Carolyn Murphy’s Everyday Beauty, Health And Wellness Secrets

…give thanks for opening my eyes. Then I let the dogs out and make some green tea. If I’m lucky, I can take a few minutes, sit quietly in the sunshine and meditate, but I’m not dogmatic in my routine. One thing I do adhere to is that I keep my phone in the kitchen, never my bedroom, and I try to wait at least 45 minutes before looking at it – it’s difficult, but savoring the morning quietude is a luxury.

I just splash it with cold water, then use Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. I cannot live without it; it’s magic in a bottle. I’ve used it since 1996, morning and night. I swear it has slowed the signs of aging and has been the key to my skin looking hydrated and luminescent. Afterwards, I use Estée Lauder’s Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Crème and Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50. If I feel puffy, I use a face roller that I keep in the fridge to help with de-puffing..

…I try to drink an ungodly amount of water every day, and I take plant-based omegas and liposomal vitamin C, which helps from the inside out. I sleep with a Vitruvi humidifier next to my bed, too, since it puts moisture into the air. Sometimes, I use the Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Mask Noir – I swear if I’m diligent about these hacks, it takes 10 years off my face!

Perimenopause is a culprit [for me] as of late. I use an infrared sauna mat, which helps detoxify the body and skin, our largest organ. An industry secret is the Clinique Three Step skincare routine – in particular the Clarifying Lotion. I’ve used it since I was a teenager and swear it helps to clarify and reset the skin.

I love using a dab of Estée Lauder’s Futurist Soft Touch Brightening Skincealer concealer on imperfections, and a sweep of Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer on my cheeks and eyelids, just to give a fresh, sun-kissed look.

I think lipstick is the trick; it detracts from tired eyes. I love a dewy lip for day, such as Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Explicit Slick Shine Lipstick in Out of Time [a neutral, soft pink], and there’s nothing more chic than a red lipstick for evening – it’s an accessory for the face.

I color my hair blonde, so I use a gentle cleanser like Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Mask With Lemon, and I use Blu & Green’s Weekly Repair Mask to hydrate and combat damage. Silk hair towels, pillowcases and scrunchies are a must, too.

It’s a restorative and daily dedication. I also attribute my inner growth emotionally and spiritually to [energy healer] Aleta St. James. She’s a force when it comes to releasing any traumas or negative patterns by using chakra balancing and breath work.