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CU Boulder | Wellness

The Five-Star Girl Routine

Paige Javor Student Contributor, University of Colorado - Boulder
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

If you’ve ever caught yourself pretending your morning coffee is part of a Vogue “Day in the Life” video… congratulations. You’re already halfway to becoming a five-star girl.

In a world that often feels fast-paced, stressful, and let’s be honest — kind of messy — the art of romanticizing your life is the ultimate act of self-care. The five-star girl routine isn’t about spending money you don’t have or pretending your life is perfect. It’s about adding a little sparkle to the everyday. It’s about treating your Tuesday like it’s a soft-focus scene from a Pinterest board.

Here’s your guide to making the mundane feel magical — no luxury penthouse required.

1. Morning Reset: Wake Up Like You’re in a Wellness Vlog

No more jarring alarm sounds that make you feel like you’re being drafted into battle. Start your day with a gentle playlist and let some natural light in. Open your window, light a candle, and drink your water like it’s a $12 juice cleanse.

Upgrade your morning routine without breaking the bank:

  • A cute glass tumbler with a straw = instant luxury
  • Slathering on moisturizer like it’s a serum from a five-star spa
  • A 10-minute yoga flow on YouTube in a matching workout set (or pajamas — no judgment)

Pro tip: narrate your routine in your head like you’re filming a “get ready with me” TikTok, even if no one’s watching. Especially if no one’s watching.

2. Study Sessions, But Make Them Cinematic

Your homework doesn’t have to feel like academic punishment. Whether you’re writing a paper or cramming for an exam, create a vibe.

  • Go to a café and bring your “that girl” tote bag
  • Romanticize your Google Docs with a latte and lofi beats
  • Use cute highlighters, sticky notes, or even change your laptop background to something aesthetic

Feeling overwhelmed? Set a timer for 25 minutes and romanticize your break with a walk around campus, a face mist spritz, or a mid-day matcha run.

3. The Main Character Mid-day Moment

Find one thing in your day that’s just for you. Not your GPA, not your résumé, not your roommate. You.

It could be journaling, scrolling Pinterest for outfit inspo, doing your silly little skincare routine, or blasting your favorite song and dancing around your apartment like you’re the lead in a coming-of-age movie.

Even the smallest moment of joy is enough to shift the tone of your entire day.

4. Night Routine = Five-Star Hotel Vibes

Your night routine doesn’t have to be a 12-step K-beauty regimen. Instead, it’s about making the transition from chaos to calm.

Think:

  • A long shower with your favorite playlist
  • Clean sheets and soft lighting (fairy lights or a salt lamp are elite)
  • Vanilla pillow spray or a chill essential oil roller
  • Reading a chapter of a book — or letting your current Netflix show be your bedtime story

Remind yourself: your dorm or apartment might not be a luxury suite, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel like one.

Final Thoughts: The Secret to the Five-Star Life

The real magic of the five-star girl routine? It’s not in the products, the playlists, or the Pinterest boards. It’s in intention. When you treat your life like it’s special, it starts to feel that way.

So yes, sip your coffee like it’s from a rooftop café in Paris. Romanticize your to-do list like it’s the script of your own movie. And never forget — even on the most boring day, you’re still the main character.

Paige Javor

CU Boulder '28

Paige Javor is a contributing writer for the Her Campus Chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since joining in September 2024, she has focused on crafting thoughtful, engaging articles that highlight campus culture, current events, and student life.

Paige is an Honors sophomore at CU Boulder double majoring in Political Science and English on the pre-law track. Her academic work and campus involvement reflect her dedication to legal advocacy, policy research, and storytelling. She has completed numerous legal internships that strengthened her skills in research, writing, and analysis.

On campus, Paige serves on the executive board of the Political Science Club, is a member of Phi Alpha Delta, CU’s pre-law fraternity, and acts as an ambassador for The Women’s Network, promoting empowerment and equality.

Outside of academics and leadership roles, Paige is an enthusiastic foodie, avid shopper, and movie buff. She loves going on adventures with friends—whether for day trips or spontaneous errands—and cherishes the time she spends connecting with family. With a passion for storytelling, advocacy, and community, Paige brings curiosity and energy to everything she does.