Rakul Preet Singh is something of a beauty realist. She believes her lit-from-within complexion is staying the course of overall well-being, physical and psychological. “Regardless of the process you follow, your skin will simply be a reflection of how you feel within,” she tells me. That, and religiously being committed to clean eating along with a staunch fitness regime. A survey of her skincare and makeup routine reveals a penchant for a less-is-more, elegant aesthetic that is both innate and cultivated through hours in the makeup chair. “Makeup to me is like that friend, who you don’t need in your life but you have to have in your life. I’m not big on makeup. On days when I am not shooting, I am likely to go sans makeup,” she confesses.
Although a proponent of holistic beauty philosophy, Rakul is a Bollywood vixen, which means that, when executed, her routine offers ample learned lessons. From her skincare secrets to the products you need to add to your arsenal to recreate her look, we culled together some of her best hacks in this read.
On skincare
“A lot of moisturisation sums up my skincare routine. I have a 4-5-step nighttime ritual. I cleanse, tone, moisturise, apply my vitamin C serum and under-eye cream.”
Khush recommends:
Consider a skincaring cleaner like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser that is void of common causes of irritation, like fragrance, dyes and sulfates, but rather includes soothing ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water to amp up hydration levels and restore your barrier.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, £12.50
We suggest Pixi Glow Tonic™ that’s made with hero ingredients—such as glycolic acid, aloe vera, and witch hazel—recommended for clearer, softer skin.
Pixi Glow Tonic™, £15
Give Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream a shot for moisture surge. This hero product is powered by a mix of synthetic and plant-derived extracts.
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, £50
With its exclusive brightening complex, including potent 98.8 percent naturally derived ferments plus vitamin C, Estée Lauder’s Perfectionist Pro Serum is all you need in your kit.
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum, £86
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado is formulated with beta-carotene and shea butter to soothe and brighten the delicate under eye area.
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, £41
On sunblock
“Using a good sunscreen is extremely important to me. I avoid using too many products, and often rely on versatile options, such as a primer with sunscreen that can act as a light tint on the face for a semi-foundation finish.”
Khush recommends:
La Mer The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is available in seven radiance-boosting shades, and it is as luxurious as it gets. The tinted sunscreen reduces the look of lines with its hydrating hint of colour.
La Mer The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, £75
On foundation
“Just five minutes, and my makeup is done. Post sunscreen, I prefer too roll a foundation stick. I prefer a dewy, natural finish for my base.”
Khush recommends:
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick is a unique cream formula that features the brand’s nourishing infusing complex to create a flawless, smooth finish. The portable stick will allow you to achieve sheer medium or full coverage.
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, £66
On eye makeup
“When I do makeup myself, I usually skip eyeshadow. For eyes, mascara is my go-to.”
Khush recommends:
Achieve longer, lifted lashes with Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara’s slim wand and short bristles. The long-wear, smudge-proof, flake-proof and sweat-proof formula can simply be taken off with warm water.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara, £26
On contouring
“When it comes to enhancing the features, I don’t do highlighter at all. But I do contour. I love soft contouring–it can really transform the way you look.”
Khush recommends:
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo is an expertly edited kit that contains a matte contouring powder and a subtle shimmery highlighting powder for light-to-medium skin tones.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo, £49
On lip care
“I’m more of a pink person. I don’t prefer red lipsticks. But lip balm is something I cannot live without.”
Khush recommends:
Vegetarian and free of silicone, L'Occitane’s Miss Grenadine Tinted Balm will a boost of hydration to your lips along with an irresistible sunny scent and a hot coral wash of colour.
L'Occitane Miss Grenadine Tinted Balm, £12
On fragrance
“I like to keep switching my perfumes and layer them, basis season, time of the day and even my mood.”
Khush recommends:
Jo Malone London offers the best range of perfumes that can be worn as is and layered for a smooth, seductive scent. We are leaning towards Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense that’s cosy without being cloying. The cult favourite fragrance’s toasty almond and mellow tonka bean blend delivers just enough warm and fuzzy.
Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense, £130