Entrepreneur Roohi Jaikishan shares her top health advice, fragrances she loves, and why olive oil is non-negotiable.
ELLE: What does your beauty routine include?
Roohi Jaikishan: Not much actually. I follow the basics, but I have learnt to be more disciplined about using sunscreen. I also make sure I take my multivitamins, and calcium with magnesium and zinc.
ELLE: Since you’re always on the go, what are your travel essentials?
RJ: I always fly with a moisturiser, hand cream and a fragrance.
ELLE: What is your morning ritual?
RJ: It begins with a warm cup of water that has haldi, lemon and tulsi leaves to kick-start the system and boost my immunity. I’ve learnt to value the time I spend over breakfast and coffee. It’s like meditation because it’s the only me time I get before my day begins.
ELLE: What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
RJ: I’m addicted to the La Mer moisturiser. It keeps my skin smooth and just feels very good.
ELLE: A beauty mistake you avoid…
RJ: I’m extremely disciplined about taking off my make-up before going to bed. It’s usually with Olivio olive oil; it’s very easy and all natural. This olive oil is my real multitasker, I use it for tanning, and moisturising my skin and hair. I also massage it on after a shower and then rinse it off for glowing skin.
ELLE: What’s your signature beauty look?
RJ: Kohl and nude lips are my go-to look. I occasionally experiment with bright lip colours too.
ELLE: What’s the craziest look you’ve tried?
RJ: Heavy ’70s blunt bangs, if I may say so. It was a disaster, but I loved it while it lasted.
Photograph: Manasi Sawant; Sittings editor: Rahul Vijay; Hair: Laila Dalal; Make-up: Priya Todarwal On Jaikishan: All clothing and accessories, Jaikishan’s ownELLE: What is your go-to recovery method after a long flight?
RJ: Sleep and lots of hydration.
ELLE: Time-tested products you’ve come to love over the years.
RJ: Carmex is the only balm that fixes my lips. Huda Beauty Highlighting Palette for shimmer and glow, and a lot of Nuxe. I really like the French brand’s perfume, body oils and face wash.
ELLE: What fragrances do you wear?
RJ: Gucci Bloom, anything from Jo Malone, and everything from Santa María Novella.
ELLE: How do you stay fit?
RJ: I’ve always been active, and I keep switching up my workout to stay on top of my game. I love running, and I’ve recently taken to kick boxing, interval training and boot camp-style workouts.
ELLE: The beauty experts you rely on.
RJ: Make-up artist Priya Todarwal (@priyatodarwal) glams me up for events. For hair, I trust my stylist Fiona Varela, and Kauser Shaikh at The Hair Station salon (022 2499 8866) in Mumbai has been my colourist for 10 years.
ELLE: What’s your favourite wellness getaway in the city?
RJ: Taj Spa at Wellington Mews (022 6656 9494) is the best. Their therapists are good and it’s a peaceful sanctuary in a noisy city. It’s in the Colaba district, so it’s close to home and work.