DOWNTIME WITH APRIL GARGIULO

Written by FREYA DROHAN

It’s unsurprising that balance is a lifestyle tenet that April Gargiulo prioritizes. The creator of Active Botanical Serum—the cult-favorite nourishing face oil that takes three weeks to formulate—savors slowness and stillness, whether it’s by escaping to her family’s vineyard in Napa or hitting snooze on a weekend morning. Here, a window into the off-duty routine that keeps her grounded; one cup of oolong tea at a time.

HOW DO YOU UNTETHER YOURSELF FROM TECH?
I turn off all my alerts, notifications, and updates and hide social media platforms. I also put my computer and iPad away. It takes discipline at first, but it creates so much freedom that you won’t go back.

HOW DO YOU START A SLOWER DAY?
Single grower oolong tea. My favorite purveyor is Song Tea in San Francisco, who source the finest quality hand-crafted teas. I might have a coffee later, but tea is what gets me out of bed.

WHAT’S YOUR OFF-DUTY UNIFORM?
Perfectly worn-in boyfriend jeans—I’ve had my favorite pair for years—and a sweatshirt.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO ESCAPE INTO NATURE?
The San Francisco Bay. I love getting in that water. It's cold—55 degrees—but when I'm in, I'm surrounded by a national park, the Marin headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. My other refuge is our family vineyard, it holds so many of my most cherished memories.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR BODY ON A DAY OFF?
XCore Pilates: I'm obsessed. During the week I do it at 8 a.m., but at 10 a.m. on weekends. I’m not an early riser if I don't have to be.

YOUR HAVE A POCKET OF TIME FOR A SELF-CARE INDULGENCE: WHAT IS IT?
A facial massage from someone who really understands the underlying musculature of the face. I love how profoundly it lifts, brightens, and helps relieve my TMJ. The first time I experienced one, I could not believe the results.

WHAT IN-OFFICE TREATMENTS ARE WORTH A FEW DAYS OF DOWNTIME?
Fractional lasers, which, depending on the depth, can be anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks.

YOUR BAGS ARE PACKED FOR A WEEKEND TRIP. WHERE TO?
I am a city person. I love to wander around neighborhoods, discovering shops, cafes, and markets. That is my idea of unwinding. I’d go to Madrid, where my husband and I lived but haven't been back in years. I'm not one for itineraries, so other than visiting our old neighborhood and favorite restaurants, I would let it unfold naturally.

WHAT BEDTIME RITUALS HELP YOU WIND DOWN?
I take time with my skin care routine. I spend a full minute massaging the Active Renewal Cleanser into my face, which amplifies its brightening and circulatory properties even more. I use our push/press method to apply the Active Treatment Essence—making sure I push and press until it becomes a bit sticky. This is how I know its protective hydration matrix has formed. Active Botanical Serum is the last step. I apply a lot more of it at night; I love how balanced and radiant it makes my skin. Its scent naturally promotes feelings of harmony and appreciation, and we all need more of that for our skin.