There is true power in a signature style; it’s like the badge you’ve earned for discovering your real self. And no one exemplifies this better than Sana Rezwan. After carving a niche for herself as a fashion entrepreneur (with Indelust, a socially conscious online boutique), Rezwan has moved her focus to the art world. As director of The Art Lab, she does marketing and partnership strategy for organisations like Kohler, The Art Production Fund (a non-profit global art initiative) and The Cultivist (a private art club). Her refined beauty look—red statement lips, centre-parted hair and glowing skin—is both striking and effortless. We got her to line up the perfect shopping list with her skincare staples and the lipsticks she favours the most.
ELLE: What is your beauty philosophy?
Sana Rezwan: Less is more. My mother is and always will be an inspiration in this regard—she uses no make-up.
ELLE: Has this influenced your daily beauty routine?
SR: I have had to alter it in my 30s to minimise the ageing process in the simplest and most natural way. I didn’t change much except I switched my skincare products from Radical to Chantecaille, which is natural and chemical-free—surprisingly this also resolved my rosacea.
ELLE: Which products do you rely on?
SR: I am a big fan of Chantecaille and was recently introduced to the brand by Space NK. I like using their skincare line, especially Vital Essence and the Bio Lifting Oil Free Fluid, which are incredibly nourishing. The line also has a fantastic BB cream, Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser that is lightweight and perfect to wear every day. Also, I love using a mask two to three times a week, and depending on how my skin is feeling I switch between Eve Lom Rescue Mask, Chantecaille Hibiscus Soothing Mask or its Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask. My bi-monthly ritual includes either a hydrafacial or a bespoke facial at Cowshed. A few other essentials include Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish—I use it thrice a week, and their body butter is great for winter. For shampoos, I alternate between Christophe Robin Colour Fixator Wheat Germ Shampoo and Oribe Cleansing Creme, it’s a non-foaming conditioning cleanser.
ELLE: Is this well-rounded routine the secret to your radiant glow?
SR: I also try to eat as healthy as possible—avoiding foods with excess fats, carbohydrates and sugars. I like to eat as clean as possible and drink plenty of water through the day. I work out five to six times a week, it ranges from circuit training, hot yoga, swimming to cardio.
ELLE: What do you always have in your make-up bag?
SR: My sister-in-law, Fajr Qureishi, introduced me to wearing bright lipsticks about seven years ago. There’s been no going back since then. Some of my favourite lipsticks are the Lip Maestro series by Giorgio Armani and BY Terry’s Rouge Expert Click Stick in Naked Nectar and Chilly Cream. Besides that I use Kevyn Aucoin’s setting powder and bronzer, Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Fusion Makeup for the most natural glow, and Bobbi Brown’s Brow Shaper for added definition.
ELLE: What is your morning ritual?
SR: It’s a simple routine of meditation, coffee and exercise before I begin my work day.
ELLE: How do you recuperate after a long flight?
SR: I usually book a massage or acupuncture appointment; a good workout helps too.
ELLE: Who will we find in your beauty black book?
SR: I rely on my colourist Lucille at Sally Herscheberger and hairstylist Tomo at Marie Robinson in New York for my hair. I swear by my dermatologist, Dr Mukta Sachdev in Bengaluru. And when I’m in need of some time out, I book myself at The Standard Hotel in Miami or Vana in Dehradun.
