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Amanda Batula has never shied away from showing the real, unfiltered version of herself on Summer House, and that includes her struggles with acne and breakouts. Over the years, fans have watched her embrace vulnerability while filming, but opening up about her skincare journey wasn’t always easy.
“There is no script, I’m not playing a character, you’re watching my real life. And part of real life is acne,” Amanda shares in an exclusive E! interview. The pressures of reality TV, combined with unpredictable breakouts and acne scars, created a unique challenge—especially while filming long days in front of the camera.
Now, the Bravo star is sharing what helped her push through those insecurities, the skincare products that actually made a difference, and her best acne-fighting tips.
From her go-to cleanser to the TikTok-famous skincare product she swears by, Amanda gives a refreshingly honest look at her beauty routine—and why she’s no longer letting breakouts hold her back.
E!: What is your number one skincare tip that you stand by?
AB: Less is more. All these “morning shed” videos and 20-step nighttime skincare routines are just too much. You can actually do more harm to your skin, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.
E!: Are there any specific cleansers you use to help control breakouts?
AB: Double cleansing is key! I used to use a cleansing balm, but those can be so thick and oily and not great for your pores if you don’t properly remove all. Now, I double cleanse with Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser followed by the Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser and my skin always feels so clean after.
Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser
Upgrade your skincare routine with this creamy cleanser that removes impurities while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced.
Face Reality Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser
Refresh your skin with a gentle cleanser that lifts away dirt and oil without stripping moisture.
Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner
Replenish your skin with a balancing toner that restores hydration and preps your complexion for the rest of your routine.
Face Reality ClearDerma Moisturizer
Hydrate and soothe your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that helps maintain balance without clogging pores.
E! Are there any overnight skincare products you can’t live without?
AB: Any overnight hydrating masks are a must for me. I love Face Reality’s hydraCalm mask.
Face Reality HydraCalm Mask
Soothe and hydrate your skin with a calming mask that helps restore moisture and reduce irritation.
E!: What made you decide to share that journey so publicly, and how has that experience been for you?
AB: Being on reality TV, I’ve had the privilege of sharing so much about myself, my life, my relationships, and have been able to do so quite authentically, for better or for worse.
We live in a time where there are so many filters and editing apps that set such an unrealistic standard. I feel it’s so important to be real and show people who may view me one way that I’m dealing with some of the same struggles— I’m just a girl.
E!: You recently shared that you were “dealing with the worst acne of your life” while also filming Summer House. How did that impact you mentally and emotionally?
AB: My skin started getting really bad in season 2 of Winter House. I was so nervous to film. I’d never felt more vulnerable or insecure. I was waking up and putting concealer on my face with no other makeup to try to look as natural as possible.
Sometimes I’d take an extra long shower in the morning to try to miss filming morning reality and would just stay in my room and get ready for the day. I cried a lot. I really didn’t want to do the show, but I’m really proud of myself for pushing through it because it really wasn’t that noticeable once it aired.
E!: How do you deal with post-acne marks or scarring?
AB: The post acne spots are the worst because sometimes they feel like they never go away. Face Reality just launched a GlowTone Corrective Serum which helps to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other discoloration such as sun damage, dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone.
Face Reality GlowTone Corrective
Target dark spots and uneven skin tone with a serum that helps brighten and even out your complexion over time.
E!: When a breakout strikes, which concealer do you turn to?
AB: I love Westman Atelier, specifically their concealer. That brand just has really good clean products and I use a lot of their stuff.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Brightening Concealer With Hyaluronic Acid
Conceal breakouts and acne with this hydrating formula that provides full coverage while nourishing your skin with hyaluronic acid.
E!: What’s your favorite beauty product under $10?
AB: It’s Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara in brown.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
“I love a good brown mascara and this one easily washes off, but also doesn’t run down your face when wet. And it’s not a tubing mascara—it’s like magic.”
More Celebrity Fans: Lisa Rinna
Customer Ratings: 81,200+ 5-star Amazon reviews and 8,000+ 5-star Ulta reviews
E!: What hydrating lip products do you swear by for keeping your lips healthy and moisturized?
AB: Summer Fridays and Laneige are two of my favorite brands. I’m using them all the time.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
“I love a good lip balm. I have them in every bag and every drawer and every crevice of my apartment.”
More Celebrity Fans: Kyle Richards, Erin Andrews, Alix Earle, Justine Skye, Paige DeSorbo, Sydney Sweeney, Hannah Brown, Leah Kateb, Porsha Williams, Kenzie Ziegler,Dr. Nicole Martin, Alexia Nepola, Drew Sidora, Delilah Belle Hamlin, Serayah, Sydney Warner, Ashley Haas
Customer Ratings: 38,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Nourish your lips with a buttery, hydrating formula that leaves them soft, smooth, and with the perfect hint of shine.
More Celebrity Fans: Caelynn Bell
Customer Ratings: 3,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews
E!: What are your tips to lock in makeup all day?
AB: I use a little pressed powder in my oily areas. I like the ones from Kosas. The key is ONE/SIZE Setting Spray.
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
“My makeup isn’t going anywhere once I spray that on my face.”
More Celebrity Fans: Madison LeCroy, Rylee Arnold,
Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder
Set your makeup with a lightweight, smoothing powder that keeps shine in check without settling into fine lines.
E!? What’s a beauty product you discovered on TikTok that has become a staple in your routine?
AB: This is such a throwback, but the bronzing drops from Drunk Elephant.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
“Summer, spring, winter, fall, I’m always mixing it in with my moisturizer whether I’m wearing makeup that day or not. It gives such a nice added glow that makes me feel alive haha.”
More Celebrity Fans: JoJo Fletcher, Kaylor Martin
Customer Ratings: 3,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews
E!: When you’re in the mood for a little at-home spa day, what are your go-to products?
AB: I love a good red light mask. There are a few great brands out there. I’m also a big fan of Patchology eye patches.
Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Hydrating Under Eye Patches
“I have them in my fridge at all times.”
Customer Ratings: 1,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Target breakouts and fine lines with a high-tech LED mask that helps visibly clear skin and boost radiance in just minutes a day.
More Celebrity Fans: Paris Hilton, Bethenny Frankel, GwynethPaltrow‘s goop
E!: What’s the craziest skincare trend you’ve tried?
AB: This isn’t that crazy at all, more stupid on my part. I tried dermaplaning once. But I did it myself at home. Never again. I’m happy sticking to my little peach fuzz face and exfoliating in other ways.
E!: What role did Face Reality play in your acne journey?
Although my skin has greatly improved since I first went off birth control, I’m still dealing with more breakouts now than I was in my 20s so I wanted to try to get rid of my acne for good. I love how Face Reality has a variety of products for all skin types and can really customize a routine for you instead of a one size fits all three-product approach that’s magically supposed to work for everyone.
I also love how I have a personal esthetician and Face Reality Acne Expert, Madalaina Conti, who is well-versed in the brand and can really help me figure out how to clear up my skin. It can be overwhelming to try to figure it out on your own.
E!: What’s your best advice for someone struggling with acne and feeling like it’s holding them back?
Every single person you know has an insecurity. The people you think don’t have one are just really good at exuding confidence and faking it. They don’t let their insecurities hold them back and neither should you. You don’t want to miss out on the fun things in life because of your skin.
That’s always easier said than done, but just take it one step at a time. It will get better. It’ll take more time for some than others, but just be patient with your skin and kind to yourself.
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