I Tried Amaya Papaya’s Cover Shoot Makeup

Keeping up with all things pop culture-related is a vital part of my job, which can be a bit draining — except for the “Love Island USA” madness, of course. This past summer was my first time watching the dating show, and I very much enjoyed all the entertainment it offered. One of my favorite contestants was winner Amaya Espinal, better known as Amaya Papaya. While she was misunderstood by some, I always got her. She’s a Brooklyn girl just like me, our birthdays are exactly one day a part, we share the same middle name (Elizabeth), and she’s self-assured, moving with authenticity regardless of the odds put against her. Naturally, when I found out she was going to be Popsugar’s “Feel-Good Person of the Year” cover star, I couldn’t be more excited.

I had the privilege of working behind-the-scenes on shoot day and realized that Espinal is even more gorgeous in person than she looks online and on TV. Her radiant personality shone through the whole day, but that was also thanks to her glam, which was done by makeup artist Thynna Wagenblast. Being that Espinal is in tune with her emotions, she’s known as a “sensitive gangster” (honestly, same), so I decided to put her makeup to the tears test.

While Wagenblast crafted three stunning looks on set, I opted for one that particularly stood out to me — a soft glam, marked by dewy elements like pink blush and glowy highlighter. “I collaborated closely with the team to make sure the glam felt true to Amaya — she gravitates toward a softer glam rather than a super natural look,” Wagenblast told me after shoot day. “My favorite element was how the blush and glow played together; it brought so much warmth and femininity while still keeping that radiant, elevated finish.” From the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel Wagenblast used to keep Espinal’s brows in tact all day long to her go-to lip liner from Make Up For Ever, these products definitely made me feel like a sensitive gangster. Keep reading for my full experience below.

How to Do Amaya Espinal’s Makeup Routine

After finishing my skin-care routine with my go-to primer, I knew I would be spending most of my time on the eyes (Wagenblast credited it as the standout feature of the look). I started with the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil ($26). Wagenblast used the shade “Perfect Brown,” which truly lives up to its name, and worked well for my skin tone. I followed up with the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette ($70) and used the hue “Devotion” and “Unfaithful” for my eyelids to create that pinky, dewy look. I proceeded to set my eyebrows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel ($26).

For the base, Wagenblast used a mix of the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation ($42), so I went in with the shades “Toffee” and “Gingerbread” to create the closest shade to my skin tone. I went in with the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo ($38) in the shade “She’s So LA” and “Oh She’s Different” to give my face some dimension, followed by the Shades by Shan The Liquid Blush ($22) for some added color. To really accomplish that “Amaya” glow, I used Wagenblast’s standout technique of pressing the Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm ($50) onto the high points of my cheek.

No great makeup look is complete without a good lippie, so I was super excited to use the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner ($25) in “Dimensional Dark Brown,” along with a clear gloss for some shine. As the final touch to the glam, I added a light layer of the Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Glittery Eyeshadow ($25) on my eyelids and the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray ($34).

What I Like About Amaya Espinal’s Makeup Routine

To my surprise, the eye makeup was my favorite part of this Amaya-inspired glam. I loved how Wagenblast gave her the soft, natural look they were going for, while elevating her stunning features with rosy elements. And while I’m usually bashful in my approach to eye makeup (I never want to look clownish), I found that her style was relatively simple to recreate.

I also loved all the radiant glow I got from the routine. “I pulled inspiration from Patrick Ta’s blushing technique — I wanted her complexion to have that soft, radiant flush that feels like it’s glowing from within,” Wagenblast said of her creative process. After following Wagenblast’s routine, I definitely felt that inner radiance and so much more.

My Makeup After The Tear Test

Being a “sensitive gangster” like Espinal, I had to see if her glam for the shoot really passed the tears test. And just like I thought, it does. I didn’t know what to expect, but thanks to setting sprays that prevented me from looking like a raccoon after tearing up, I was impressed by the results. The aspect of Wagenblast’s routine that was most noteworthy to me? The MAC Fix+ Setting Spray. It truly helped to secure my makeup, and it not only gave it that matte finish, but also helped the makeup stay in tact regardless of contact with water. All I had to do was pat my face with my blending brush, and my makeup looked as good as new.

While I was apprehensive of eye makeup before, I definitely see myself using Wagenblast’s technique for future glams — from everyday makeup to nights out. For other “sensitive gangsters” out there like us, this is the makeup method you’ll want to follow.

Rating:
★★★★★

Naomi Parris is the assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand’s Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she’s not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog “Eli-Nay,” where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.