In the wide world of celebrities, it can be hard to find a role model who echoes your beliefs and priorities in a refreshing and relatable way. However, when it comes to Sophia Bush, activist, feminist, and all-around superwoman, you should really be taking notes (if you haven't already). An incredible example for women, Bush is deeply involved with promoting body positivity, education, and, perhaps most importantly, she never misses an opportunity to take a stand for what's really important via her various social platforms and collaborations. If there's a celebrity who I'd like to emulate, I'd have to say it's her — and, you know, if I could snag some of her beauty tips while I'm at it, I can't say I would explain.
I recently chatted with Bush about her role as an outspoken voice in the often superficial world of Hollywood, her morning mantras, and the most important parts of her (surprisingly simple) daily beauty routine, and was impressed by Bush's ability to weave personal convictions into a friendly conversation about the importance of self-care and activism. On all fronts, the Chicago PD star had some advice, reminders, and insight that is worth noting.
1. On The First Thing She Does Every Morning
Bush's morning ritual is probably a lot more simple than you might expect, but is incredibly important, regardless. "The first thing that I do when I get up in the morning is brush my teeth. I don't feel like I can wake up if I haven't," Bush says. "I use my Philips Sonicare because A) It does amazing things for my teeth...and, also, taking that pause to actually take two minutes and care for my teeth and my gums makes me feel good, and also I think the amazing action of the toothbrush itself really wakes me up."
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Amethyst Edition, $170, Amazon
2. On Everyday Makeup
Noting that she usually is heading to work, where she has her makeup done, Bush says she keeps her makeup application incredibly simple in the mornings and on her days off. "I always put on a moisturizer with a sunblock. That's usually kind of it...I like to keep my getting ready to five or ten minutes," Bush says. "I use an SPF 30... Firmarine Erno Laszlo SPF 30 cream. I'm pretty diligent about sunscreen."
Erno Laszlo SPF 30 Cream, $100, Nordstrom
3. On Using Coconut Oil
Bush is in love as coconut oil as everyone else is, but uses it in a really creative way that definitely made me want to copy her ASAP. "I use coconut oil as a moisturizer for my hair for a really long time," Bush says. "And I actually also it when I shave my legs instead of shaving cream, and that seems to surprise everyone." Sounds brilliant, IMO.
4. On Long-Term Maintenance & Health
"I like to get a facial every month just to make sure my skin's in a good place," Bush says.
Bush also mentioned the amazing benefits of using Philips' Zoom treatment after noticing that her coffee habit was starting to show on her teeth.
Zoom whitening, $28, Amazon
5. On The Importance Of Self-Care
One thing that I particularly loved about my conversation with Bush were her candid comments on the importance of self-care for women, and the perspective that it's not only OK, but important to take care of oneself in whatever way is important to each individual. "I think it's really important for women to know that just because you like to take care of your body or your smile or your skin doesn't make you vain. It's all part of loving yourself... and treating yourself the way you deserve," Bush says. "Just like I like to be well read and caught up on what's happening around the world... I also want to make sure that I'm being good to my body because it's the only one that I'm ever going to have."
6. On Morning Mantras
I'm always curious of the mindsets and daily mantras of successful women, so I asked Bush if there was any particular way she liked to start out her day. Her answer was simple, but inspiring. "I like to focus on breathing. I think it's so important to take deep breaths at different points in the day. While I'm standing there brushing my teeth...I try to be conscious. And something about breathing deeply reminds me to set an intention. I think it's a really good thing to practice...trying to practice the awareness of saying, 'I want to set an intention every day,'" Bush says. "It's a nice habit to get into and I think it sort of changes the energy of your day."
And no, if you're wondering, you're not the only one who would like to be her best friend now.
Images: @sophiabush/Instagram
