How Vintner's Daughter Founder April Gargiulo Glows Up Her Own Skin

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's bi-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.

Growing up in a winemaking family, April Gargiulo (opens in new tab) has long respected the beauty of quality natural products and believed in protecting their sources. And, when she launched Vintner’s Daughter (opens in new tab) in 2014, she instilled those same values into her now cult skincare line: the brand makes just two beloved products infused with plant-derived extracts and oils, is committed to sustainability—from responsible ingredient sourcing to recyclable glass bottles and post-consumer recycled boxes printed with eco-friendly ink—and donates two-percent of sales to supporting earth advocacy. Ahead, the Napa-based founder and mother of two shares a snapshot of her simple-yet-thoughtful day.

Rise and Shine

I wake up at 7:30 a.m. and that is a struggle. First thing I do is hug my family who all get up way earlier than I do and gratefully let me sleep a bit longer.

Morning Maintenance

I spend 10 minutes getting ready. I prefer fewer but better products that deliver real results. I cleanse with a gentle creamy cleanser, then apply Active Treatment Essence (opens in new tab) followed by Active Botanical Serum (opens in new tab). I consider the serum my signature scent, too. I know that in these two steps my skin is receiving all the hydration, moisture, nutrition, and plant actives it needs to be its very best. I wash my hair infrequently and can count the number of times that I have blow dried my hair on one hand. Sometimes I run a curling iron through it, but more times than not I put it up and go.

Signature Beauty Look

Always skin first with a bit of mascara and lip gloss.

Power Start

A giant pot of tea. It’s what gets me out of bed. I love having the connection to nature through the tea leaves. Jasmine spring tea (opens in new tab) is my go-to, but when I’m feeling like I need a bit more of a lift, I turn to Living Tea (opens in new tab) or Pu-erh (opens in new tab).

Fitness Move

Pilates and hiking with friends—there is never a set time.

Self-Care Move

Meditation.

Beauty Icon

Tracee Ellis Ross. She is also my fashion, activist, and all-around human icon.

Sage Advice

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Find your north star and follow it relentlessly.

Hidden Talent

It's not close to a talent yet, but I like to weave baskets. It's practical but beautiful connection to the natural world.

Expensive-but-Worth-It

Micro-current, full-bed red light and infrared sauna.

Cheap-but-Chic

A $10 ice roller (opens in new tab). It's heaven to roll over your face and help with lymphatic drainage and puffiness.

Evening Wind-Down

My routine takes five minutes. I cleanse, apply Active Treatment Essence and then apply Active Botanical Serum and do a few minutes of face massage which I love. It is very freeing not to be beholden to an elaborate multi-step routine and the results are better.

Lights Out

I’m a bit of a night owl and late night is my alone time. Family is asleep in bed and I stay up until midnight-ish, reading or watching Netflix. I miss a bit of sleep but it is worth it for those quiet moments.