Alanna Masterson at SQIRL (Interview + Photoshoot) | How You Glow 

We find positivity one of the most attractive qualities, and Alanna Masterson just radiates it. Her enlightening perspective mixed with Sqirl’s delicious food made for a magical lunch.

SQIRL, truly the gem of all gems in local LA eats, we knew this was a girl after our own hearts. She shares the same enthusiasm for delicious food as we do, which is always exciting for us. We munched on a feast Sqirl’s exquisite food; Kokuho Rose brown rice with kale pesto, preserved meyer lemon, poached egg, fermented hot sauce, radish (which we now know are picked from Sqirl-owner Jessica Koslow‘s home garden!), dill and the freshest feta cheese, a lovely brown rice porridge with toasted hazelnuts and homemade raspberry jam, and last but not least, the most heavenly homemade brioche (made by Proof Bakery) topped with fresh ricotta and another mouthwatering homemade strawberry rose jam.

Alanna arrived with her adorable dog Oswald, whom she rescued and is now inseparable from. We were smitten by her beaming, upbeat vibe which radiates from her smile down to her feet, as she rocked the cutest leopard socks and loafers. We got to talking about her career, and she made it clear that she lives her life with only the best intentions, not subscribing to Hollywood’s competitive and often toxic mentality. We spoke about the power of positive thought and all agreed that karma pays its dues. She attributes her patience and non-attachment to what finally landed her dream role on The Walking Dead. Without even a hint of makeup,  Alanna’s magnetic beauty gives off the brightest of glows.

BREAKFAST: I always start with a green drink. I don’t have much of an appetite in the morning, but this fills me up and makes me feel energized. 

LUNCH: Salads. I love a good salad. I make an amazing homemade dressing, so I like to make them myself.

DINNER: I love a good piece of fish, or steak. With lots of veggies or french fries. I love me some french fries.

SNACK: I drink a lot of almond milk. I also love watermelon. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY? Little Dom’s in LA. 

–where I met you lovely ladies. Forage, but they have the weirdest hours and it annoys me.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? Sweets. There is a lot of sugar at my work, and its never ending. The dessert table at lunch is insane. I try and avoid the brownies, but can’t help it most of the time.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE? Love Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. There is nothing better than a giant bowl of pasta. Its my weakness. 

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAL ON EARTH? Spaghetti and meatballs. It also happens to be my boyfriend’s last meal choice too. So we are going out with a bang. 

WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE? I cook almost every night. I make amazing lamb chops with red wine and honey. I make homemade chimichurri sauce with steak and french fries. Whitefish picatta. You name it. Really anyone can make anything if they can read. My kitchen is stocked with cookbooks, and all my friends come over for dinner. There is nothing better then making food for the people you love.

Lindy and Grundy. I started paying attention to where I get my food from. When I was a starving student, it was Trader Joe’s and Ralph’s. 

Then I realized I was putting so many preservatives into my body and it was hard to digest. I try and only eat organic now. Its expensive, but totally worth it.

WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIME? (HOW OFTEN & WHAT DO YOU GO) Pilates and Piloxing in burbank. My trainer Kristin is amazing. And Viveca developed this incredible cardio workout, that lengthening all my muscles. 

WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? (PRODUCTS, FACIALS, ETC.) I don’t have a skin care routine really. I do go to Beverly Hot Springs and get a body scrub with body care. Its yogurt, honey and cucumbers all over my face and its AMAZING.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL MAKEUP/ BEAUTY PRODUCTS? I don’t wear makeup. I wear

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 PRODUCTS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

Episncial lotion, it’s actually a baby lotion. Its amazing and makes my skin amazing, and there isn’t all the bad stuff in it. I think it even says that on the bottle…

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Oswald. I adopted him one day, and was the most adult thing I could have ever done.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY. Watching movies in bed all day!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE BEAUTY TIP/SECRET? Not wearing a lot of make up. Be comfortable in your own skin, and nothing else matters.

WHAT MAKES YOU GLOW? My family. Love. And working my ass off…..