India’s most powerful voices. Women who have shattered the glass ceiling. Coming from diverse backgrounds with widely differing stories. But they all have one thing in common? They have conquered the nation and proved their self-worth goes beyond a pretty face indeed! Meet our leading ladies and their go-to beauty obsessions.
Author of international best seller God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy is recognised as one of India’s most influential polemicist of our times. Even as she’s busy saving the nation from injustice, Roy’s much talked about organic sense of style and gorgeous complexion have legions of admirers. This self-proclaimed ‘Natural Born Feminist’ was listed among ‘100 most influential people in the world’ by Times Magazine.
Her beauty secret: Lots and lots of coconut water. Cleanse and moisturise your face before you start your day and before hitting bed.
Nykaa recommends: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanse and Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion.
The American singer-songwriter received critical acclaim for her breath-taking Bollywood debut in Dhobi Ghat In 2011. Currently battling the sensitive issue of gender violence through her new series Woman and her new beauty project #Bestbeautifulstory, Dogra seems to have it all. How does she manage to look so good? “A great chap stick and Olay Total Effects. The only things I need in my handbag.” Beauty regime noted!
Her beauty secret: Feed your face and lips with constant hydration. Always carry your chap stick and moisturiser with you.
Fashion Director of Vogue India and ranked as the country’s number one commercial stylist, she is a leading voice in the fashion community. Credited as the force behind some of the most iconic looks in showbiz including Kajol in Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenga and Deepika Padukone in Cocktail. When it comes to her ultimate go-to beauty look, the fashion goddess relies on a winged eyeliner and a pink or nude mouth.
Her beauty secret: A makeup trend that will never go out of style, a crisp winged eyeliner and toned down lips.
Nykaa recommends: Nykaa Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner - Super Black 01, and SUGAR Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick - 05 Rust Lust.
The woman behind Aishwarya’s iconic look in Taal is also credited for creating standout looks for Rohit Bal, Manish Arora, Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani. The self-taught makeup expert, who won the Vogue’s Best Makeup Artist award in 2011 has an uncomplicated beauty routine. The secret behind her gorgeous signature curls? “Argan oil followed by a frizz control serum.” She also swears by the beauty power of Coconut oil. “It’s a multipurpose beauty miracle.”
Her beauty secret: A few drops of Argan oil and frizz control serum for hair. And organic coconut oil to moisturize skin.
Award winning Bollywood star, singer and Hollywood favorite thanks to her hit TV series Quantico, Chopra seems to have it all. Her humanitarian and philanthropic efforts have seen her set up The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education. So here comes the real question. How does the diva look flawless all the time? “Great skin reflects inner beauty and that’s something anyone can have.” She quick to admit though that she never steps out without sunscreen and bright lipstick.
Her beauty secret: Drinks tons of water with a squeeze of lemon. A great sunscreen and red lipstick, and you're ready to go!
Nykaa recommends: The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Power Long-Lasting Sun Cream and NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick.
An industry pioneer and expert in aesthetic medicine, she’s responsible for the flawless skin of many Bollywood bombshells. Author of Age Erase, Dr. Shetty is the first Indian doctor on the international advisory board of the Anti-Ageing World Congress. Her beauty mantra? “A good moisturizer, following with an eye cream, lip balm and neck cream.”
Her beauty secret: A good moisturiser, following it up with an eye, lip and neck care formula
The sports legend who has brought Indian tennis on the global stage. Regarded one of the finest players to have ever represented India on international dais, Mirza won the Padma Shri in 2006. Refusing to let detractors drag her down, she’s a true inspiration to women too timid to stand up for themselves. So, what’s the tennis superstar’s beauty secret? When she’s off the clock she loves sporting a sultry eye and natural lips. Go Sania!
Her beauty secret: Smoky eyes and nude lips
Nykaa recommends: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Diamonds Eye Shadow and NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss.
She bagged the nation’s first ever gold medal for wrestling at the Commonwealth Games. She inspired a nation’s dreams. Even Aamir Khan couldn’t resist making her film based on her life! The film, Dangal, drew attention to Geeta (and her sister Babita’s) life and times, proving once again that ‘Girls can fight too!’. More power to the Phogat sisters and their ilk!
Her beauty secret:A dab of courage and a good dose of discipline.
The Malayali girl from Bangalore is one of the most sought after super models today. After getting a break in a French Vogue editorial in 2008, Menon has become the face of high profile brands, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Givenchy. In a sea of white faces, she stands apart with her breath-taking dusky complexion, chiselled jawline and signature pouty lips. "There's nothing like kohl liner for strong and sexy eyes,” she says.
Her beauty secret: A rich black kohl pencil
Nykaa recommends: Plum Natur Studio All-Day-Wear Kohl Kajal - Black
One of the finest female directors of our times—remember English Vinglish? Shinde went record to confess that the film was her way of apologizing to her own mother for being embarrassed by her poor English. Her recent release Dear Zindagi has only cemented her place in Bollywood. She’s equally celebrated for her halo of classic spring curls that seem to have a life of their own!
Her beauty secret: To get curls like her, apply mouse on semi damp hair and tong. Follow up with a hairspray to keep the curls intact.
