LUI Ritual

LUI Ritual: Michelle Bañares

LUI Ritual: Michelle Bañares


Here at LUI, we love the idea of rituals: those little everyday practices that help you feel calm, centred and whole. We believe shaving deserves to be part of this self-care routine. In celebration of mindful moments, the LUI Ritual series asks friends of the brand about their own positive habits and how they elevate their day.


HI, MY NAME IS… Michelle Bañares.


BUT EVERYONE CALLS ME… Mish, Mic, Mishi or Mum (if you’re my son Zev).


WHEN I WAS GROWING UP I DREAMED OF BEING… someone who designed the inside of houses and spaces.


BUT NOW I WORK AS… a content producer and work for myself :)


THE FIRST THING I DO WHEN I WAKE UP IS… Monday to Wednesday, probably a hot mat pilates class otherwise I’m having a strawberry matcha latte from Itteki to start the day.


THE LAST SONG I PLAYED ON SPOTIFY… ‘Life is a Highway’ by Rascal Flatts. My son has an obsession with the Lightning McQueen soundtrack, HAHA!


MY MORNING ROUTINE IS… 


1. Strawberry matcha latte or stunning hot mat pilates class.


2. Writing a to-do list for the day.


3. Hot, hot shower, especially during winter. Nothing beats it!


4. Morning skincare and body routine. I get so dry during winter, so this step is a MUST.


5. Light my fave incense or a candle to start the mood for work.


THE PERFUME I SPRAY ON RIGHT BEFORE I LEAVE THE HOUSE IS… too good to gatekeep but… ‘Luca’ by Tsu Lange Yor (Troye Sivan) layered on top of the Glossier You perfume is the ultimate perfume cocktail.


MY COFFEE ORDER IS… sometimes oat cap, one sugar, sometimes strawberry matcha latte.

THROUGHOUT MY DAY I FIND JOY IN… cooking something yummy for me and the boys!


MY LUNCH ORDER IS… onigiri to-go, specifically the tuna and spam one from Chooka’s in Brunswick.


MY 3PM PICK-ME-UP IS… currently a good hot choccy or a peppermint tea.


AFTER A LONG DAY I SWITCH OFF BY… a sneaky scroll on Pinterest or this month’s book club read. (@HONEYTOAST_BOOKCLUB ily).


THE LAST BOOK I COULDN’T PUT DOWN… Good Material by Dolly Alderton.


MY NIGHTTIME ROUTINE IS… 


1. De La Cruz Acne Treatment Ointment, all over my face as a mask. Leave on for 10 minutes and wipe off with a hot towel.


2. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser, can never get enough of this.


3. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1. Retinol is back in my life (super gentle), which I’m loving.


4. Tatcha Silk Cream, because we love to finish it off with a BANG.


THE LAST THING I DO BEFORE BED IS… an episode of The Bear Season 3.


YOU CAN FIND ME ONLINE AT... @MICHELLEBANARES.