What if your sunscreen was also your serum, moisturizer, and foundation? Well, thanks to Daybird founders, CEO Whitney McElwain (she/her) and COO Veena Krishnan (she/her), it can be! Both Whitney and Veena were disillusioned with the beauty industry’s unforgiving standards when they set out to start the company.

“Growing up, I struggled to find products on any shelf that matched my South Asian skin tone, so I never really felt connected to the societal standards of ‘beauty’” says Veena, “and ultimately the idea of covering and curing my face with multiple products didn’t resonate with me.” Whitney can relate, since her desire to start Daybird stemmed from “want[ing] to create something that made space for others to unlearn unrealistic beauty standards.” So, they made a hero product that leaves your skin protected and still looking like skin.

Read on to get a glimpse into how they start their days, as well as their other must-have beauty items. (Hint: Less is more!)

What time do you usually wake up?
VEENA: My alarm generally goes off at 7 A.M., but I’d be lying if I said I actually got out of bed right then and there. I usually check my phone and read some emails (maybe even hit snooze once or twice) before actually getting out of bed by 7:30 A.M.
WHITNEY: I, too, have a 7 A.M. alarm, but I usually like to enjoy the extra time in bed until my daughter wakes up around 7:30 A.M.

What’s the first thing you do out of bed?
VEENA: First thing I do when I get out of bed is brush my teeth and take a quick shower. I love starting the day with a shower because it allows me to have a couple minutes phone and laptop-free before I start my day. I try to use this time to set my goals and intentions, and think through my to-do list.
WHITNEY: My mornings start with my family. As soon as I get out of bed, I throw on clothes and go spend time with my daughter before my husband takes her to daycare. I love being able to get quality time with them (even if it’s quick) before getting in front of a screen.

What’s your morning beauty routine?
VEENA: I try to streamline my morning routine as much as possible by washing my face during my shower, usually just with cold water. I’ve had eczema my whole life, so I always apply Cerave Moisturizing Cream on my body and face after my shower. I’ll let the cream dry and then apply Daybird Tinted Skincare, which rolls my serum, additional moisturizer, mineral SPF 50, and sheer tint into one step.
WHITNEY: Big morning beauty routines have never really been my thing. It’s not only time as a working mom that’s a factor, but it’s also never served me. I shower at night, so once my husband and daughter leave the house at around 8:15 A.M., I spend less than 2 minutes throwing on my Daybird Tinted Skincare and Vapour Mesmerize Mascara.

What do you usually make for breakfast?
VEENA: I start my day with a glass of hot water with lemon, and then usually have breakfast around 8:30 A.M. to 9 A.M. I never know how busy the morning will be, so I make a big batch of pumpkin overnight oats on Sundays that lasts me through the week. I’ll also have a Trader Joe’s “Coconut Brings Chocolate on a Date Bar” with my overnight oats.
WHITNEY: Aside from water, which I have next to me at all hours of the day, I have a black coffee first thing around 8:30 A.M. My husband makes us a smoothie full of spinach, berries, yogurt, peanut butter, and granola around 10 A.M. We both work from home so it’s a nice mid-morning break for us.

Do you have a go-to outfit or style?
VEENA: I get dressed right after I shower, as I’ve found it helps me be present for my day if I’m not in my pajamas. Since I WFH, I’m all about comfort, so my go-to outfit is athleisure. You can usually find me in a sweatshirt and shorts or joggers depending on the weather. If I’m meeting someone IRL, I’ll change into something else (hi, jeans!) right before I leave the house. I’m notorious for wearing 3 outfits a day to maximize the amount of time I’m in something comfortable. You’ll very rarely see me around the house wearing something that’s not loungewear.
WHITNEY: I get dressed as soon as I wake up so I can be ready to go when we grab our daughter out of bed. I love a solid t-shirt and jeans (or leggings if I’m going to be home all day), and wear black most days of the week. Wearing black makes me feel most like myself which gives me a confidence boost if I’m having imposter syndrome.

What time do you start work?
VEENA: I try to be on my laptop and fully focused on work by 8:15 A.M. I don’t really think of myself as a morning person, but one perk of starting the workday early is finishing up early so that I can go for a run or long walk with my dog before sunset.
WHITNEY: I like to protect my family time in the mornings, so I usually don’t check my phone or open my laptop until my daughter leaves for daycare. Because of this, I usually start work around 8:30 A.M. with my cup of coffee.

Is there anything else you do in the mornings that helps you get ready for your day?
VEENA: I love to walk my dog in the mornings! He likes to sleep in so our morning walk could happen anytime between 8:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. I love starting my day with some fresh air and a relaxed walk. I’ll either listen to a podcast (Up First is my go-to for a quick news rundown) or just enjoy the city/nature sounds around me.
WHITNEY: As a mom, mornings are often rushed yet so fulfilling. I try to check in with myself at the start of each day to get a sense of how I’m feeling and what my mind and body needs before diving into my to-do list.