, who hasn’t used Laguna) and love the Sephora brand just as much. As of late they have really stepped up their game, and this goes on smoothly, blends easily, and works no matter how much or how little sun I’ve gotten.

[check it out here]

MAC Bold & Bad Lash Mascara

Raise your hand if you have a slight obsession with MAC products… No one? Just me? Ok then.

MAC skin make up doesn’t work so well for me, but their eye and lip products are where it’s at. Especially when I know that I’m going to be in front of a camera, my own, or someone else’s.

I picked up the Bold & Bad Lash the last time that I was in Ulta picking up who knows what. SO glad that I did. Smooth, easy application, and the best part? The little brush that is specifically for the little lashes under your eyes.

[check it out here]

Lancome Visionnaire & Cleanser

Maddie turned me onto Visionnaire, and I am so amazingly grateful that she did. The serum and lotion have been an absolute game changer for me, skincare wise. It smells amazing, makes my skin feel fresh and rejuvenated and rubs in remarkably quickly, so by the time that my face hits the pillow, I’m not smearing skincare into my pillowcases, I know that it’s soaked in and is working its magic.

[check it out here]

Lancome’s face wash has also become a shower staple.  You only use a tiny bit each day, so the tube will last you quite a while, again, making the slightly higher price tag well worth it.

[check it out here]

Want to work with me? Hello@khalifestylephotography.com