We first met Cristina Lynch when she hosted a Mi Golondrina trunk show in Austin, and we instantly fell in love with the designer’s handcrafted Mexican dresses. She has incredible personal style, which (like her designs) reflects her Mexican heritage through a modern lens. Talking with Cristina, you get a sense that her perspective is rooted in much more than fashion — she’s an artist, working to honor the 100-year old tradition of Mexican hand-stitched floral designs and re-interpreting them for a new generation. Everything about her, from the french braids to the chandelier earrings, is effortlessly cool. We couldn’t wait to meet up with Cristina to talk about her morning beauty routine (and to get a sneak peek into her family’s amazing hacienda in Dallas.) Vamanos!
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
The first thing I do is grab my phone and turn on some tunes! I am a big lover of music and need it to help me get up and motivated in the morning. Right now, I’m addicted to the song “Hasta la Raiz” by Natalia Lafourcade, but Enrique Iglesias is normally my go-to.
How long does your morning routine take from start to finish?
It honestly depends on the morning and how much time I have available. I can be showered, dressed, and out the door in 20 minutes, but it is such a wonderful luxury to give myself an hour to get ready.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I am such a foodie, so I love mixing it up during the week. I do really love to take my time and make breakfast at home as much as I can. Tortillas with avocado and scrambled eggs a la Mexicana with tomato, onion, and hot sauce are a breakfast staple at my house. If I’m in a hurry, I love grabbing a black coffee and granola from Brewed & Pressed, but if I’m feeling a little hunger, the breakfast tacos and coffee at Royal Blue Grocery are my guilty pleasure.
Do you workout in the morning?
Fitness is so important to me. I work better and more efficiently if I exercise in the morning. I try to workout four to five days a week and love mixing it up. My favorites right now are boxing (I’m addicted to the speed bag) and Bikram yoga. It really helps me concentrate on breathing and working through stress.
What’s your favorite getting ready soundtrack?
Anything Latin inspired! I really like Enrique Iglesias’ older songs in Spanish, and recently I have fallen in love with Portuguese music like Tribalistas.
I never leave the house without _____.
I wish I could say that I always do this… but I try to never leave the house without making my bed. I automatically feel accomplished in the morning and organized when I return.
If you could only put on one item of makeup, what would it be?
I love blush! It makes me feel and look more awake. When I was a little girl, my mom used to put liquid blush on me while I watched her do her makeup. For some reason, I feel funny without it.
Do you have a signature scent?
I am a perfume freak. I love trying new scents especially from my favorite perfume line, Jo Malone. The scent stays on so long and each one smells amazing. I have four different bottles in my cabinet right now, but I have been using Red Roses the most lately.
Do you stick to the same hair and makeup routine every day, or do you like to experiment?
I’m very routine focused in the morning, especially before coffee! I normally use a little foundation, blush, and lipstick, and then braid my wet hair into a tight French braid.
What is your daily uniform?
I absolutely live in the embroidered dresses for our Flores collection and generally throw on a pair of booties or sneakers as I’m running out the door. I love that the colorful embroidery makes me feel alive and put together without much effort.
What’s your healthiest morning habit?
My healthiest morning habit is working out, but I have really been trying to take better care of my skin. A dear friend recently turned me on to Yon-Ka Serum, which is the most amazing face oil and makes me feel like I’m really treating my skin nicely. It’s like a big gulp of vitamins and moisturizer in one!
What’s your worst morning habit?
My worst morning habit is hitting the snooze button, but sometimes it feels so good to roll over and go back to sleep for a few extra minutes!
Do you shower in the morning or at night?
It might sound silly, but I like to shower twice a day – after my morning workouts and right before bed. I like to fall asleep feeling clean and makeup free.
Favorite product for the shower?
I splurged and bought Jo Malone body wash the other day and I may be addicted now!
One word to describe your mornings:
Excited! I feel like a kid on the first day of school just about every morning. I never know where my day will take me, but I love every minute of what I do!
