The actress shares her formula for always looking radiant & happy
Is it the lipstick, cream, mascara, hair colour or foundation? Or is it the infectious smile that lights up Priyanka Chopra’s face and brings a sparkle to her eyes? Priyanka Chopra reveals the secret of her beauty routines and favourite products, and how she always looks fabulous. “I work 19 hours a day… am overstressed, overworked and underpaid!”, claims the actress. “I would love to visit a spa as often as I can, but with my hectic schedule, I don’t really get a chance. I enjoy all aspects of a spa experience and don’t have a particular favourite. But if I was forced to make a choice it would have to be a Kerala Ayurvedic Spa treatment,” says Priyanka. So here are her tips on looking good and feeling great, in her own words Beauty basics Cleanse, tone and moisturize – there is nothing that works better for me. I’m required to wear a lot of makeup, whether it’s for films, photo-shoots or appearances. So when I’m not working, my routine is very basic.
The things that I carry with me at all times are my Pond’s Perfect Results Multi-Benefit Cream and M.A.C Studio Fix. On my days off, I don’t do much; I just allow my skin to breathe. I drink lots of water and never forget my multi-vitamins. I think it’s important to pamper your skin. My crazy schedule doesn’t allow me the luxury very often, but I try and get in a facial whenever possible. I experiment with moisturizers and switch between light lotions like Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and richer creams like Clarins’ Hydraquench Cream. We have aloe vera plants growing at home and my mom often makes these divine masks out of the aloe jelly. Magic of make up Being an actor, makeup is important for me. I use M.A.C, Bobbi Brown, Armani and Nars products, a lot. Good makeup brands keep your skin healthy.
For eye lining, I like M.A.C. Teddy Eye Kohl, a bronzy brown shade. I usually smudge that into a black Armani pencil. But my most favourite cosmetic is the M.A.C. Fluidline black liner in a pot, in Black Track. I apply this to the inner rim of my eye with a firm brush, and it doesn’t move at all. For my daily look, I use Bobbi Brown concealer, in Honey – it is yellow enough for my skin. My favorite blush is Nars Orgasm. I line my lips with M.A.C Spice Lip Liner and then fill in Laura Mercier’s Mulberry Lip Stain. If I don’t want to look heavily made up, I simply use The Body Shop’s lip balms. For super-long eyelashes, I rely on the Eyes to Kill mascara by Armani.
When I’m not making a public appearance, I use absolutely minimal makeup and spice it up with eyeliner, blush and lipstick. I slip on a sexy short dress and high heels, and I’m all set! Scent of success Smelling good is a must, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. I somehow associate smelling good with being clean – and sometimes it is irritating (laughs). My current preference is The One by Dolce & Gabbana, but my all time favourite is Ralph Lauren Romance. I also love Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin. Tress treatment Given the trauma I put my hair through, I give it extra care. Asides from regular oiling and conditioning, I trim my hair once in about two months. I don’t keep switching stylists, and stick to Minal Sharma and Kanta Motwani – they know me and my hair. Anything that is Sunsilk is good for my hair. My hair secrets actually come from the kitchen.
I raid the larder for beer and eggs, which are great for the hair. I also apply yogurt once a week; this helps with dandruff. Look good too Highlight your assets. If it’s your eyes, applying kajal and a little liner works best. For your cheekbones, the right blush will do the trick. It’s important to know the colours that complement you and what are your best features. Moisturize and when you’re confused about what to do… just keep it simple! Cuisine coaching I am lucky, I don’t put on weight. Its simply good genetics and a great metabolism. Honestly, I am a complete foodie and a junk-a-holic. Diets don’t work for me. I try and eat healthy most of the time but also don’t stop myself from eating what I feel like, whether it’s a pepperoni pizza or aloo parantha! I love food and Indian and Thai are my favourites. I never compromise when it comes to eating, but make sure I include a lot of greens in my diet.
I don’t take to crash dieting and would advise everyone to refrain from unhealthy eating habits. I go to the gym four times a week just to tone my body. I am lucky I do not have a tendency to put on weight. The only thing that I have cut down on is oil, but I also avoid any kind of heavy meals. Busy mind, beautiful body… For mental stimulation, I just keep on reading. My love for video games also keeps me alert. Whenever my mother tells me I am restless because of my video-game addiction, I tell her it is also the reason for the twinkle in my eyes (laughs). My keep-fit regimen also includes a number of breathing exercises, which I do first thing in the morning and last thing before sleeping.
What works for you! One simple trick that makes you fabulous is comfort, and knowing what suits you – the fit, style and look – whether it’s hair, clothes or makeup. And more than anything else, and I feel this is true for everyone – I am comfortable in my own skin! I think more than good looks, it’s a person’s attitude and the way they dress that determines how they are viewed. Music is very therapeutic for me. It’s something that has always been a passion. So I unwind with music, and that always keeps me smiling – from within and outside. Eating right, exercising right, breathing well and taking meticulous care of your skin is Priyanka’s advice. So take these on board and go glow, girls!