How This Actress and Lifestyle Entrepreneur Prioritizes Self-Care Every Evening

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.

Whether its the act of changing into her favorite pajamas or taking the time to do her evening skincare routine, actress and lifestyle entrepreneur Denise Vasi, never passes up on an opportunity for self-care, no matter how seemingly small it is. Her passion for wellness, beauty, and self-care led her to create Maed, a platform and community that makes these industries inclusive and attainable for everyone.

And while no two nights look the same for Vasi as a mom of two and business owner, keep scrolling to see how she still manages to prioritize moments to take care of herself every night.

5:30 P.M.

We’re usually just getting home from some kids’ class or playdate. It’s what parents call the "witching hour,” and my hubby is currently out of town for work, so dinner and bedtime duties are both on me.

Once home, I’ll throw on some sweats and a comfy T-shirt. Proceeds from this one I’m wearing go to helping build a sewing center in South Africa, which will train and employ local women and protect the wildlife in Kruger National Park. The women will be making uniforms for individuals who are combating poaching.

I’ll pour myself a glass of wine or my fave inexpensive Grut champagne, throw on some salsa music, and have a little dance party in the kitchen with the kids. Music and dancing are great mood boosters and I always turn to a song and dance to reinvigorate my soul. It also distracts the kids while I figure out what I’m making for dinner.

6 P.M.

If I’m sharing something on social media in the evening, I usually post around this time, and then it’s time to cook dinner. The kids and I are plant-based, so dinners are usually pretty simple. Tonight, I’m making grain bowls with this mushroom dish as the star ingredient.

7:25 P.M.

Bedtime for the kids! It’s always a negotiation with my six-year-old, who has a lot of energy at night, like me. Over the years, I’ve had to figure out how to put both kids to bed at the same time. Boss! 

My daughter gets to pick between reading a book, music, or meditation, and nine times out of ten, she picks meditation. We use a guided meditation app for kids. While my almost-two-year-old can’t negotiate yet, he procrastinates going to bed too. They don’t end up falling asleep until around 8 P.M.

8:10 P.M.

Finally, some "me” time, but first, I’ll usually need to pick up all the random toys thrown around the house. Then, I scroll through Instagram to catch up on the day, current events, and content trends.

8:40 P.M.

My evening skincare routine is where I get to slow down and decompress from the day. I’ll start by removing all my makeup and wash my face; I always alternate my face wash depending on my skin’s needs. Lately, I’ve been swapping between Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil and two of my staples: Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel and 100 Percent Pure Tea Tree Clear Complexion Cleanser. I’m all about Resore’s Antibacterial Face towels too.

Once I’m out of the shower, I’ll give myself a little five-minute face massage and then gua sha for 10 to 15 minutes. I love using my Wildling Empress Stone. I use it to reduce puffiness and release facial muscle tension. There are real results if you’re consistent, but also the entire practice feels meditative to me. 

Tonight, I’m using Costa Brazil Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil. It’s definitely a pricer oil, so I cherish it. It has this beautiful smell, and when you inhale scents, their molecules send a message to the part of your brain that regulates your emotions. The scent of this oil relaxes me, so I make a point to have that moment with myself. Afterward, I’ll slather Nécessaire The Body Lotion all over my body and Henné Organics Lip Mask over my lips.

9:25 P.M.

Don’t overlook getting dressed for bed. This is another place where you can treat yourself and an opportunity to practice some self-care. Dressing for bed is also a great way to signal to your brain that it’s bedtime. Eberjey, Lunya, and Pour Les Femmes make some of my favorite pajamas.

9:35 P.M.

I’ll use this time to make image selections for a beauty campaign I’m working on at my dining table. I do most of my writing and content editing at night when the kids are asleep and I have no other interruptions.

11:15 P.M.

I take 10 minutes to meditate before heading to bed. I light a candle and some incense to set the energy of my space. I’m mourning the loss of a friendship, so I’m not surprised I shed a few tears. I can’t make it through ten minutes tonight (ambiguous loss is complicated), but I’m able to end with a smile because I know tears are a sign that I’m alive and in touch.

11:30 P.M.

If I’m up against a deadline, I’ll push through, but tonight, I’ll have my last few sips of water before heading to bed. There’s another long day ahead of me tomorrow.

Next: The Night Routine That Helps This CrossFit Champion Recover During Training Mode