Orion Carloto’s AM/PM routine

…I make my favorite oat-milk latte and sit at my kitchen table to indulge in at least one chapter of whatever book I’m reading – it sets the tone for the rest of my day.

…I begin focusing on my skincare routine. I wash my face with Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser and follow with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Pollution Drops (very important when you’re living in smoggy LA), Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and – the most important step – SPF. I don’t have a regular must-have sunscreen brand, but the ones I have used include Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30, Shiseido’s Clear Stick UV protector SPF50+, and Chanel’s UV Essentiel.

Internal care has become an important part of my lifestyle, ever since my skin has become more reactive – and because of personal health issues. It’s funny how much more in tune with your body you become with age. I have to take birth-control pills every day to regulate my hormones – this used to scare me, but I’ve noticed a day-to-night improvement in my skin and reproductive organs. I also take oil of oregano, iron, fish oil, B-complex, collagen and vitamin D.

…usually means my skin appears much duller than usual, or I’m breaking out. My go-to is Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil to bring that glow back. I’ll also touch up problem areas with a light concealer, but treating my skin with lighter products gives it a break from anything too heavy.

…are drink lots of water before and during the flight, don’t wear any makeup and use Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask.

The truth is, I still do. Something I’ve found that works for my body and mind is going on what I like to call a ‘hot girl walk’. I put my headphones on and walk around my neighborhood until I hit at least three miles; on good days, I’ll hit five to seven. It’s so incredibly therapeutic to get my body moving, while also using that time to catch up on podcasts or listen to my favorite music. But, if I really want to go hard, Chloe Ting’s workouts on YouTube are the way to go.

I recently cut back on sodas and most sugars, which has had a positive effect, both aesthetically and health-wise, on my body. Also, a big improvement is making sure I’m eating my evening meal at least three hours before bedtime, so I have time to digest and don’t wake up feeling bloated.

…is from a movie. Women have had this societal pressure on aging – it’s never discussed in a positive light and, instead, we’re being forced to consider Botox and a million wrinkle creams to mask that growth. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with getting something done, quite frankly, and I’ve always encouraged it if it makes you feel more confident. But in the film Wonder, Julia Roberts points to her heart and says, “This is the map that shows us where we’re going and this is the map that shows us where we’ve been,” while pointing to her face. There’s something about embracing aging – and changing the narrative – to admire, and it makes me want to spend the rest of my life smiling more.

I aim to use a face mask at least three to four nights a week, and my favorite is Aesop’s Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque.

…I’ve found something that helps my makeup stay in place all night: Ben Nye’s Final Seal Matte Makeup Sealer. Your makeup will not move. But, as it’s a heavier product, I only use this for very special occasions.

I would get one every single day if I could afford to. My favorite spa in LA is The Now – when the world was open, it was my sanctuary for self-care. Of course, therapy in itself is important, too. When you have someone you can trust, it makes sharing your inner woes much easier. My outer image has improved drastically since talking to someone who can help lead my life in the right direction.

Whoever introduced me to Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Radiance Serum deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. I’ve added it to my nightly skincare routine and, over the past three years, my skin tone has become much more even – it’s made me incredibly confident in going makeup-free. My evening regimen is a bit different to what I do in the morning. I wash my face with CeraVe’s SA Smoothing Cleanser and follow with Royal Fern’s Phytoactive Skin Perfecting Essence, the Caudalie serum and CeraVe’s SA moisturizing cream. On bad blemish weeks, I treat my face with a few Mighty Patches, too.

To make the most of my bath, I love making my own concoction to add to the water, taking Nécessaire’s The Body Wash and adding a few drops of my Le Labo Thé Noir 29 perfume oil to make sure my skin soaks up its fragrance.

…I read a book in bed and try not to use my phone, which helps. My saving grace is a white-noise machine.

…I have the Feelist Do Not Disturb Extra Strength Body Cream with CBD for days when I’m feeling too tense; my journal to collect my thoughts; and cat treats – because you never know when Atticus or Lolita may do something extra-cute.

Orion Carloto’s book of poetry and film photography, Film for Her, is out now