Some people light up a stage. Amanda Imani owns it.
Whether she's captivating audiences as a singer, songwriter, model or emcee, Amanda has built a career around authenticity, confidence and an undeniable presence that makes you stop and watch. But beyond the spotlight is a woman who values slow mornings, meaningful moments and staying true to herself—qualities that have shaped not only her career, but also her perspective on beauty and life.
As one of the distinguished judges for Fathom's Finest in Beauty Awards 2026, Amanda brought more than just industry experience to the judging panel. She looked beyond the marketing buzz to evaluate what truly makes a beauty product worthy of recognition—from innovative formulations and real-world performance to the overall experience of using it. It's a role that perfectly complements someone who understands that true beauty isn't about following every trend—it's about confidence, individuality and substance.
Fresh from gracing our cover, we sat down with Amanda for an honest conversation that goes beyond the glamorous photos. From the life lessons that changed her outlook, to the beauty myths she wishes people would stop believing, the products she genuinely looks for as a beauty awards judge, and the quiet moments she treasures when the cameras stop rolling, this is Amanda Imani—unfiltered, refreshingly grounded, and every bit as inspiring off stage as she is on it.
AN INTERVIEW WITH AMANDA IMANI
“Honestly, when the cameras are off, I’m actually quite simple. I love being at home, spending time with my cat Boba, watching something good, listening to music, and just having some quiet time to myself. My ideal day would probably start slowly with a good coffee and no alarm, followed by good food, maybe a little shopping or getting my nails done, and then being home before the day ends. I think because my work is so people-facing and high-energy, I really value those quiet, ordinary moments where I can just be Amanda.”
People know Amanda Imani the performer, but who is Amanda when the cameras are off? What does your ideal day look like when you’re completely off duty?
“I’ve learned that not everything needs to happen on your timeline. I used to think success meant constantly moving, achieving, proving yourself and saying yes to every opportunity. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that peace is also a form of success.
Sometimes the right thing is to wait, to say no, or to walk away from something that no longer feels right. I think happiness comes when you stop measuring your life only by what you’ve achieved and start appreciating where you are while still working towards where you want to be.”
What’s one life lesson you’ve learned over the years that has changed the way you approach both success and happiness?
“I think she’d be proud that I didn’t give up. There have been so many moments where things didn’t go according to plan, but somehow I always found my way back to music and to myself.
I’d tell her not to take rejection so personally. Not every closed door means you’re not good enough. Sometimes it just means that door wasn’t meant for you. And I’d tell her to trust herself more. She’s probably more capable than she thinks.”
If your younger self could see where you are today, what do you think she’d be most proud of—and what advice would you give her?
“There have been a few, but performing has always given me that feeling. There’s something about being on stage and connecting with an audience that makes everything else disappear.
I think one of the biggest reminders for me has been being able to perform alongside incredible international acts and on major stages, while also creating my own music and watching people connect with it. Those moments make me realise that all the years of hard work, uncertainty and figuring things out were leading somewhere.”
Looking back on your journey so far, is there a career-defining moment that made you think, “This is exactly where I’m meant to be”?
“For me, all those roles are actually different expressions of the same person. Whether I’m singing, writing, modelling or hosting, I’m still bringing my personality, my voice and my perspective into it.
I also think it’s important to remember why you started. For me, music has always been the core. The other things came along naturally as I grew and evolved as an artist. I don’t feel like I have to put myself into one box, because I’ve never really been that kind of person creatively.”
You’ve built a career as a singer, songwriter, model and emcee—how do you balance wearing so many different hats without losing your creative identity?
“That you need a huge skincare routine to have good skin. I’ve definitely gone through phases of trying too many products because I thought more must mean better, but sometimes your skin just wants you to leave it alone!
I think the most important thing is understanding what your skin actually needs instead of following every trend. What works for one person may not work for you, and that’s completely okay.”
What’s one beauty myth you wish more people would stop believing, and what’s the reality from your own experience?
With your busy schedule and frequent appearances, what’s your non-negotiable beauty or skincare ritual that you never skip?
“Removing my makeup properly. Especially when you’re constantly wearing makeup for performances, shoots and events, your skin needs a break.
I’m also big on keeping my skin hydrated. I’d rather have healthy, well-hydrated skin and use less makeup than try to cover everything up with more makeup. And sunscreen is definitely non-negotiable.”
“Definitely minimal! When I’m off duty, I love letting my skin breathe. Usually it’s skincare, maybe a little lip balm, brows if I’m going somewhere and that’s about it.
I love getting glammed up when there’s an occasion for it, though. I think that’s part of the fun of being in this industry sometimes you get to transform completely. But when I’m home? I’m very much in my comfortable clothes, no makeup, hair up and just chilling.”
When you’re not working or attending events, are you more of a minimal skincare-and-makeup girl, or do you still enjoy getting glammed up?
“Take care of your skin before you worry about your makeup. Good makeup starts with good skin prep.
I’ve also learned not to fight my natural features too much. Makeup should enhance you, not make you feel like you have to become someone else. And honestly, drink your water, get enough rest when you can and never underestimate the power of removing your makeup properly!”
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve picked up throughout your career—whether from a makeup artist, dermatologist, or simply through trial and error?
“It’s honestly been such an honour to be part of the Fathom’s Finest in Beauty Awards 2026, especially to experience it from both sides as a judge and as the cover star. Being a judge also made me look at beauty products differently because you’re not just thinking, “Do I like this?” You’re looking at the overall experience, the formulation, how effective it is, the innovation behind it and whether it genuinely delivers what it promises.
For me, an exceptional beauty product is one that has substance behind the hype. It should feel good to use, actually do what it says it will do, and ideally bring something fresh or meaningful to the category.
And to the readers, I’d say beauty is really personal. Don’t feel like you have to follow every trend or look a certain way to be considered beautiful. Find what makes you feel good and confident.
To the brands shaping the future of beauty, keep innovating, but don’t lose sight of the person using the product. Beauty is constantly evolving, and I think the most exciting brands are the ones that understand that individuality and inclusivity are just as important as innovation”
As one of the judges for the Fathom’s Finest in Beauty Awards 2026 and also our cover star, what has this experience meant to you? What qualities do you believe truly set an exceptional beauty product apart, and what message would you like to share with our readers and the brands shaping the future of beauty?
CREDITS
WARDROBE: SUMAN RAJ
JEWELLERY: KAIMIRRA
LOCATION SPONSOR: RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR
PRODUCTS: PENTAVITE | MAYBELLINE
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALYSSA NUR AIN