Neha Dhupia’s Beauty Regime Is As Unfussy As It Gets!

Remember we’d mentioned not too long ago that Kiehl’s has partnered with Neha and Teach For India to establish Kiehl’s Gives — an ongoing global initiative to promote philanthropy — to commemorate its 5th anniversary in India? As part of this initiative, Kiehl’s will retail a special edition of its best-selling Ultra Facial Cream, with 100% of its sales (up to Rs 7 lakhs) going to Teach For India to educate underprivileged children across the country. We caught up with Neha Dhupia for an exclusive tête-à-tête about the same:

1. How did the Kiehl’s Gives collaboration come about?

Kiehl’s is one brand I’ve been using for a really long time. Also, they’ve been involved with philanthropic work for a while now so when they came to me with this idea, I said yes. It was a no-brainer really. Why would I say no when one of my favourite skincare brands wants to support a cause I believe in? Besides, I was ready for a change. I’ve been trying to make a difference whenever I can. I used to be associated with Shiksha, which also works for the cause of education, so this just fit beautifully.

2. Why did you feel the need to take it up?

Education and sports are two causes that are really close to my heart. As far as education is concerned, our biggest curse of being overpopulated can be turned around if the youth of our country get the push they need; they can become a boon for the nation. I firmly believe that no child should be deprived of quality education.

 

3. And why the Ultra Facial Cream?

The Ultra Facial Cream flies faster than the rest of all their products., so I’m guessing that’s the reason they picked it. Also it’s a product I’ve been using for the longest time, it’s unisex, and a lot of people swear by it. I feel even better about using this product now that its proceeds are going towards a legit cause. If this goes off as planned, then we will also be contributing to a painting school, which I think is great!

4. What’s your beauty regime like?

I believe in keeping it natural, simple and fuss-free. I’m fearless with my beauty routine. I’m not the kind of girl who will say I don’t want to go out in the sun, or I won’t lie on the floor else my hair will get spoilt, or I don’t want to be in the heat. I’m not fussy that way. I don’t take my beauty regime very seriously. I just use a moisturiser, a sunscreen and an eye cream. Always. A very wise woman (my mother) once told me that you will not be able to do anything about your eyebags once they are there. She always insisted I use an eye cream. So I started at 22 and thankfully it has paid off.

5. How do you manage your skin on shoots?

I believe that good skin is a result of staying hydrated and working out (she makes it a point to walk atleast 10,000 steps a day!). Sweating it out is the best thing for your skin. Also, stay away from processed food and you’ll be good!

 

6. What are some of your favourite skincare products?

I love Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Hair Restructuring Concentrate With Rosemary Leaf And Avocado Oil. I use their Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak along with the Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque. All I have to do is spend an extra 10 minutes in the shower, but when I come out I look and feel like I’ve spent hours in a spa. Apart from these, I love the Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Ultra Facial Toner, Sunscreen, and the Creme De Corps was a lifesaver when I was shooting for MTV Roadies in extreme weather.

7. Are there any beauty tips you swear by?

I have at least half a teaspoon of ghee every day for my skin and I use coconut oil as a moisturiser for my body. It’s something my mum taught me.

8. Are you fond of makeup?

I prefer minimal makeup. Honestly, I don’t know how to apply make-up. If you ask me to apply eyeliner, and I will shake and collapse — I just can’t do it! Thankfully, I don’t worry too much about what I look like.

9. Which feature do you like to play up?

I’m a BIG eyebrow person. I like well-shaped eyebrows. I need my eyebrows to be perfectly done. Your entire face can be done but if your eyebrows don’t look good it looks like something’s missing. On the other hand, you can have no makeup on but if your eyebrows are filled in well it looks like you are well put together. So left to myself I’d do my eyebrows, add a little mascara and blush, and I’m done.

 

10. What are your favourite products?

Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper & Hair Touch Up in Mahogany, Bobbi Brown Non-Shimmer Blush, and Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain by Benefit. I don’t like shine. So everything about me has to be matte. Right from my hair colour to my clothes and makeup, everything is matte!

11. What products are always in your handbag?

Blush, kajal, and eyebrow mascara. Just the basics.