It’s been a while since I’ve posted a Glow Girl, so I am happy that my first post in quite a while features Amanda Shine. In describing Amanda’s physical beauty, my intern put it best in saying, “Amanda is ridiculously gorgeous – she just has the best hair ever.” She really does. But what makes Amanda most beautiful is her brains. After putting in her time working in a variety of fashion jobs in New York, she started her own company The Setting, which redefines the world of ceramics. Her site is super chic and her collection makes for the best gift for basically any occasion. Amanda and I met for almond matcha (because of course) to discuss her simple yet effective skincare routine, her rollerball fragrance addiction, not succumbing to botox temptations and the secrets behind that strawberry blond hair.

Tell me a little about The Setting and why you left fashion to start your line of cool ceramics. 

I spent a decade working in special events and offline programming specific to Fashion and that is where I learned how to interpret brand or energy into an experience. I’ve always loved working with my hands and teaching myself how to new things which is when I met my partner, Billur — at a ceramics class. We teamed up to sell customized pieces and have recently added offline programming as well a soon-to-be launched broader collection of homeware!

Give me your definition of beauty. 

Honesty and humility. Being okay with being imperfect is beautiful to me. I am all about showcasing natural, unusual beauty and women feeling and acting open and supportive of each other.

Favorite mascara. 

Dior Show.

Glowing skin or matte? 

Glowing! [Duh.]

Which beauty brands would you consider your favorites? 

Glossier, La Mer, Kiehl’s, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury and Tom Ford.

Do you care about using products that are green/ clean?

I do and I don’t. I have sensitive skin so I care more about using products that feel healing and kind to my skin. I do appreciate when they’re clean but it isn’t a must.

Are you into scents? Tell me about your favorite yummy smelling perfumes, body oils and shower gels. 
Yes! I am religious about Warm’s signature scent and Le Labo’s Santal 33 and I have to have one or the other with me at all times. I also love By Rosie Jane’s fragrance roll on oils. I have a whole ritual with salts, scrubs and oils. It starts with Dr. Bronner’s lavender body wash and it’s something that I do every day 365 days a year.

If you hair had a secret weapon, what would it be? 

My fanciest device is my Mason Pearson hairbrush.

Do you believe in botox/ fillers? 

I have sensitive skin so I try to get a lot of sleep, drink water and I splurge on La Mer. I alternate that with Embryolisse because it’s a great value. I also don’t do facial really but if I want to treat myself once or twice a year, I love Pratima’s Ayurvedic spa in Soho. As far as fillers and botox, I haven’t gone for it but I’m very into doing people whatever makes them feel good – just don’t go crazy because you only get one body and one face.

What is your skincare routine?

I use a gentle exfoliant like St. Ives or Aveeno and then sometimes use a Neutrogena face wipe to doubly clean. Then I’ll spray my rose water and follow up with La Mer and Tinted Moisturizer by Laura Mercier. I keep it so simple because I am not really rewarded for being adventurous with my skin. I know how to keep it calm and happy so maybe it’s boring but it works.

Your strawberry blond hair is insanity, we need to know everything. What are your favorite hair products? 

My favorite hair product is Drybar! That probably sounds random but I go there with my laptop once a week and answer emails while they hook me up. My hair has a life of it’s own so I just get it blown out once a week and kind of leave it to the experts. I use their private label dry shampoo or Klorane in between for touch ups. I stay loyal to Sarah from Sam Brocato for shaping and cuts and Hayden from Mud Honey for color. He’s an artist and just paints my blonde in without foils.

What are some of the most important beauty lessons that you learned (from your mom, grandmother, whomever….)?

My girlfriend Vanessa who owns Modelfit taught me about the importance of exercise for beauty and happiness. She is such a spiritual force who takes impeccable care of herself and she has taught me everything about radical self love. It’s a concept that goes beyond beauty but it serves me well and I recommend it to everyone!

You have such a gorgeous au natural look. What are your makeup essentials? 

Tinted Moisturizer by Laura Mercier, Bronze Cream Eye Shadow by Tom Ford, Brow Pencil by Bobbi Brown and lip gloss / lipstick by whoever. Those staples are very much in my daily repertoire. If I want to dress it up, Eyeliner by Tom Ford goes a long way!

What products are currently in your handbag? 

La Mer, Santal 33 travel size, Kiehl’s lip balm, Nars lipstick and trident.

Tell me a little about your diet and skincare routine…

I don’t drink so hopefully that does me some favors in the long run! I also try not to be restrictive with my diet and just be good about normal things like wearing a baseball hat in the sun and using sunscreen always.

Reformation, Kith, Barneys and Glossier.

Favorite restaurants? 

So many! I love food… My friend’s place The Musket Room, Kiki’s, Bond Street Sushi, Whitman’s, Dimes, and The Smile.

Favorite hangout? 

The Wing.

Favorite meal to cook at home when you are hosting? 

Roast chicken with lemon rosemary potatoes.

The best part about living in New York is….

Every day is new and every day is special. There’s an energy that has inspired me from 18 years old until now and I’m grateful to live here.