The #ITGTopShelfie series puts the focus on the lives and beauty routines of Into The Gloss's lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Show us your own Top Shelfie on Instagram—tag us @intothegloss, and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie.

'My name is Tanika Rottura [@ tbrottura _nychomedesigns] and I live in New York City, where I was born and raised. I work as an Executive Assistant at Morgan Stanley in their Technology division, where I manage financial data and systems, while ensuring meetings and functions run smoothly. My job allows me to be really technically creative and that's what I love most about it. I had originally planned to become a dancer or an interior designer, but you can be a creative in any industry. I've learned that taking different talents and combining them underneath one umbrella is what makes any work fulfilling.

One of the first things I do in the morning is spritz on my favorite scent, and I really like Byredo Gypsy Water or Diptyque L'Ombre Dans L'Eau. Gypsy Water smells like the ocean and L'Ombre smells like sea salt and vanilla. Not sure if I’m the only one that prefers to wear certain fragrances during the winter but I’m currently stuck on Chanel’s Coromandel, too... I was a big camper when I was younger and it reminds me of the mountains.

It takes me 20 minutes to get ready for work. I start off by washing my face with cool water, and then I apply Tatcha Radiant Deep Brightening Serum, which is really natural and light. It also works the first day you put it on, and quick results are what we want. When I have more time, I love washing my face with Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser. It works really well for combination skin like mine. Then I apply the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster which I like to protect my skin from the cold. I always wear SPF—it's a myth that darker women don't need it—and I like Fresh Soy Face Cream SPF 20. I have sensitive skin and this doesn't make me break out. I try to listen to my skin and pay close attention to how products react with it. What works for my friends with similar complexions doesn't necessarily work for me. At night, I use La Mer's Lifting and Firming Mask along with Nars' Skin Restorative Night Treatment. I know they're pricey, but they really work.

All throughout my life, I've been pretty girly. I first tried red lipstick when I was 16 and my mom went through the roof. Why do we always go for red first? Now I wear makeup kind of sparingly because I don't want to trick anyone, but a little mascara, lipstick, and blush just make me feel good. I only wear foundation in the winter, strangely, and Nars Sheer Glow in Trinidad matches my skin tone and isn't drying. I also like Nars Blush in Exhibit A, which is great for darker skin. Lipstick is a mood changer and I like to wear a nude tint for daytime. I love Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Icone—it's the best lipstick I've ever used. Also, my style is really colorful, and this goes with any outfit. To spruce up my eyes, I use Chanel Le Volume Mascara.

As a child I never thought my hair was beautiful. This has since changed—in large part to my husband, who helped me shift my perception of what's beautiful in a woman. If you feel happy and beautiful inside, everything on the outside will cooperate. Since going natural, I try to keep it easy and chemical-free. I wash my hair daily with As I Am Co-Wash Conditioner before applying Sheamoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Transitioning Milk, which seals in moisture. In the morning, I just take five minutes to fluff it with a dime-size of Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil.

The best way for me to relax is with a glass of white wine, or three, followed by a quick shower. I have really dry skin—like, cracking dry—so I'll layer Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion underneath Le Labo Santal 33 Body Lotion, which smells amazing. I also like Jo Malone's Vitamin E Body Scrub, especially when I want to unwind. But the best beauty tip of all is good, quality sleep. One way I sleep better is with an eye mask. From experience, it just works.”

—as told to ITG

Read about stylist Bethany Bankston's four-conditioner rotation, violinist Maria Im's Korean approach to eye cream, and jewelry designer Asha Patel's DIY exfoliating treatment in the #ITGTopShelfie.