JOURNAL - Gabriela on scent & skin

PORTRAIT

A conversation with Gabriela Amarchand on scent, style and real beauty

Who is Gabriela behind @brazinda?

I work in tech on the engineering side. It was a bit of an accident, but it works for me. And then, I’m also an actor. Very different worlds, but I love the juxtaposition. Recently, I’ve leaned more into the creator space, a bit haphazardly.

Your bio says Not aesthetic and kinda funny. What does that mean to you?

The first word that comes to mind is REAL. My hair is messy, my clothes are often wrinkled, mainly because I’m lazy, but hopefully in a relatable way. I don’t want my online presence to be so curated and ‘perfect’ because I find that to be depressing.

I’ve always been the friend whom everyone messages for fashion or beauty advice. I research skincare like a madwoman and always have recommendations, so a friend encouraged me to start posting TikToks.

Your style in 3 words

BOYISH, EFFORTLESS & COMFORTABLE

First scent memory?

I’d say the Guerlain Meteorites Setting & Finishing Pearls of Powder that my mom used. I remember playing with it as a little girl, loving that I smelled good, and noticing the shimmer on my face.

Your daily routine & what’s a keeper?

Nothing groundbreaking. Cleanser, growth factor serum, moisturizer, and SPF, then perfume to finish. At night, I oil-cleanse to remove SPF, then use either a retinol or an acid, followed by a thick moisturizer.

For me, a product earns a permanent place when it has a purpose backed by data. There’s so much out there, it has to work.

What’s always in your bag?

Lip balm, a small fragrance, and Band-Aids! Only bring the essential beauty products I need to reapply. If I’m going out, I’ll bring the lip liner and lipstick too.

Does scent change an outfit?

Yes, scent completes the outfit. I usually know what scent I want to wear first, and it often sets the tone for the look. Usually unisex, more masculine perfumes. Never floral, it turns too green grassy on me. Skin scents and smoke always feel right.

Your thoughts on solid perfume?

I prefer it because I feel like it blends with my body chemistry in a more primal way. I think the scent of someone’s skin is so sexy and intimate.

I’ve been drawn to applying it to my collar bones first.

Which Batchig signature is most you right now?

It kind of depends on the season. Since it’s spring, I’d say Medusa. In the fall, I’d say Charcoal latte.

If Medusa were an outfit?

I’m thinking curly hair, White t-shirt that fits just right, Tiffany bone-cuff, and Still Here Cool Jeans in brick. For some reason, she’s barefoot, though.

Your current skincare, makeup, hair, or fashion obsession?

Lately, I’ve been really into using a beach hair waver. Sometimes my curls go rogue, so it helps make them perfectly imperfect.

Your worst beauty mistake, if you can laugh about it now?

This feels unoriginal, but the thin eyebrows in the early 2000s were diabolical. I get my eyebrows microbladed to add fullness that never really… came back. It was overall quite comical that we ALL thought that looked good.

The best beauty advice you have ever received?

DO LESS.