On Rotation: with Amanya from Brooklyn
From skincare rituals to signature scents, “On Rotation” takes you inside the evolving beauty lineups of what people are actually using — and why.
A self-proclaimed ingredient nerd and lifelong Brooklynite, Amanya is always trying something new — but she swears by the classics that deliver. Her shelves are a mix of longtime staples and buzzy new discoveries, and her approach to beauty reflects her belief that skincare is an evolving ritual, not a rigid routine. Here’s a look at what’s currently on rotation.
How I Got Into Beauty
I grew up in a family of professionals — lots of lawyers, doctors, and academics — so beauty wasn’t really a big topic in our house. But my mom always made it a point to show me examples of successful Black entrepreneurs, especially women, because she wanted me to see what was possible. I remember her taking me to Sephora when they first started stocking Carol’s Daughter — she treated it like a field trip. At the time I didn’t realize it, but those moments were about more than hair products. They were about representation and seeing ourselves reflected on the shelves.
I don’t think I made many big beauty mistakes, other than going way too heavy on makeup in my twenties. With skincare, I was actually pretty minimal. If I could go back, I’d take sunscreen more seriously instead of obsessing over acne — but when you’re a teenager, every commercial tells you that even a single zit is a crisis.
Now, I’d describe my approach as skincare-first. Makeup gives the final lift, but good skin is always the foundation. Supporting brands and founders I believe in is important too. A lot of what I use is Black- or minority-owned, but that’s never the reason I use it. I try everything — if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t stay. I just tend to keep an eye out for people doing amazing things, and when their products deliver, they earn a permanent place in my routine.
Cleansers on Rotation
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cleansing. Some days I need something quick and gentle, some days it’s about a luxurious ritual, and other times I just want that “naked skin” clean.
If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll start with Bioderma Micellar Water — it’s been a constant for years because it removes everything without irritating my skin or eyes. When I want a more indulgent first step, I reach for Furtuna Skin Cleansing Oil Balm. It begins as a rich balm that melts into a silky oil as you massage it in, effortlessly dissolving sunscreen and makeup while leaving my skin soft and nourished. And when I want my cleanse to actually do something for my skin, I reach for Gentlerist Halcyon Cleanser. It’s more like a serum in cleanser form — packed with fresh botanicals — and it’s the only gel cleanser that gives me that clean, refreshed feeling without stripping anything away.
Amanya's Cleanser Rotation
A French pharmacy classic that melts away makeup without irritation, perfect for quick, no-fuss cleansing.
A rich balm that transforms into a silky oil as it melts into the skin, effortlessly lifting away makeup and sunscreen while nourishing as it cleanses.
A refreshing gel-emulsion that deeply cleanses without stripping, leaving skin soft and “naked”-clean.
Prep & Exfoliation
This is the stage that sets everything else up to work harder. I treat it as my “wake-up” phase — the part that clears the slate, refines texture, and boosts absorption.
Most mornings I’ll swipe on Augustinus Bader The Essence, which gives me a quick reset and makes whatever I apply after sink in more effectively. If I want a shot of antioxidants, Epi.Logic Even Balance CoQ10 Toning Formula is my choice — it’s energizing, nicely rich, and gives my skin a subtle glow right from the start. On days when I need a little extra polishing, Biologique Recherche P50W smooths things out without going overboard. I don’t think is a skincare girl in New York who hasn’t tried this line at least once. The normal toner is too strong for me, but W is just right. And about once a week, I’ll take the time for Eadem Cashmere Peel. It’s not harsh at all, in fact, unlike a lot of acids, this one is milky which feels nice — and it just leaves my skin feeling fresh and renewed.
Amanya's Exfoliation Rotation
A gentle daily exfoliating essence that smooths skin and helps everything you apply after absorb better.
An antioxidant-rich toning liquid that energizes and preps skin, boosting radiance from the first step.
A cult-favorite exfoliating toner that refines texture and clears the path for active treatments.
Face Mists
There are times when I’ll do a full 10-step routine and it makes me feel like I’m really taking care of myself. But honestly, I’ve come to believe that if you have a great face mist and a great face oil, you’re already most of the way there.
For daily freshness, I use Eadem Mami Wata Face Mist — it’s so soothing and leaves my skin feeling instantly hydrated. If I want something super quick and functional, Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray is my go-to. And if I want a mist that feels elevated but still pared back, Gentler Essentials Rose Royale is the most beautiful rose water I’ve ever tried, I just want to live in it.
Amanya's Face Mist Rotation
A refreshing, botanical-rich mist that instantly revitalizes skin and boosts hydration.
A minimalist mist powered by hypochlorous acid to calm, soothe, and reset stressed skin.
A beautifully pure organic rose water mist that refreshes and conditions skin with every spritz.
Serums
I’ve learned that serums are where real change happens — they’re the step that makes the difference between maintaining and transforming your skin. I keep a few in rotation depending on what my skin needs that week.
Gentlerist Ambrosia Beauty Nectar is my daily anchor. I can’t exactly explain what it does — it’s not one of those products that tries to take your skin off like a retinol or acid — but after a few weeks, my skin simply behaves differently with it. It stays hydrated, feels stronger, and bounces back quicker. It’s just a youth nectar for the skin.
I feel like the only other one I use as regularly is Epi.Logic Master Plan Serum, and I realize now that they’re very similar. It smooths and firms in a way that makes me look like I’ve had a full night’s sleep. And for those days when I want the skincare equivalent of a red-carpet facial, I reach for 111Skin Black Diamond Serum. It’s definitely a splurge, but it delivers that “it’s so expensive and feels nice that it must be doing something” effect.
Amanya's Serum Rotation
A deeply hydrating daily serum that transforms skin over time, strengthening function and improving youthfulness.
A restorative and light serum that makes skin look more lifted, awake, and rested.
A high-performance treatment that delivers instant luminosity and that “red carpet” glow.
Face Oils
I’ve been using face oils since the original Rodin Olio Lusso days, and I still think nothing compares to the nourishment they give. I always keep a few in rotation to match how my skin feels.
When I want something minimal and easy, Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil is what I reach for — it’s light and simple, perfect when my skin just needs comfort. For something earthier and multi-purpose, I use Living Libations Best Skin Ever in Sea Buckthorn — it’s a classic that makes me feel very back-to-basics. And when my skin feels tired or depleted, Gentlerist Modern Alchemist is the one that revives it. Rich, plush, and deeply restorative, it makes my skin feel replenished again.
I think all three make exceptional oils that feel fresh, Le Prunier is a simple and pure oil, Living Libations is earth goddess energy, while Gentlerist goes high-tech science.
Amanya's Oil Rotation
A light, minimalist oil that comforts and nourishes skin when you want simplicity.
A multitasking botanical oil that softens, balances, and supports the skin barrier.
A next-generation face oil that fuses potent bio-retinols with advanced lipids to restore vitality and visibly rejuvenate skin.
Moisturizers
Moisturizer is where I decide how heavy or light I want my routine to feel. On most days, Eadem Cloud Cushion is perfect — soft, weightless, and comfortable, it gives just enough without overwhelming.
If I need something with more treatment built in, I’ll use Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum as a moisturizer. It’s on the slightly richer side for a serum, more like a creamy serum that doubles as an anti-aging step. I like it for the days when I want to simplify without compromising on performance. Plus, it helps brighten so it’s a treatment, too!
Amanya's Moisturizer Rotation
A weightless daily moisturizer that cushions skin with hydration while staying breathable and soft.
A creamy serum-moisturizer hybrid that targets skin brightness while simplifying your routine.
Sunscreens
I never rely on just one sunscreen — what I choose depends on how I’m spending my day.
For everyday errands, Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen gives me a little coverage with my protection. If I want something invisible and weightless, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ is unbeatable. And when I know I want something that’s almost like makeup, Summer Fridays ShadeDrops is the one that delivers a good coverage and color payoff with sun protection.
Amanya's SPF Rotation
A sheer, tinted SPF that evens tone while protecting skin from UV damage.
A feather-light sunscreen that vanishes into skin without a cast, perfect for daily wear.
Makeup + SPF in one beautiful step with excellent coverage and color that flatters the skin.
Finishing Touches
Makeup is where I keep things simple — I like it to be quick and easy, just enough to pull everything together.
I keep Violette_FR Bisou Balm in every bag for a subtle tint that always works. And the Ami Colé Multi-Stick is my favorite multitasker — a quick swipe on cheeks or lips ties everything together without ever looking overdone.
Amanya's Finishing Touches
A sheer, easy tint that adds a fresh wash of color for an effortless finish that also happens to nourish the lips.
A versatile, multi-tasking cream color that brings instant warmth to lips and cheeks in one swipe yet allows buildable intensity.
The Extras
Skincare doesn’t stop at the face — and for me, beauty has always been about how I care for my whole self. After a shower, I always take a few minutes for Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. I discovered it in an amenity kit on an international flight, used it when I got to the hotel, and became hooked. It’s one of those small rituals that makes a big difference — the texture is silky, the scent is grounding, and it keeps my skin soft while also helping with circulation.
For hair, I keep two staples in rotation. On regular wash days, I use The Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo & Conditioner — they’re hydrating enough for my texture without weighing it down and leave my hair soft and clean without that stripped feeling. But when I need serious moisture — like after a protective style, heat styling, or when my hair just feels dry — I turn to Cécred Moisture Deep Conditioner. It’s rich and restorative in a way that feels tailor-made for textured hair, and it always brings my strands back to life: detangled, nourished, and deeply conditioned.
Fragrance is its own kind of ritual for me — I’m not someone who switches scents constantly. I believe perfume should feel like an extension of you, not just an accessory. Right now, my signature is Byredo Vanille Antique from their Night Veils collection which is more concentrated and uses more premium ingredients. It’s not the sweet vanilla you might expect — it’s deeper, moodier, with a quiet sensuality that stays close to the skin. It’s the scent I wear when I want to feel grounded and confident, and it’s one people always notice in a subtle way, which is the intention: lasting but not loud. For me, a good fragrance is about memory, presence, and how I want to show up — and this one feels exactly right for the woman I am right now.
When it comes to wellness, I keep things pretty simple. Aside from a daily multivitamin (I like Ritual), I’m not heavy on supplements — I’ve always been more of a food-first person. I believe deeply in the power of real, whole food: I buy organic when I can, cook fresh, unprocessed meals, and try to steer clear of anything artificial. The one “greens powder” I do make an exception for is moringa. In African communities, it is sometimes referred to as mothers milk because of its ability to help with breast milk production. But it’s also this really nutrition-rich plant that essentially supports everything. Years ago, a Black-owned brand called A Complexion Co. made the most incredible moringa leaf powder sourced from Africa — it was so good, and when they closed, I kept searching for something that matched it. I finally found that quality again with MIJA Organic Moringa Leaf Powder, which has become a part of my daily routine. It’s one of the few ingestibles I truly feel a difference from — nourishing from the inside out.
Amanya's Extras
A silky body oil that hydrates, tones, and supports circulation after every shower.
A deep, extrait-level vanilla from the Night Veils collection — smoky, sensual, and far more complex than a typical gourmand.
A single-ingredient greens powder of the highest quality miracle leaf that supports wellness from the inside out.
In the end...
I always think about what I’d share if I ever got profiled — what would make the cut and what wouldn’t. Even now, I feel a little like, maybe we should have waited until more Cécred arrived, and I already know I’ll be picking up more Emma Lewisham when I’m in London, along with a few perfumes from Maya Njie. She’s a Black and Swedish perfumer who fuses classic European perfumery with African roots, and her scents always feel deeply personal.
In the end, I think we say a lot in the products we choose — about what we value, what we believe in, and how we want to show up in the world. And while skincare is deeply personal, it doesn’t have to be solitary. Having a real community — not just a comment thread under an influencer’s post, but a space where we share and engage — makes all of this more meaningful.
