Ever wondered what it takes to look like a million dollars? Five divas tell us what beauty means to them and how the glamour world changed (or didn’t) their outlook towards beauty. Also discover the beauty products without which these celebrities do not leave their homes...
Dipannita Sharma, Supermodel and actor
Individuality is a Decision
For me beauty encompasses individuality; it includes leading a healthy lifestyle, being at peace, a need to constantly rediscover myself, as well as outer grooming.
It is easy to be swayed by the perception of others, especially in the industry I belong. There is a lot of pressure and way too much advice being handed out. And you cannot blame anyone for it. Fortunately, I have managed to keep things in perspective. There is a certain amount of outer beauty expected if you’re in this industry. But how far you are willing to go, at the risk of losing yourself, is a decision you need to take.
I concentrate on being me and taking care of myself; I believe that feeling good is about looking good and vice versa. The more natural you are, the more beautiful you look. If you are truly beautiful, nothing will ever take a toll on you. Even when I use make-up, it is an enhancing tool; it is not meant to make me look like someone I am not. I dress to suit the occasion. So, I would dress more casually in private than I would for weddings and public functions. But whatever the occasion, I always like to be well turned out.
I don’t leave home without...
Tinted or plain lip balm, lip and cheek crème and hand cream
Bipasha Basu, Model-turned-actor
A state of mind
A lot of credit for my beauty goes to my genes. Leading a disciplined life without vices and investing in my health by working out regularly, adds to it.
I think of beauty as a combination of looks and personality; it is nothing without character. It always helps to have a smile on your face. Beauty comes from having a positive attitude, confidence, compassion, loving yourself and being comfortable in your own skin.
For me, the word beauty has transformed from a physical attribute to a state of mind, which radiates your inner and outward energies. Positive thoughts and energy make a person more beautiful.
I don’t leave home without...
Lip balm, lip and cheek stainer, sunblock and hand cream, a pack of wet wipes and mist (recommended for this season)
Archana Vijaya, Channel {V} VJ, IPL host, reality star actor
The blush of happiness
Beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. As I travel across the world and get older, I am discovering the beauty of imperfection rather than perfection. From trying to achieve the ‘perfect look and body’, I’ve gone to embracing my body and looks; it’s been a process of learning. Now, I am more comfortable in my skin than ever before! Unless I’m at work, I don’t use make-up on a daily basis. It’s usually blush and lip gloss. In my personal life, I’m not as talkative and outgoing as I am on television. But I’m fairly relaxed both at work and otherwise. I really enjoy what I do, so sometimes the lines blur! It’s important to be happy as it reflects in the way you look and gives you a glow from within that no amount of make-up can!
Apart from that being active, exercising regularly and eating the right foods impact how you look. My beauty regimen is simple—I use mom’s homemade paste of yoghurt, gram flour and turmeric; it works as an instant pick-me-up when my skin feels tired. I drink at least three to four litres of water a day.
I don’t leave home without...
Keihl’s lip balm, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, Chanel’s brown pencil and Lancôme’s mascara
Prachi Desai, Film and TV actor
An internal affair
There are some people whom I don’t know personally, but find very beautiful based on their appearance and aura. There are others, whose persona and inner-selves appeal to me. For me beauty is very subjective. In Bollywood, beauty always was—and continues to be— external and everyone is desperately vying for that perfect look.
The pressure of having to look a certain way all the time does take a huge toll on my mind and body, especially considering the changing demands with each project. But I have found the secret—one shouldn’t fret about it all the time, because once you worry less, you don’t lose the glow.
Neutrogena is a part of my beauty routine. I follow a three-step regime of cleansing, moisturising and sun protection. Maintaining a balanced diet is also important and alternating it with different workout routines makes the process fun. My perception of beauty hasn’t changed due to my profession, but my maturity. Now, a stable state of mind and happiness make me feel beautiful. I am not the kind of person who can put up an act all the time. I have to be very well behaved in public, but otherwise, I let my hair down. My compassion is visible in both my private and professional life; I invest my heart, mind and soul into anything I take up.
I don’t leave home without...
Applying Neutrogena’s sunblock. Off screen, I don’t wear make-up, but carry a pop lip-colour with me. I also carry face mist to keep my skin hydrated
Gaelyn Mendonca, MTV VJ
I am perfectly imperfect
Beauty is very subjective. I totally contradict the quintessential fair-skinned girl with light eyes. I’m really tall (5’ 9”) and non-skinny. I think, being able to carry yourself to the best of your ability is beautiful.
When I got into this profession, I was just a girl out of college who didn’t wear make-up. But now that I have learned a few beauty tricks, I use them when needed. Everyday, I learn from the people around me—my stylist, make-up artist... Gradually, I have come to realise what looks good on me—the colours and cuts that suit me. That said, my perception of beauty hasn’t changed. I got into the profession, so I could go out there and entertain people being myself–girly, goofy and a mimic. I have had my fair share of criticism, but I’m not afraid to make an a** of myself. I just ask myself—am I doing it right? Am I doing it well?
I was brought up with the belief that only ‘you’ are the best at what ‘you’ do. You are unique. And when you’re natural, people notice you. My imperfections make me who I am. The key is to be confident. The happiest girls are the prettiest ones. If you are happy and non-cynical, you attract a certain amount of positive energy from people. You can wear the most expensive clothes and make-up, but a great attitude comes from deep within; you can paint your face, but can’t do more than that. I don’t keep a tab on how many bottles of water I drink or the greens I consume, but irrespective of how tired I am at the end of the day, I always make it a point to take my make-up off before going to bed.
I don’t leave home without...
The Kryolan gel-based kajal for the wettest look possible, pop lipstick (poppy pink and orange). All the nudes of the world are not for me
—Compiled by by Averil Nunes, Pooja Bhula and Rama Sreekant
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