People We Love | Divya Gugnani

Our #PeopleWeLove interview series focuses on the lives of people we’re crushing on who just so happen to use and love The Laundress. Here, the dirt on their favorite things, day-to-day routines, and more.

Divya Gugnani doesn’t have time for things that don’t work—which is exactly why she developed a line of crazy-effective, multitasking beauty products. One-half of the brains behind Wander Beauty, Divya applies the same principles of the brand to her own life and has a lot to show for it. Here, her smart morning regime, all-time favorite Laundress product, and the key to crushing it at work and at home.

What is Wander Beauty and what’s your role there?
Wander Beauty was born as a solution to the pain points in mine, and my cofounder, Lindsay’s, beauty routines. We had too many products, too many steps, and not enough time. We decided to create a line of fewer, better beauty essentials designed to streamline your routine. As CEO and cofounder, I oversee and work on all aspects of the business, from product development to overall business strategy to marketing and everything in between.

First few things you do when you wake up?
After my kids are all out the door, I drink a glass of lemon or ginger water while I clear out my emails. I like to go into the office prepared to do deep work instead of having to first battle through my overnight inbox. I also try to sneak in 15-20 minutes of movement each morning, either with an express Obe Fitness workout or walking.

Describe your nighttime routine in 5 steps or less.
Dinner and cell phone-free time with the family. Then I’ll put the kids to bed and check emails (sometimes while sneaking a few spoonfuls of Nutella). Lastly, I apply my skincare routine. Right now, I’m obsessed with our Do Not Disturb Overnight Concentrate (which has 1% retinoid). I layer our Glow Ahead Face Oil over to lock it in.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Divya Gugnani (@dgugnani) on Jul 13, 2019 at 6:42pm PDT

What’s your secret to balancing work and life?
You can have it all - just not at the same time. Nothing is ever perfectly balanced. I’ve found my own balance by setting up systems in my personal life to keep things running smoothly, so that when I’m at work, I can be fully present. When I’m with my family or friends, I’m fully engaged with them and not thinking about work. It makes a huge difference in creating quality time.

Favorite Laundress product and why?
I love Fabric Fresh. It smells like fresh laundry on a Sunday morning. I love spraying it on my bed between washes.

If you were to recommend only two Wander Beauty products to someone new to the brand, what would they be?
Unlashed Mascara, which is our first ever mascara formula. We worked on perfecting it for over two years. It’s the perfect day-to-night formula since it’s so layerable. The second is  Drift Away Cleanser, a sulfate-free formula that’s a double-cleanse in one. It removes everything—oil, dirt, sebum, pollution, mascara, and all of the NYC grime without stripping skin.

There’s a lot of “green washing” in the beauty, personal care and home care spaces. How do we break through the noise?
Just because something is natural does not necessarily make it good for your skin—you wouldn’t put poison ivy on your face just because it’s natural, right?! We are constantly reviewing our ingredient lists, staying on top of new regulations and ingredient research, and adding to our “no” list of ingredients. We’re dedicated to clean ingredients while never compromising on product performance.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Divya Gugnani (@dgugnani) on Sep 21, 2019 at 10:20am PDT

 

Favorite item in your closet?
I can’t live without a good pair of our faux leather leggings—they keep me looking and feeling elevated without sacrificing comfort (which is key when you’re running from meeting to meeting).

What inspires you?
Traveling. I’ve always been a passionate traveler, but now being able to take my kids along with me, I get to see some of my favorite destinations in a whole new way that always leaves me feeling inspired.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.