This Brand Builder Breaks Down Her Secrets to a Stress-Free Night Routine

It's no secret that we love a good morning routine. We've come to learn, however, that the rituals we do to wind down before bed are just as important. Whether you take 10 minutes or a few hours, it's precious time that you have set aside at the end of the day to take care of yourself. Our series Weekend Wind-Down highlights the nightly routines of the people we admire.

If you have been reading this site for a while, then you'll be familiar with the benefits of adaptogens. The select group of super herbs and mushrooms can naturally help your body with everything from stress relief to giving you a jitter-free energy boost, and we’re always seeking new ways to add them into our routines.

Enter Droplet, a new adaptogen-spiked (and seriously delicious) sparkling drink with different flavors targeted for specific functions, such as an immunity booster and a mood balancer for when you feel overwhelmed. Its co-founder, Celeste Perez, is behind the look and feel of some of the most sought-after restaurants and food brands. Through the process of building this wellness company, Perez has honed in on creating a self-care routine that works for her.

Keep scrolling to see how this brand builder has made her evenings stress-free so she can carve out time to take care of herself physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

6 P.M.

I’ve been in nonstop startup mode for years, so finding and sticking to a wind-down routine is a new development for me! Self-care became my focus when I decided to start Droplet, so gone are the days of me falling asleep on my laptop in random areas of my apartment. I’ve spent years trying to figure out how to manage my wind down because good sleep equals better stress management, and that’s truly the key to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Most days, I actually watch the sunset. I fix my eyes on the horizon, and I try to watch the sun until it goes all the way down and disappears into the ocean. It gives me a break from all the screen time. 

For a sense of calm, I pour myself some of our Pretty Balanced flavor. I actually have a mini-fridge with this one on my vanity. It’s such a beautiful drink with white peach, fragrant lemon verbena, nourishing moringa, and ashwagandha, an adaptogen that helps the body balance its stress levels. If it’s later in the evening and I want something warm, I’ll mix the ashwagandha with either cacao or turmeric for a heart-opening latte. If I’ve got a breakout, I’ll double up on the ashwagandha because it really helps clear up my skin, too.

6:30 P.M.

I wrap up any new emails and call it. I use Tempo, an app that holds my emails, so I only see them two to three times a day. I used to respond to emails at all hours of the day, but as my businesses grew, I really had to learn how to create structure around the things that could distract me. Going through my inbox no more than two to three times a day really helps me manage my stress, too. If it’s important, call me.

 8 P.M.

I used to go to a hot yin yoga class at Hot 8 Yoga or a sound bath after work, but now, I do all of that online. My friend Branché Foston also hosts some great wellness workshops in the evenings with her company The Honey Block. They’re BIPOC friendly and always so impactful.

9 P.M.

Venus hour! I learned about planetary hours when I was a kid, and I love the idea that Venus rules the hour I spend doing self-care. About an hour or two before bed, I’ll hop in the shower and pretty much spend the rest of my evening getting my glow on. I’m fully stocked up on Ouai products—they smell so good and make me feel so pretty. I love that they’re also sustainable and offer refills, which is super important to me.

I’m always tinkering with DIY skincare, so after a shower, sometimes, I’ll warm up some body butter that I made. One of my favorite recipes has shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter. It’s so luxurious, and my skin feels so smooth.

9:30 P.M.

I’m a recent K-skincare convert and believer. I am a huge fan of organic skincare (my first company was an organic skincare line!), but my skin chemistry changed a little after 30. After months of stubborn flare-ups, I decided to try some K-beauty staples. I especially love my snail serum. Another favorite of mine is my Gly Glow cleanser by The Things We Do. At night, I always double cleanse, especially because I love makeup. I love Patrick Starrr’s One/Size line, especially the Go Off Mist. It’s like an oil cleanser in a can! After all the steps, I apply a retinol. I’m trying to look 19 forever. 

I also blow-dry my hair before going to bed—any other children of immigrants do this? They used to tell us that we’d go blind if we went to bed with wet hair. It’s a funny habit but hard to break. Once my hair is dry, I spray a little perfume. I love how it smells when I wake up in the morning after spending all night warming up on my skin.

I’ll slip into something comfy and regal. I’m trying to fix my feng shui to invite abundance, so my bathroom routine is indulgent. They say if you take care of yourself well, you open yourself up to receiving. So universe, I’m ready to receive!

10 P.M.

I also change up my nail game and apply a new set of Tenfolds! I do them at night when my nails won’t get wet so the stickers can really set. It takes me about 10 minutes to switch designs out. I’m wearing our Basel set right now.

10:15 P.M.

If I’m having trouble slowing my brain down, I open up one of my guided meditations. Laurasia Mattingly has a great album of short but meaningful meditations on Spotify. I’ll also light some incense for energy clearing at the end of the day. I read a study that showed rose-scented incense helps you get better sleep and helps you retain information!

I love lighting my Maaari incense holder. The brand works with Philippine artisans and ethically sources its products to help support local economies. It’s cute and has space for incense underneath, so I never have to go looking for it.

10:30 P.M.

Annnnnd I’m in bed. I have a weakness for silk pillows. They’re a game changer for clear skin and haircare. My bedding is exactly the same bedding as the beds in one of our favorite hotels, The Edition in Miami. Had the best night’s sleep there once and decided to treat ourselves to the sheets! I spray them with a bedtime essential oil essence I made that’s infused with jasmine, lavender, and bergamot.

There’s always a selenite crystal wand under my pillow. I tend to have really vivid dreams, so a selenite wand is super helpful for grounding and clearing negative energy. 

Up next, How the Co-Founder of This Best-Selling Beauty Brand Winds Down During Pregnancy