Hi, I’m Zoë, and I’m the founder of Go-To! After a decade as a beauty editor and blogger, and writing a beauty tips and tricks book called Amazinger Face, I saw a gap for a skincare range that would take the confusion and intimidation out of skincare. I want skincare that is reliable, that really works, and feels great to use. And I thought others did too.
The Life Stuff
My morning routine doesn't change much, or often. Between 6.30-7 my kids will wake up and start yelling/playing/fighting/laughing. I have some warm lemon water, then brush my teeth and scrape my tongue. (The order of that counts, lemon after toothpaste is disgusto.) Next I make the kids porridge (it’s a year-round breakfast for them. I offer many alternatives, but they insist) and put on one of my playlists, usually Mornings With Kids, or A Pleasant Morning. I have a banana-espresso-ice-almond milk thingy so I am not hangry, and usually head off for a walk, back and ready for a 9am start to the day.
I believe in setting the right energy in the house, with good food and the right music. Even if someone’s grumpy, or rushing, these things help. And I always take the time to do my skin/face and hair. Even if I am in total slops and bound to writing at my desk all day, the ritual and the self-care is important to me.
So. To recap. The morning rituals I can’t live without are:
- Tongue scraping
- Music that suits the moment
- Ensuring my children have a filling breakfast cos who knows what they’ll eat for the rest of the day
- Coffee
- My morning face routine (skin and makeup)
The Skin Stuff
I have dry skin, and lean on nourishing creams, oils and hydrating serums. I have hyperpigmentation and I treat and maintain that with brightening products. And for fine lines and dull skin caused by getting older, I use AHAs and masks.
[Every morning] I put on my headband, and rinse my face. Sometimes, not always; sometimes I use a water-based cleanser to remove any residue and prepare the face for skincare. Then I use Prep Step to help my Much Brighter Skin serum absorb better. This is perfect for antioxidant protection, dark spot brightening, and visibly more even and luminous skin. It feels and smells incredible and means I no longer have the urge to wear a tinted base or foundation. NO BIG DEAL. (!!) While that sinks in, I apply my lash serum (Ey Envy), then I press our face oil Face Hero into my chest, neck and face for glow and nourishment. If I am puffy, this is where I use my ice roller, which I keep in the freezer. I just wince and hold it on my eyelids and roll my jawline and cheeks for a few minutes. I follow on with a hydrating SPF, liberally applied to the same areas.
The Hair Stuff
I’ve got a fringe! Again! Ah, the pain/joy. I do a deep clarifying wash (that also texturises) using Robe Clean And Finish, an all-in-one that really streamlines your shower routine. Then, in truth I just wear hats or wear it back a lot. If I need to record something or shoot photos, I do it wavy or slick it down.
The Makeup Stuff
I love makeup, and experimenting with new products and techniques. It’s my #1 Instagram rabbit hole. That said, I’ve always been skin-led, and have realised over time that more makeup makes me look older and more dry-skinned than I am. I swear by Much Brighter Skin for maintaining my even tone and glow; I feel confident with just concealer and colour cosmetics now - no base.
My routine: Mist face. To tint, tame, and hold brows, my I-have-no-time brow product is Kosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold. Curl my lashes, apply Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, then mist my face again before I apply sandy-bronze coloured creme contour on my eyelids for some depth, and do my ‘stripes’ all over as bronzer (Westman Atelier) and then blush (Mecca Off Duty blush stick in Candy), then I buff it all in with the Hourglass Seamless Finish Foundation brush. That’s done, but maybe some brown eyeliner on the tightline, maybe some eyeshadow, maybe some lipstick. Depends.
[Getting ready takes] around 10 minutes for skin and makeup. I often go back in an hour or so later (once kids are sorted or I have been on my walk) and add a little more and refine it depending on that day’s to-do’s.
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