Nécessaire's Randi Christiansen Has Mastered a 5-Minute Routine

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

In 2018, Randi Christiansen stepped away from her executive role at beauty powerhouse The Esteé Lauder Companies and teamed up with Nick Axelrod to launch the clean body and sex care line Nécessaire (opens in new tab). The feel-good, ingredient-rich brand reimagined self-care with its gender-neutral offerings and chicly minimal packaging—and has since sparked endless copycats. Scroll through Instagram and rarely will you find an influencer vanity or tub setup without the brand's cult-favorite body lotion (opens in new tab), body serum (opens in new tab), or sex gel (opens in new tab). “The idea behind Nécessaire is to create a sustainable personal care destination,” says Christiansen. “We decided to start in body because we felt body care was an afterthought, never the first thought. We wanted to change that paradigm. We begin where [other companies] end.” Here, the co-founder and CEO shares a glimpse into her day.

Rise and Shine

At 7 a.m., I splash some water on my face, run down to make a cup of coffee, then wake up my three daughters. Then I run back up and kiss my husband good morning. My bullmastiff will typically join me every step of the way.

Morning Maintenance

I am a Scandinavian girl thus my beauty ritual is simple: I spend five to 10 minutes max in the morning on beauty. I rinse my face with water then typically mix a good serum with a good moisturizer for one fast step. On most days I add a sunscreen and some lipstick, just because. I use Bond Girl by Charlotte Tilbury these days [a shade that has been renamed M.I. Kiss (opens in new tab)].

Hair Help

I have fine Scandinavian hair, so I put it up in a clip.

Power Start

Black coffee and a plate of fruit.

Signature Scent

Heretic Parfum Dirty Rose (opens in new tab)

Fitness Fix

I love a good run. My favorite time to run is right when the sun is setting. To me, time in nature has always been my go-to.

Worth It

One night at Post Ranch Inn (opens in new tab) in Big Sur with someone you love.

Beauty Icon

Cate Blanchett

Business Icon

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia

Evening Wind-Down

A bath is the dream. But a shower is my reality. I start with The Body Wash (opens in new tab) in the water. Afterwards, I follow with The Body Serum (opens in new tab) and The Body Lotion (opens in new tab). For my face, I typically cleanse with Tatcha's Deep Cleanse (opens in new tab) then use Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum (opens in new tab). I end with Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Cream Rich (opens in new tab). No mixing. Just step by step. A fast spray of rosewater is really all I do for my hair.

Bedside Essentials

The Hand Cream (opens in new tab) from Nécessaire. I love it.

Lights Out

Eleven p.m. is optimal. Midnight is my reality.

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