Amaya Espinal on Beauty, Self-Love, and the Press-on Nails She’s Worn for Years

Amaya “Papaya” Espinal captured viewers’ hearts on Love Island USA last year, quickly becoming a fan favorite before ultimately winning Season 7. Now, as 11 new bombshells prepare to enter the villa tomorrow night, the reigning champion is adding another title to her résumé: KISS Nails Brand Ambassador, spearheading “The Amaya Edit.”

Glitter spoke with Espinal about bringing “The Amaya Edit” to life, her go-to summer beauty staples, and why self-love remains her ultimate beauty secret.

“This partnership felt authentic to me because I’ve genuinely been using KISS Nails for years,” Espinal shared. In fact, her love for press-on nails dates back to middle school. “The first time I put on KISS Nails, I was about 12 or 13 years old, and they’ve been my tried and true ever since,” she told us. 

It’s the history that made “The Amaya Edit” especially meaningful. The collection features a range of styles that reflect her personality, from classic French tips to bold designs with eye-catching 3D details. According to the upcoming artist, nails are one of her favorite forms of self-expression.

“I was looking for colors and designs that felt like me and my personality. I love being very girly, with that little bit of an edge sometimes, so a lot of the styles I picked showcase that.”

As for her favorite of the lineup? “If I had to pick one, it would be the Rose Knot. My favorite color is pink…which makes me feel elevated & more confident. It dresses every outfit of mine up!”

What’s in Amaya Espinal’s Bag This Summer?

While fans couldn’t stop talking about Espinal’s glowing complexion during her time in the villa, the beauty essential that made her feel most confident was much simpler. “My KISS Nails, of course,” she stated. “I love having my nails done and expressing myself in that way.”

The reality star explained that the press-ons became a self-care staple during filming because they were “so easy and quick to apply” and lasted up to 14 days, making them the perfect addition to her suitcase. “I was always mani ready,” she added.

As summer approaches, Espinal’s beauty routine is focused on practicality. “I’ve been obsessed with skin care + nail care lately,” she said, naming sunscreen, hand cream, cooling mist sprays, and KISS Glue-Off among her must-haves. She also keeps a KISS PowerFlex Brush-On Nail Glue nearby “just in case of a nail emergency.”

Her bag is stocked with a few other warm-weather essentials, too. “I always keep an extra lip liner in my bag and a hand fan—it has saved me so many times in the summer heat!” she shared. And no matter where she’s headed, she makes sure to pack “a KISS press-on set in case of emergency,” plenty of sunscreen, and, as she emphasized, “water, water, water to stay hydrated!”

The one beauty product she refuses to run out of? A glossy lip. “I love a glossy lip, in general, but especially for the summer!” Espinal stated, revealing that she’s still loyal to Victoria’s Secret Shimmer Lip Gloss, calling it “an iconic statement piece that 13-year-old Amaya always used.”

Still, her signature beauty step has nothing to do with a product. “My signature ‘Amaya Papaya’ step has nothing to do with a product—it’s my mirror moment. Before anything else, I look at myself and speak kindly. An affirmation, a little hype-up, sometimes even a song (you know I’m not shy about that!). Growing up as a first-generation Dominican girl from New York, I learned early that you have to give yourself your own flowers.”

As Espinal simply puts it, “Self-love is the real glow-up.”

Amaya Espinal’s KISS curation, “The Amaya Edit,” is available now.