Golden Hour Rituals with Mandy Butera
There’s a certain hush to the hour just before dusk — the kind that softens edges and guilds ordinary moments. At Wren & Wild, founder Mandy Butera calls this her sacred “golden hour,” a daily pause where she unwinds, centers, and leans into rituals that feel both luxe and effortless. Below, Mandy shares her evening blueprint: simple, sensory, and focused on clean-beauty essentials that restore skin and spirit alike.
Begin with a slow, mindful walk
Mandy’s golden hour always starts outdoors. A 20-30 minute walk with her dog Booker (pictured below!) clears the day’s clutter and resets the nervous system. No phone, just breath and movement. Pay attention to the light - it’s grounding and free therapy. Bring a light scarf or layer if the air turns crisp; the change in temperature helps signal your body it’s time to wind down.
A cup of something warm and soothing
Back home, Mandy favors a calming herbal tea. She pours it into a weighted mug, finds a quiet corner (or the bathtub ledge), and sips slowly. The ritual of holding warmth, inhaling gentle steam, and tasting something simple slows the racing mind and prepares you for deeper self-care.
Cleanse the day away
Before the bath or bedtime routine, a gentle cleanse is essential. Use lukewarm water and a clean face wash to rinse away the day’s impurities (Mandy’s go-to is the Active Renewal Cleanser from Vintner’s Daughter). Mandy recommends patting skin dry rather than rubbing, leaving a little moisture behind to help your skin barrier.
A restorative soak: bath + mood lighting
When she has the time, Mandy transforms her bathroom into a mini-sanctuary: low lights or candles, soft music, and a generous scoop of goop’s ‘The Martini’ bath soak in warm water. The mineral-rich soak lifts tension from shoulders and joints; the rose-hued crystals and steam feel indulgent without excess. Limit the bath to 20 minutes to avoid dehydrating skin, and keep a glass bottle of water nearby to stay hydrated.
The signature skincare
Post-soak, Mandy’s skin routine is pared-down but intentional. She reaches for the Active Botanical Serum from Vintner’s Daughter to nourish and repair. A few drops warmed between fingertips, press-and-hold applications across cheeks, forehead, and jawline, letting the oil-plant blend sink in. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer if you need extra comfort, but often the serum alone is rich enough for evening nourishment.
Small finishes that feel luxurious
A quick scalp massage while brushing, a spritz of a calming mist, or lathering up in the delicious Augustinus Bader Geranium Body Oil - these micro-rituals compound into an overall sense of care.
A final note
Golden hour isn’t about perfection; it’s an invitation. Whether you have a full soak or a shortened version with tea and a serum press, these moments build a bridge from hectic day to restorative night. At Wren & Wild, we believe beauty is the byproduct of calm, consistent care - clean products, intentional pauses, and the little luxuries that make daily rituals feel like an offering to yourself.
Try Mandy’s sequence tonight: a walk, a warm cup of tea, a goop bath for your next soak, and a nourishing press of Vintner’s Daughter serum. Share your golden hour with us @wrenandwild - we’d love to see how you make it your own!
XO,
Mandy
