Keep surprising yourself: Shonali Nagrani

What’s in your make-up bag?
I love buying make-up. My kit always has Clinique Moisture Surge moisturiser — that’s my lifeline, a basic kajal, waterproof mascara, Benefit concealer, MAC blush, a nude gloss and red lipstick.

Describe your skincare routine
At the end of the day, I always wash my face with a cleanser, followed by Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and a moisturiser. On days that I’m shooting, I just use a cleanser and moisturise my face, hands and legs.

What’s your go-to beauty look for a red carpet event?
I love doing a smokey eye with a soft lip colour and big hair — lots of natural looking curls.

Any beauty idols growing up?
I mostly look up to women with great skin. In that sense, Madhuri Dixit is top on my list. I also love Angelina Jolie, she hardly wears make-up and just lets her eyes and lips do the talking. Scarlett Johansson too is naturally sexy.

What are some tips you’ve taken from beauty artists and use daily?
Lots! On a bad hair day, you should use a dry shampoo. Also, brushing your eyebrows is important. You can use a transparent mascara on your brows for a clean, groomed look.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty?
When I joined the industry, someone told me I need to get a bigger forehead. So I got my hairline threaded and it was a disaster. I had to grow bangs just to cover it up!

What product do you turn to for a beauty boost?
I love the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate — it works well on dry or dehydrated skin.

Do you have a signature fragrance?
Dune by Christian Dior for the evenings.

Do you gravitate toward a lip colour and if so, which shade?
Since I’m fair complexioned I love peaches and pinks. For the red carpet I might go for red.

Do you think it’s important to stick with a signature look?
Not at all, I think it’s important to be unpredictable and keep surprising yourself.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
My mom taught me less is more. Stay as natural as possible.

Beauty routine you swear by
Women should get facials done once a month – it really relaxes and hydrates the skin. Also, a hair protein or spa treatment for the mane once in two weeks. The skin is like a canvas and once you’ve got good skin you’re quite sorted. Drinking a glass of vegetable juice daily makes a huge difference.