The Productive Morning Routine This SPF-Loving Beauty Founder Swears By

What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? A well-rounded morning routine sets the tone for the day and gets you prepped—both mentally and physically—before you dive into a packed schedule filled with emails, chores, happy hours, workouts, and more. Our series Morning Person profiles those who have mastered the art of the morning routine.

Tune in every week here and on our Instagram to learn exactly how the pros get it all done before the sun comes up, from their go-to breakfasts to their a.m. workouts.

It seems like the SPF industry is going through a renaissance as of late, with a wave of new, clean, and innovative brands and formulas populating our feeds. And as arguably the most important step of your skincare routine, why shouldn’t they? One such sunscreen disruptor is Habit, which released its first product, a high-performing SPF mist called N°41 ($30), earlier this year. Tai Adaya, the brand's founder and a former marketing executive, is on a mission to make wearing sunscreen not only an essential but also a daily habit. Not to mention, the bottle is chic enough to display on your vanity or desk.

Keep reading to see how this skincare founder begins a productive workday while in the midst of a fundraising cycle for her startup.

6 A.M.

I am an early bird, so I'm up around this time. Since my team starts work at 10 a.m. and a typical day is busy with meetings and reacting to daily business needs, it's so nice to have some alone time in the a.m. to think. I do a quick scan of emails, Habit's socials, and our e-commerce analytics to make sure nothing has blown up overnight. That’s the life of a founder—you are responsible for your business at all times!

6:20 A.M.

I turn on The New York Times's The Daily or NPR’s Up First to catch up on the news. This is usually when I'll make a pot of coffee, brush my teeth, drink water, and take my prescriptions. I have mild PCOS, so I take spironolactone and metformin to manage. (Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any prescription medication.)

I fire up my computer, print shipping labels, and send any urgent emails (we work with some European suppliers, so it’s great to catch them in the a.m. hours). Then, I change into my Nikes, Lululemon Align Pants, and my favorite Etam Sports Bra.

7 A.M.

Gym time (with a mask, of course!). I’ve been getting back to the gym. Yes, it’s a little nerve-racking during these times, so I like going early when it’s not crowded. Even a quick workout helps me stay focused and energized throughout the day. I usually focus on weight training.

7:45 A.M.

After my workout, I'll make my go-to protein-packed almond cacao smoothie that consists of frozen coconut milk, banana, almond milk, cacao, and almond butter. I usually pour it into a wine glass as an extra perk and drink with a metal straw.

8 A.M.

Next, I'll hop in the shower. I like to have a lot of lively smells in the shower, so I usually hang eucalyptus on my showerhead. I swear by Jāsön's Rosewater Body Wash. The smell is amazing and makes my skin baby-soft. I use Love Beauty and Planet’s Vetiver Shampoo and Olaplex's Conditioner.

Habit is fundraising now, so I’ve upgraded my typical WFH athleisure into getting dressed again. It’s getting cooler, so today, it’s a leather skirt, a black Aritzia turtleneck, and Stuart Weitzman boots for me. Getting dressed helps me feel confident when approaching investors, and so many meetings are on video.

8:30 A.M.

Time for a second cup of coffee while I dry my hair and apply Ouai Rose Hair Body Oil all over my body. I apply the residual oil to my hair.

As a skincare founder, I take pride in maintaining my skin. I don’t use a lot of products but instead focus on high-impact, low-effort products. I'll do a quick routine of Epi.logic's Daily Dose Vitamin C Serum, moisturizer, and a sunscreen. I'm currently using a top-secret Habit SPF product. 

My makeup routine is just as simple. I'll curl my lashes, apply my go-to Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara, and finish with Fresh's Rosé Lip Balm. But since we’re fundraising today, I'll also use eyeliner and Laura Mercier Setting Powder to control on-camera shine.

I’m definitely a product minimalist. And yes, at 30, my skin is so good that I don’t usually use foundation or concealer. It's just the SPF. 

9:45 A.M.

After my daily run to the post office, I'll get back to my desk and get ready for the day. I’m typically sipping on water or a Glacier Cherry Gatorade Zero. This is a beauty secret of mine: Staying hydrated with electrolytes through the day keeps my lips plumpy.

10 A.M.

The team signs on, and we’re off to the races. There are Instagrams, investors, suppliers, partners, and emails to contend with! I'll typically have another coffee (I know—I’m an addict!) and refresh my SPF with my Habit Mister and with my lip tint, both of which I keep by my desk.

Up next, I Started a Suncare Brand—This Is Why SPF Is Essential to My Morning Routine