The less you do to your skin the better: Ileana D’Cruz

She has experimented with pops of colour in her recent release, Mubarakan, where she plays a spunky character. But off screen, Ileana D’Cruz prefers to keep it simple.  In a tête-à-tête, the actress opened up on her make-up essentials, why she admires Audrey Hepburn and her favourite beauty hacks.

What are your make-up kit essentials?

I don’t carry make-up in my bag. But my essentials would be a concealer and a lip and cheek tint. I like to keep it super simple. One of the things that makes a huge difference is filling in your eyebrows. Eyebrow mascaras are really nice too.

What’s your skincare routine like?

It’s fairly simple. I have to take my make-up off before I sleep. I have to moisturise — dermatologists say most women forget to moisturise their neck. In your 50s or 60s, you will notice the first area that you see wrinkles is there, so it’s important to moisturise both your face and neck. I think the less you do to your skin the better. Let it breathe.

What do you do for your hair?

I don’t oil my hair, and actually feel in the act of getting rid of the oil you tend to damage your hair with excess shampoo. I do lots of deep conditioning treatments as I’ve experimented a lot with my hair.

What’s your solution for pimples?

Use Pond’s facewash. The biggest mistake women make is trying to pop it. I’m also guilty of doing that in the past. One of the best things is to use a face wash meant for pimples, but icing it also helps, especially if it is inflamed. Try and leave it alone, it will go away.

Any beauty idols?

There’s one woman who I find is the epitomy of beauty — Audrey Hepburn. She’s gorgeous and was such a beautiful person as well. And I think that radiated in her. The person you are on the inside will eventually show on the outside. I have a beautiful mom as well.

Do you have a signature fragrance?

I have two — Chanel Mademoiselle and Paco Rabanne Lady Million.

Any home remedies for skin and hair?

My mom used to take channa ka atta with milk and make a paste out of it. She used to tell me to scrub my arms and legs with it because in Goa we would get really tanned. It softens your skin too. But now I love my tan. Coconut oil is something that I love using and you can do a homemade wrap. Take lots of oil and apply it on a body part and then wrap cling wrap and sleep with it. The next morning it will look radiant. Used coffee grains and oil also make for a good scrub for cellulite.

Anything you include in your diet for better skin and hair?

Fish, fish oil. Also vegetables. The more vibrant your food colour wise, the better. I love spinach.

One beauty product you can’t live without

I am obsessed with lip balm, it’s one product I can’t live without. I apply it several times a day.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done in the name of beauty?

I liked blue eyeliner when I was in college. I thought it was really cool. And then I looked at pictures of myself and I think I look deranged.

Your off duty hair and make-up style

I’m really lucky that I’m blessed with good hair. It is quite poker straight. So even if I naturally air dry it, it falls straight, almost as if it’s blow dried. Make-up wise I keep it minimal with concealer, spot corrections and a tinted moisturiser or cheek tint.

RAPID FIRE

Red lips or nude - Red
Curls or straight hair - Straight
Contouring or highlighting - Highlighting
Ponytail or a bun - Bun
Lip gloss or matt colour - Matt
Statement eyes or lips - Statement eyes