Fashion blogger and interior decorator Prerna Goel loves an indulgent face cream, but it’s her home-made remedies that are the real secret.
ELLE: Tell us about your beauty routine.
Prerna Goel: My beauty regime is quite simple. I keep my skin well hydrated at all times, but the most essential part is that I never leave my house without sunscreen. I also keep things as natural as possible and use a lot of yoghurt face packs. And I drink green juices.
ELLE: How do you start your day?
PG: It begins with a cup of hot water with turmeric, cinnamon and lemon. This is followed by my usual cup of tea, while I read the newspapers. Then depending on the day, it’s either an intense workout at the gym or some yoga and meditation. After all this, I get a good breakfast of eggs, fruits and coconut water.
ELLE: What’s your fitness formula?
PG: I believe in moderation when it comes to maintaining a healthy and toned body. I make sure I get some form of exercise through the week, either it’s functional training, weight training, Pilates or yoga. If nothing else works out, I go for an hour-long brisk walk. Sugar is a big no-no in my books: it ages you, makes you lethargic and nullifies all the benefits of a workout.
ELLE: What are your beauty essentials?
PG: I always indulge in a good face cream and oils. Currently, I’m using Medik8 C-Tetra face cream (loaded with vitamin C) and a serum from Skin Therapy. When I’m travelling, I always carry my perfume, hand cream and lip balm along.
ELLE: The one rule you never break.
PG: No matter how late I go to bed, I always cleanse my skin and then wash it with virgin coconut oil.
ELLE: The best beauty advice you’ve ever received.
PG: I take a lot of care of my skin and most of my knowledge comes from my mum, who is a naturopath. I have been her guinea pig for years; and I still use the fruit and vegetable face packs and hair packs she has taught me to make. It’s safe to say that a mini kitchen exists in my bathroom.
ELLE: Some of your all-time favourite natural remedies.
PG: For my face, I mix yoghurt, banana, turmeric and a little honey. You’ll see the difference when you use it; your skin will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom. For my hair, I grind fresh aloe vera with coconut oil and apply it as a hair mask. Just one hour is enough to nourish the hair.
ELLE: A beauty experiment you would never try again.
PG: I permed my hair during my college days. It was hideous. But hey, it was the trend back then.
ELLE: What are your top perfumes?
PG: I love fragrances; my favourites include Diptyque Eau des Sens, Byredo Blanche, Lancôme Oud Bouquet and Armani Privé Rose d’Arabie.
ELLE: Who features in your beauty black book?
PG: Dr Dinyar Workingboxwalla (0 99201 48885) for my clean-ups if I’m in Mumbai, and Dr Rabia Malik (Drrabiamalik.com) when I go to London. I regularly visit Silhouette Salon (022 2202 9963) to get my nails done.
ELLE: Your beauty mantra?
PG: It’s important to take some time out for yourself: either meditate, listen to music, be around nature, read a book, or play with your pets. Stay away from toxic talk, and be true to yourself. But most importantly, I believe in what Ketut Liyer (the Balinese healer) from Eat, Pray, Love said, “Smile from within.
Photograph: Manasi Sawant
Styling: Rahul Vijay
Hair and make-up: Rosario Belmonte/Anima Creative Management;
Assisted by: Pujarini Ghosh (Styling)
Location courtesy: Masque, Mumbai
