It seems ages since former calendar-girl Deepika Padukone had a dream launch in Bollywood opposite Shahrukh Khan in the 2007 blockbuster film Om Shanti Om. Since then, Deepika is the undisputed queen of Tinsel Town often trumping her male co-stars in films such as Ram Leela and Chennai Express. Daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone, Deepika was born in Denmark and played national level badminton. Her attitude to beauty is deeper than being just physical. “My biggest beauty belief is to maintain a high emotional quotient and a positive attitude towards life”.

The fact that Deepika carries off any sexy number she does with ample grace is flabbergasting. Flashing those famous dimples every now and then, she gives a peek into that faultless figure of hers that’s launched a hundred brands.

“Good looks need care”

My daily skincare regimen involves cleansing, toning and moisturizing. I use products that are mild and do not strip my skin of essential proteins. I am not much of a make-up user and stick to basics like a moisturizer, lip balm and a neutral foundation. I don’t go for regular facials, but do indulge in clean-up sessions once in a while. Also, I am very particular about taking off the make-up before I go to bed. As a ritual, I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil once a week.

“Beauty is not just about your face.”

A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet and the correct skincare and fitness regimen all go hand in hand to make possible a beautiful you. I believe in leading a very healthy lifestyle. I love my sleep and try catching-up on it whenever I can. The first thing I do when I wake up is keep myself in a peaceful state of mind, with very little disturbance or sound nearby. I then do my yoga and get ready for my day ahead. My physical regimen consists of a gamut of routines, be it playing badminton, swimming or skipping. I hate hitting the treadmill; I resort to that only when I’m traveling on a shoot. It’s always better to be out in the open air. I am a firm believer in skincare the natural way. I am careful about using skincare products that are the right mix of nature and science.

One should never try to go overboard on any products, as the more you try to be experimental with your skin, the worse it gets. Just stick to the basics of skincare and witness the splendid results. There are a host of natural products available that are a better bet than harsh chemically enhanced ones.

“The sun screen is your best friend!”

I use plenty of sunscreen as a quick fix. Many people are unaware of the effects of the sun on their skin and if I had to pick a product I use the most, it would have to be my sunscreen. I never ever leave home without literally bathing in it. And I always carry more than one bottle of it, in case I lose one, if I am traveling.

“Water is a wonder potion.”

Water acts like a miracle to flush away all the toxins from the body and I do not mind drinking gallons of it. It keeps the skin supple.

“I need only three things to be beautiful.”

And they are – moisturizer, lots of water and Neutrogena sunscreen.

“I don’t carry a vanity bag all the time.”

I don’t wear make-up unless I have to. I’ll just wear mascara and a Neutrogena lip balm with SPF. My mascara brand varies; I just pick it up while I’m traveling.

“It is very important to understand the difference between day and night looks.”

For the day, I go for a no-make up look. If you have a good lifestyle, then your natural beauty will shine through. A work out itself makes your skin look great. A lot of us ignore our hair, even if you don’t do much to your face and get a hair treatment followed by a blow dry it will always look great.

For the night, because I’m in a profession where I’m always dressing up, I keep my make-up clean and subtle. I would wear a colored lipstick, blush and some mascara; matte works best for me.

Image Courtesy: pinkvilla.com, bollywoodlife.com