Wake Up With Emma Lou

Emma Lou Vollrath is the founder of Emma Lou the Label and the Emma Lou Hot Pilates studio. You may have met her when she came on the blog to tell us about her innovative, debloating leggings, or when she told us about the insane results she saw from combining hot yoga and weight lifting.

Today she is here to tell us about her morning routine. As a busy entrepreneur juggling a business and teaching classes, it’s important that Emma’s mornings are fulfilling. With that, let’s wake up with Emma.

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There’s something special about a morning routine that feels so fulfilling. I love having simple (and pink!) tools to elevate my mornings, a comfy outfit, and some movement to start the day—especially as a brand owner juggling different roles. Mornings are my time to reset and prep for the day.

First things first: ice.

I’m obsessed. If you’ve seen my TikTok DIML videos, you know I swear by an ice bowl to wake up my skin. While I’m icing my face, my Mint Roller chills in a bowl of ice, ready to sculpt and drain. This roller doesn’t drag over your face like some tools do. It actually lifts and de-puffs, especially under the eyes. A tool that makes me feel snatched and glowing.

Skincare.

After sculpting my face, I move on to skincare. I start by washing my face with the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser, followed by applying a lightweight face lotion and the Elta MD sunscreen or Caffeinated SPF. I love this sunscreen because it has a thick formula yet never causes breakouts. Once my base layer is set, I dab on The Ordinary’s Undereye Caffeine Solution on my undereyes and spritz my skin with the Clearstem All Day Spray.

To finish, I like adding a touch of rosy lip color for my workouts—it feels elegant and fun. Lately, I’ve been loving the Glossier Black Cherry Balm. I have one in every bag.

With my face prepped and sunscreen applied, I move on to packing my Birthday Tote for my workout class. This bag holds my water bottle, sweat towel, and yoga mat with room to spare—because let’s be honest, I always end up tossing in a lip oil and a snack, too. I love carrying tote bags because they’re effortless yet functional, making it easy to transition from a morning workout to errands or a matcha date without feeling like I’m lugging around a gym bag. Plus, they add a stylish touch to any outfit, and this one is cute enough to carry anywhere.

Today’s outfit choice is the Emma Lou Birthday Suit—a limited-edition jumpsuit from last October’s Birthday drop. The sculpting fabric, cap sleeves, and seam contouring make it a top pick for feeling cute and confident. I basically live in it. I rotate between pairing it with sneakers and a sweatshirt or ballet flats and a cardigan. It’s the kind of staple piece you want in your rotation.

Movement.

No morning is complete for me without a workout. Since moving to San Diego, I’ve been exploring all kinds of fitness classes, but lately, the Sculpt Room’s Hot Pilates with weights class hits the spot. There’s something about sweating it out with weights that makes me feel strong and accomplished. The right outfit makes it even better.

After my workout, I like to refuel with something satisfying yet balanced. I usually have two eggs with avocado toast drizzled with hot honey—it’s the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and a little sweet heat. To go with it, I make an at-home iced chai, which feels like a cozy treat but keeps me energized for the rest of the day. I love having something that fills me up until lunch, and eggs are my go-to for that. Plus, I always cook them in grass-fed butter for extra richness and flavor—it makes all the difference!

And that’s my morning! What’s your favorite part of your morning?

xx, Emma

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Lauryn loves Emma’s leggings and most recently she got the top in cherry and more leggings in black, as you can see in the pic above. Be sure to follow Emma on Instagram for more innovative product drops.

x, The Skinny Confidential team.

+ Self-care habits to upgrade your life.

++ Why you should wake up with Beauty Salt.

Wake Up With Emma Lou