Very few moments in the day are as bare as the moment you wake up. We each have our own kinks and quirks that help us get out of bed, but few of us are brave enough to share them with the world. Introducing A Cool Morning, a deep dive into the intimate daytime rituals of our coolest friends and beauty innovators.
We all have dreams, but how many of us actually have the guts to turn away from everything we’ve grown comfortable with to pursue them? That’s exactly what makeup artist Kasey Spickard unapologetically did to become one of the most prominent up-and-coming names in the beauty industry.
After lengthy stints at major tech companies like Google and Pinterest, Spickard took the jump into beauty and never looked back. Fast-forward to now, and Spickard has worked alongside major industry veterans including Nam Vo and Emma Chen, and has landed his first major campaign with Milani Cosmetics.
When he’s not busy curating looks on everyone else, however, he’s keeping his own beauty routine pristine. Below, we take a deeper look into what Spickard’s typical morning looks like.
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Make coffee. I’m retro and make my coffee in an old Mr. Coffee drip coffee machine. I have to have these specific coffee beans from the Amish Market called Cocoa Mocha Blend.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
I actually prefer to workout in the early afternoon when the gym is most empty, but if I have to workout in the morning, my workout is the same. I do 30 minutes of cardio and then I do a rotation of weightlifting for another 30-45 minutes (chest and triceps, biceps and back, or shoulders).
Shower at-night, morning, or both?
I shower morning and night. I actually also love a good bath. If I have a day off, I start the day by taking a bath.
Daily alarm time? How many times do you hit snooze?
As a makeup artist, I don’t have a daily alarm. Sometimes I wake up at 5:30 a.m. for an early call time. But, if I have the day to myself, I set my alarm for 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 10 a.m. I have to snooze at least twice.
If you’re running late, what’s the one thing you have to do?
I have to curl my eyelashes, it instantly opens up your eye.
Favorite breakfast?
My favorite breakfast is the croque madame from Buvette in the West Village. It’s so elegant and indulgent. It makes me feel like a rich Parisian girl.
Weirdest morning beauty habit?
The stretching routine I do in the shower.
What does your morning hair-care routine look like?
I shampoo and condition with the R+Co. TELEVISION Perfect Hair Shampoo and Conditioner. Before I blowout my hair, I put in the R+Co. CONTINENTAL Glossing Wax to give shine and hold. To style I use the Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax and set with Tresemme Extra Hold Hairspray.
How much time do you spend on your skincare routine?
I spend probably half my time getting ready on skincare. I cleanse with Whal Myung Cleansing Balm, dry, and then pat in Whal Myung Inner Glow Serum. For moisturizer, I alternate betwewen Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream and Whal Myung Hydrating Cream. I have also been adding in the Anfisa LILOU Regenerating Balm for extra glow. It’s magic. Finish with the Chapstick blue lip balm—it has to be the blue one.
How long do you usually take to get ready for the day?
I take about 35 minutes to get ready for the day including my shower. If I’m putting on makeup, add an extra 10 minutes.
What’s the one product you could never leave the house without putting on?
Moisturizer. I feel like my face is going to fall off if I don’t moisturize.
The first word/thing that popped into your head this morning?
Woof (I took my first SoulCycle class after a year off and I’m beyond sore).
Your favorite morning read?
Twitter.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
A gold Leo astrological symbol pendant, Selfish by Kim Kardashian West, a giant ceramic rooster, photo booth strips, and loose change.
What’s the current ringtone on your alarm?
iPhone Ripples Tone—so boring.
Coffee, tea, or go-to morning drink?
Coffee.
What’s the last thing you did before you headed out the door today?
Packed my kit.