Ragini's beauty secrets

“Beauty is power; a smile is its sword” – Charles Read.

There is no doubt that Ragini Khanna is beautiful but it is her smile that captivates the heart. She acts, she sings, she dances and she can light up the room with her glowing skin and radiant smile. Tinsel Gupshup has a tête-à-tête with Ragini to find out the secrets behind her beautiful skin!

TG: You have beautiful skin, please share your regimen with us (morning and night)

RK: I am very particular about moisturizing, when I go outside sun block is a must and an under eye cream before make-up. You should remove make-up before you go to sleep properly. Most eye make-up removers are not too efficient and some traces are always left behind but you must make sure that you remove everything properly before going to sleep.

TG: As an actor, you have to wear make-up for long hours, endure strong lights day in and day out, how do you protect your skin when you are shooting?

RK: I drink a lot of water and keep myself hydrated, pay attention to my diet and workout. I feel that the sun can do the maximum amount of damage to our skin so proper sun protection is a must. Make-up won’t really damage your skin but it should be of good quality and your skin should be allowed to breathe.

TG: At shoots, do you wear your own brand of make-up?

RK: I always wear my own make-up. For foundation and base I swear by Bobbi Brown…I think it is one of the best make-up brands. I love lipsticks from Sephora. Foundation, liner and Kohl come in direct contact with your skin so I am very particular about the quality of those particular products. Any product that comes in direct contact with your skin should be from a good company.

TG: What is the one skin care product you absolutely cannot do without?

RK: My moisturizer and face wash from Kiehls.

TG: How do you deal with the occasional break-out?

RK: My skin is very sensitive to the sun and I tend to get a bad breakout or rash if I am out in the sun for too long. My dermatologist has given me an ointment for my sun allergy. Basically, I feel that the way you feel on the inside is what will reflect on the outside. So, if you are healthy and happy from within, your skin will automatically glow.

TG: When it comes to skin care and make-up products are you an impulsive shopper or do you research before you buy and try?

RK: I used to be an impulsive shopper. Whenever I would go to a make-up store, I would get tempted by a pretty product or bottle and then buy it. Truth is that ultimately I would just end up using my tried and tested basic 4 or 5 products and all the nice and pretty products would just be lying around. Also, have you noticed how these products go on and on forever? I mean, they never finish…so I have 5-6 blush ons and they will last for 10 years!! So, now I don’t buy anything new till I have finished what I already have and basically I don’t enter a make-up store! It takes a lot of willpower but I’ll go in, pick up just what I need, not look around and then walk out!

TG: How do you pamper your skin? (Spa treatments, masks)

RK: I go for a weekly detox treatment. I think that is the best way to keep yourself healthy and pampered.

TG: Your favorite face wash and moisturizing cream? Favorite brands?

RK: I use Kiehls face wash, moisturizer and under eye cream.

TG: What products do you carry in your handbag?

RK: My wallet, my cards, my money, my keys, my deodorant, sun block, Kohl and lip balm. I love Carmex lip balm. I know it’s not the greatest balm but I just love it!!

TG: What is your magic home remedy? Something your mother or grandmother taught you?

RK: I apply Multani mitti to my face once every month and I mix Rose water, honey, bananas to it. I eat a lot of curd or yoghurt and that is very good for your health in general. I believe in natural products and I try not to rely on chemical products.

TG: Late night shoots, you wake up feeling blah...what do you do for a skin pick me up?

RK: Ice is the best remedy. If you apply a small cube of ice early in the morning...it can work wonders for your skin.

TG: One actor (female - Films, Television or Hollywood) who you think has flawless and beautiful skin?

RK: Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone

TG: Do you like to try new products or do you prefer to stick to what works for you?

RK: I am open to trying new products but only if I am not happy with what I am using currently. I believe that your imperfections make you who you are…I love my imperfections. I will never go for botox etc because I want to age gracefully and naturally. So, if my lips are too thin…I don’t mind…let them be thin because they make me who I am.

TG: Do you do anything in particular for your skin before an important event, evening, photo-shoot?

RK: I think a 20 minute power nap can do wonders for your skin.

TG: Any product that you absolutely rave about and swear by? (After using this product you have

called you friends up and said - Oh my God, you have to try this)

RK: I can only swear by natural products and remedies. I won’t ever recommend a chemical product because it might be great but in a few months the manufacturer might change the ingredients etc…so you can’t trust such products.

TG: What is Ragini’s trademark make-up style?

RK: Very minimalistic. Nice soft blush, with a pretty lipstick…a pink or a peach or Red, I love Red and it is my absolute favourite for a lip colour. If you find the perfect Red shade of lipstick then all you need is Kohl and mascara and it can really bring out your features and complexion beautifully. I think every girl should have a nice Red lipstick!

TG: The best beauty advice / tip that you have received

RK: All these years in the industry, I have learnt a lot, mostly by reading and observing my make-up artists. Most of my artists tell me to keep it natural. So I stick with simple and natural. I think, the eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face…so keep them well groomed and shaped. Keep it simple..let your natural beauty shine through!

Photo credit: Ragini Khanna

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