Amity Murray

Tell us a bit about yourself

I became an esthetician after a brief stint in book publishing. I had my own skin journey and struggled with breakouts my entire life. I went to esthetics school almost on a complete whim, a gut feeling, or a hunch. I knew I didn’t want to sit in front of a computer and that I wanted to touch people and, more specifically, help women feel better about themselves. The rest, they say, is history. I’ve been blessed my entire career that my gut feeling paid off. I am eternally grateful for all my teachers, mentors, and amazing clients I have come in contact with and am endlessly inspired by the work I do.

What is your own personal skincare regime?

I try to be super diligent about SPF, although I love the beach, the sun, and being outside. I prefer to cleanse my skin with an oil cleanser in the evening. I use retinol at night. I love to use a Vitamin C serum and hydrate with a face oil. I love oils for my entire body. I’m actually pretty minimal with my routine because at this point I know exactly what I like and what works for me and my skin.

First thing you do every morning?

I snuggle my cat, of course! As soon as my alarm goes off, that is her signal to come over and we snuggle in bed a little. Then we also have some snuggle time while I wait for my kettle to boil and make my tea. Then I feed her and make my lunch. My mornings are pretty chill but fast because I gotta get everyone up and out of the house by 7:30am!

Skincare advice you find yourself repeating?

I am always telling clients a few of the same things. Less is more, which comes from the brilliant minds at Marie Veronique. I also love to tell clients (and remind myself!) we are more than our skin and we are more than our bodies. Clients often get hyper-focused on “perfect skin.” Parts of skincare that are overlooked are more of the esoteric parts, like the mental aspects or spiritual aspects of humanity. I think we oversimplify the importance of real human connection and touch. I also think we overlook how powerful our brains are in relation to our skin and also in the way we see the world. It’s amazing to me how much of a difference in a client’s face I can see from simply laying down for 60 minutes and getting a facial—their eyes are brighter and joy can return to their face; it’s so beautiful.

Thoughts on aging?

My philosophy on aging is to get more tattoos and tooth gems and keep decorating my body like a Christmas tree, ha ha ha. I won’t get Botox or fillers, but I will continue to decorate my body to my liking. Listen, we are all aging. Americans are obsessed with not aging. I have the most beautiful pristine young women on my table regularly who are concerned with aging. But the truth is it is a gift to be alive and to age. We are the lucky ones. So I try to keep that at the forefront of my brain and also be a positive role model to other young women. I am at the absolute height of my career and life and am living my wildest dreams because of my age—what a gift!

What is your favorite skincare ingredient, and why?

I mean, it is no secret I love Mānuka. I love ingredients that are gentle, healing, and multi-purpose. Mānuka can tackle so many complex skin conditions that others can’t help. But I also love oils and even just plain old Jojoba oil. You can use Jojoba oil on every part of your body, skin, and hair. Also a huge fan of retinol.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the cosmetic and skincare industry?

I think we can all agree that the pendulum has swung and we are living in a heightened state of beauty standards. But as someone who is older, I know that the pendulum can swing back. And I remain steadfast in my beliefs about the best products for skin health, humanity, and planet earth. Clients have an overwhelming amount of information being thrown at them and we are being sold stuff everywhere we turn. Self-care is a delicate balance, which is why I like to remind clients of free and easy ways they can be well that do not involve buying a product or machine, like sleep. Sleep is so important but probably the first thing that suffers. Take a walk outside. Help a neighbor or someone in your community. These are all easy, free wellness activities.

How do you incorporate ACTIVIST into your practice or personal routine?

I created a facial at the Hotel Chelsea Spa called the “Honeybee,” which has been so popular and it highlights your incredible products. I also use the Mānuka Honey Mask very often on clients with symptomatic, breakout-prone or just unhappy skin. It’s a miracle worker. I like to apply an ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask when I am in the tub. I love taking super hot Epsom salt-filled baths and a honey mask is the pièce de résistance of an ultimate self-care bath ritual.