Amidst the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it can be all too easy to forget to slow down, breathe, and check in with one’s body to see what it needs in that moment. And, when you’re a multifaceted, small business owner with a jam packed schedule, the task to pencil in time for activities you may not realize your body truly craves — like meditation or a much needed sweat session — can feel somewhat unattainable. That’s why we love seeing glimpses of self-care intentionally folded into the routines of the talented women we share. They serve as tiny reminders that one’s practices, morning or night, should be about feeling your best self — mind, body, and spirit. Today, 30-something Founder of Casa Veronica and Las Cruxes, Veronica Ortuño, shares her two-ish hour regimen that’s all about pared-down beauty, slow pauses for gratitude, and plenty of masking.
Tell us a bit about your morning routine: “After I give thanks and brush my teeth, I drink water and light an incense to welcome the day. If my mornings aren’t full, I’ll meditate for at least 11 minutes, do yoga or stretch, shower, cook breakfast, make coffee or tea, and start my work day.”
How long does your morning routine typically take you from start to finish? “Around two hours, depending on what all I have scheduled for the day.”
Shower in the morning, at night, or both? “Mornings after I work out or evenings before bed.”
Tell us a bit about your (AM) skincare routine: “I wash my face and neck with a pore refining scrub / exfoliant, followed by toner, add some eye cream, and finish with a moisturizing face oil.”
Shop Veronica's Skincare
Pretty Hole Collective As Above So Below Eye Cream
"My friend Tess Seipp created this magical organic and biodynamic product years ago, and I keep replenishing every time I’m close to running out. This is my forever staple. I lather it all over my face and neck every morning and night to reduce lines, puffiness, circles, and promote cellular regeneration. It’s also very effective for skin blemishes, scrapes, burns, cuts, scars, etc. A little goes a long way. It’s a miracle product!"
Pretty Hole Collective
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
"Best deep pore-cleansing product. I love the pulsating sensation of my skin as it dries and feels ultra-clean when I wash it off. If I have a day for self-care, I’ll do a full-body clay mask."
Aztec Secret , $10
Zizia Botanicals Face Serum
"We stocked the early version of this at my store and I’m obsessed with the smell and how soft it makes my skin feel."
Zizia Botanicals , $74
F. Miller Face Oil
"This was sent to me as a gift by the F. Miller team. When I use this, my face feels perfectly nourished. Doubles as a body oil on those rough spots that need extra moisture. Again, a little goes a long way."
F. Miller , $74
High Sun Low Moon Ode To Venus Face Oil
"Delicate, hydrating, and healing. I love the price point for the quality of this product and it’s made in Austin by my friend Cassie Courtney."
High Sun Low Moon , $44
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, & Rosewater
"I spray this on my face in the morning and during the day when I need to freshen up."
Mario Badescu , $12
The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub
"Gently exfoliates, clears blemishes, and doesn’t over-dry your skin. Ideal if your face tends to be on the oily side. Organic and vegan."
The Body Shop , $16
Thayers Witch Hazel Toner
"I use this after I wash my face to tighten my pores and remove any excess dirt. It's one of the few toners that doesn’t irritate my skin."
Thayers , $9
Tell us a bit about your makeup routine: “I typically only wear blush, a fun lipstick shade, and brush my eyebrows. If I’m going somewhere fancy I’ll add some mascara and eyeliner.”
Tell us a bit about your haircare: “Wash with shampoo and conditioner, brush out tangles in the shower with large tooth comb, and finish with hair oil to condition and tame its frizziness.”
Shop Veronica's Hair & Body Products
High Sun Low Moon Hymn To Hair Oil
"I’ve tried different hair products on my thick hair, but they usually make it too oily and drab. This product conditions, keeps hair feeling healthy and revitalized, and adds the perfect amount of frizz-guard."
High Sun Low Moon , $26
Herit Rose Petals Rosewater
"I spray this on my pillow and bedsheets before bed to prevent breakouts. Store in the fridge for cooling during the hot season — smells so lovely."
Herit , $22
Ritual Union Activated Charcoal Pastee
"Another product made locally by a dear friend, Brandi Jo Perkins. Best whitening and teeth cleansing product. I often give this as gifts and people are in love with it, too."
Ritual Union , $15
Tell us a bit about your (PM) routine: “I follow my AM routine, though I do an Aztec Secret healing clay face mask in place of a facial scrub, once every two weeks. It’s intense, but deeply cleans my pores and tightens my skin. Before I get into bed, I spray my face, pillow, and sheets with rosewater.”
Biggest beauty secret / advice? “Drink lots of water and moisturize every single day!”
