Kamya's Beauty Secrets
“I want people to see the real Kamya and I don’t feel the need to hide my skin under layers of make-up” – Kamya Punjabi
Kamya Punjabi is a trendsetter and a beautiful one at that. She has definitely impressed us with her performances but she has also managed to leave behind some serious style statements through her characters. Gorgeous backless blouses, elegant saris, statement bindis and stunning shades of lipsticks…Kamya keeps pushing the boundaries whilst staying true to her own sense of style. Over the years, she has played incredibly strong roles and been a part of some serious dramatic pieces but it is just as refreshing to see her lend her talent to comedic shows. Fearlessly experimental and expressive, Tinsel Gupshup brings you Kamya Punjabi’s beauty secrets…
TG: You have beautiful skin, please share your regimen with us (morning and night)
KP: Honestly speaking, I don’t do much for my skin. I drink a lot of Green tea and avoid wearing make-up when I am not shooting. In the mornings, I wash my face, apply a moisturizer and follow that with a sunscreen. At night, I make sure to remove my make-up properly and just wash my face. I don’t use any night creams etc before I go to sleep. I used to feel that maybe I am neglecting my skin, maybe I should start using a night cream etc because all my friends were using so many products for their skin…but I don’t need it right now. I don’t believe in overloading my skin.
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?
KP: We wear such thick layers of make-up that there really isn’t any room to apply anything else. I am not a product freak and I really don’t know much about the beauty and skin care products available out there. The only thing I am very particular about is the quality of the products that I do use. I always use the best products for my skin.
TG: at shoots, do you wear your own brand of make-up?
KP: Yes! I only use MAC products. They suit my skin and I have been using them for many years now. So, I am very particular that my make-up has to be from MAC. On shoots, I have my own vanity case with all my make-up (eyes, foundations, lips, concealer, brushes, sponges etc) and that case goes everywhere with me.
TG: What is the one skin care product you absolutely cannot do without?
KP: Umm….I can’t think of any one product in particular but I use sunscreen religiously. So every morning after I wash my face and moisturize, I always use sunscreen.
TG: How do you deal with the occasional break-out?
KP: You know there was a time when my skin was really bad. I was working around the clock, my skin was stressed because of the long hours, make-up etc. Basically, my skin was not getting any time to breathe. I was actually very depressed because of the condition of my skin. So that is the time I started drinking Green tea and I used to go to Kaya skin clinic. I believe in the basics so when I do get a pimple, I’ll just leave it alone. I might go to Kaya skin clinic for a salicylic peel but that’s about it.
TG: How do you pamper your skin? (Spa treatments, masks)
KP: I am very lazy about my skin but I do pamper myself with body massages. I just love massages so whenever I get the time, I’ll go for a body or head massage.
TG: Your favorite face wash and moisturizing cream? Favorite brands?
KP: I have been using a face wash and sunscreen from Kaya. It suits my skin which is very important so I just stick to those.
TG: What products do you carry in your handbag?
KP: As I mentioned earlier, when I go for my shoots, I’ll always carry my vanity case with all my make-up and essentials. On a regular basis, I’ll just carry a lip gloss and kajal in my handbag.
TG: What is your magic home remedy? Something your mother or grandmother taught you?
KP: Recently my sister got married and I actually felt the need to do something for my skin. I don’t go for cleanups or facials and sometimes you just want to apply something that will deep cleanse and give you a nice glow. So, I made a mask out of Egg Whites and added a few drops of lemon juice and applied that to my face for 10 minutes. It is a really nice and quick home remedy if you want a natural glow.
TG: Late night shoots, you wake up feeling blah...what do you do for a skin pick me up?
KP: That happens so often. I was shooting late last night and had to wake up really early this morning…so yes my skin was feeling pretty drained out! It’s not just the schedule but I love junk food and also very spicy food so instead of using a product I rely on Green tea for a detox. I am always sipping on a cup of Green tea and it makes me feel light and clean.
TG: Do you do anything in particular for your skin before an important event, evening, photo-shoot?
KP: No! I am actually very confident about myself so even if I go to an award function or an event, I will try to avoid wearing any make-up. I’ll just stick to kajal and lip gloss. I want people to see the real Kamya and I don’t feel the need to hide my skin under layers of make-up. I want people to know that I am a character all the time! So I just wear my confidence!
TG: What is Kamya’s trademark make-up style?
KP: I don’t have a trademark make-up style. I love experimenting with my looks. In Dulhan, as Sindoora, I had a particular style. In fact a lot of people would compliment me on my bindis and the shades of my lipstick. So, in that show I would keep my eye make-up minimal and emphasize my lips. Right now, in Comedy show on Colors, I am wearing a shimmer bindi and I try so many different kinds of looks for each episode. So I love experimenting with my clothes, my make-up, the colours I wear etc.
TG: The best beauty advice / tip that you have received
KP: Just be confident about yourself! When we fixate on pimples, bad skin, big nose, thin lips etc then we are just focusing on the wrong stuff. Love yourself for who you are and just be confident. If you feel happy then that will show on your face. So just be happy with who you are!
Photo credit: Kamya Punjabi & Faisal Raza Khan
©Tinsel Gupshup
