Real Routines x Photographer & Director Mary Fix

Mary Fix is a fashion, beauty and commercial photographer and director who splits her time between New York and Los Angeles. 

Always in search of unique faces, Mary strives to challenge the idea and redefine what is ‘beautiful’. She often experiments with color and organic shapes in order to create fresh compositions. Regardless of the focus, her goal is always to empower her subjects and produce work that feels natural and effortless. 

Take 3 Advice

Find a creative outlet

Mary is a member at Artshack Brooklyn, a nonprofit ceramics studio located in Brooklyn. “It's good for me to have a creative outlet that is fully hands on and away from a computer and anything digital.  I’ve found that when I get stressed, and as Pisces I feel all of my feelings, taking a few hours and plugging in a podcast and getting my hands into clay is a great way to unwind and have me time,” she said. 

Take impromptu trips

With a varying schedule, Mary has always found that a last minute trip recharges and inspires her. “Whether it's a quick trip to Puerto Rico to lay out on the beach or a week in Berlin to visit galleries and museums, I’ve prioritized traveling in the past two years to expand my worldview and continue to grow my independence.  I also find so much inspiration for my photo & video work from traveling whether it be artwork or locations,” said Mary. 

Prioritize mental health

Mary needs to be able to express and talk out her emotions and found that starting therapy to have someone to speak to has lowered her anxiety. “Also, having a strong community of women and making space for those friendships is crucial to me feeling grounded,” said Mary. 

My Routines

Morning routine: “Wake up, put on Up First by NPR, and make coffee are definitely the two things that I do every single day no matter what I have going on. If I work from home, I like to make a late breakfast after being up for an hour or two of oats, blueberries, greek yogurt, and a half scoop of protein powder.  

Makeup routine: If I’m headed to set, I need to do a quick makeup routine of SPF, tinted moisturizer with a few drops of the Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter for extra glow, a cream lip & cheek blush - I love both the Merit and Ilia ones, Ilia Liquid Powder Eyeshadow tint in “Sheen”, a brown smudged eyeliner and a few layers of mascara.  I wear glasses when I’m on set so love a cute eye moment and mascara & blush make me look alive for early calltimes,” said Mary.

Evening routine: “I always end my day by washing my face with the Covey Cleanser.  It’s my favorite since I love wearing eye makeup and lots of mascara and it removes it all so gently!  I then finish by putting on a mix of serum & moisturizer. My skin gets really dry no matter what the time of the year is, so a cleanser followed with a C Serum and a thick moisturizer mixed with a little bit of The Ordinary salicylic acid since my skin is also acne prone.” she said.

Workout routine: Mary likes to combine a mix of Reformer & Mat Pilates. Her favorite place is Wick Pilates in Bushwick!

Self Care routine: “I love taking a long bath at least once a week.  Also as I mentioned, I do pottery a few times a week and weekly therapy, as well as making sure that I make time to see my girlfriends regularly to catch up or have self care days.  I also go to Trivia every Tuesday with a few pals which is a mix of trivia and music, which is a fun mid week activity,” said Mary. 

Favorite Things

Clothing item: Mary cannot live without her Bathen robe. “I live in robes when I’m at home and I never travel anywhere without it since it’s easy to pack as it’s so light, plus they are women owned and ethically made. They have the cutest color combos, plus they come with matching jumbo scrunchies and I’ve been obsessed with mine ever since they launched in 2019. I use mine so much I had to buy a 2nd,” she said. 

Podcasts: “I listen to NPR News Now, CNN 5 Things, The Daily, NPR Politics Podcast daily, but also love listening to fun weekly ones like 60 Songs that Explain the 90’s & Into It,” she said. 

Music: “I can't stop listening to Rosalia.  I listen to her music when I need to feel powerful, getting ready, or need a pick me up.  It really sets up my days to feel confident and ready to go, also its really great set music,” said Mary.

TV: Mary’s guilty pleasure is 90 Day Fiance.  It’s so trashy but is a fun show to watch and text my girlfriends about.

Recipe: This is Mary’s favorite thing to bring to any party! 

• 2 lbs of Tomatillos
• 2 Poblano Peppers
• 2 Clove Garlic
• 1 Jalapeño
• 1 Red Onion
• 2-3 Limes
• 1 Bunch Cilantro
• Salt to Taste
• Peel and half  the Tomatillos, Poblanos, Garlic and Jalapeño and put them on a baking sheet and place under the broiler, broil until everything is charred on top and juices from tomatoes are running
• Put Onion, Cilantro, & all of the tomatillos, peppers, and garlic from the broiler in a food processor.  Process until blended and chunky, add lime and salt to taste!

Kid Toy: I don’t have any kids, but I did gift Eva Chen’s, Awesome! Box Set, to my new niece so she can learn about strong women from an early age! 

Want to get to know the rituals and routines of other inspiring women? Explore more Covey Real Routines.