Neha Marda is a beautiful girl, talented actress and our 'Shringaar' icon. Before the cameras, Neha has impressed us with her poignant performances. We loved her as Gehna in Ballika Vadhu and now we love her even more as 'Vrinda' in Mahadev. We are not upholding Neha as a 'Shringaar' icon because of her angelic soft face with pretty features and glowing skin. Rather, it's because we love that she makes no qualms about the fact that she takes skincare very seriously and, leaves no stone unturned to keep her skin healthy and happy! "I am very strict about my skincare regime because I want to look beautiful. I don't want to cringe when I look at myself in the mirror and I am very proud to admit that I don't need to wear any makeup" admits Neha honestly. In this day and age when images of airbrushed starlets sends us running to the nearest beauty counter, it is refreshing to talk to a girl like Neha who refuses to take her good genes for granted, won't let her busy schedule get in the way and does not rely on easily available cosmetics for quick fixes! Clean and naturally glowing skin requires some work but the results sure beat slapping on layers of foundation! Tinsel Gupshup brings you Neha Marda's beauty secrets
TG: You have beautiful skin, please share your regimen with us (morning and night)
NM: I am very particular about my skin and hair so yes, I do follow a very strict skincare regime. From the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, I drink almost 5 litres of water. I have a personal beautician who makes my shampoo, facial cleanser and moisturizing cream and all her products are Ayurvedic. Also, I eat a lot of green vegetables and seasonal fruits.
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?
NM: When I am not shooting, I don't wear any makeup at all. At a shoot, before I apply my makeup, I apply two layers of the Ayurvedic moisturizing cream to my face and neck. I wait about 30 minutes for my skin to absorb the moisturizing cream and then I'll apply my makeup. When I shoot outdoors, SPF is an absolute must and I use liberal amounts of SPF cream on my arms and hands too. I think it's very important for your neck, arms and hands to be of the same skin tone as your face…so all over sun protection is a must! Once my makeup comes off, I'll clean my face and apply a layer of the Ayurvedic cream again.
TG: at shoots, do you wear your own brand of make-up?
NM: I am partial to MAC and Dior
TG: What is the one skin care product you absolutely cannot do without?
NM: Personally, I don't need any makeup and I do have good skin. I don't even use Kajal or lip gloss. I like using lip balms to keep my lips moisturized and that is about it
TG: How do you deal with the occasional break-out?
NM: I would just leave it alone
TG: When it comes to skin care and make-up products are you an impulsive shopper or do you research before you buy and try?
NM: When I travel abroad, I love picking up makeup products from MAC and Dior. At the end of the day, I have to wear makeup because of my profession and there are so many shades that one can experiment with. So I usually buy a lip color or eye shadow, use it at least once at my shoot and then decide whether I like it or not. I don't buy any skincare products and even with makeup, I stick with the brands that suit me. I do get impulsive when it comes to picking up perfumes!
TG: How do you pamper your skin? (Spa treatments, masks)
NM: Not at all! I do go for a regular clean-up every month but that is 100% Ayurvedic. That is it! I don't go for any facials or spa treatments
TG: Your favorite face wash and moisturizing cream? Favorite brands?
NM: I use a face wash by Neutrogena once in a while. Apart from that everything I use is made by my beautician. I am from Kolkata and I moved to Mumbai 5 years back. Mumbai weather can be really harsh and my skin was fine but my hair really suffered. So for a few years I was trying different shampoos and conditioners and nothing was working. A friend recommended this beautician to me and at first I was really skeptical because I did not believe that Ayurveda could help in any way. I am so glad I was introduced to her because she is a miracle worker! Everything she makes is 100% Ayurvedic – my skin is better, my hair is much stronger so I only use her products. I use her shampoo, moisturizer, facial cleanser, kajal and soap.
TG: What products do you carry in your handbag?
NM: Hmmm…let's see…I keep one lip balm, a comb, and a MAC compact
TG: What is your magic home remedy? Something your mother or grandmother taught you?
NM: Even when I was a kid, my mom would apply a mixture of Besan and Milk to my face, arms and legs. Once it dries off, you can rub it off gently and it not only exfoliates the skin, but acts as a fantastic hair remover as well. In fact, this is a really effective and natural home remedy for girls who have facial hair.
TG: One actor (female - Films, Television or Hollywood) who you think has flawless and beautiful skin?
NM: Actually, it is really difficult to answer this question because whenever I meet colleagues from work, they are wearing makeup. Hmmm…let me think. In television, I think Mouni Roy has really good skin. Amongst men, I think Mohit Raina has great skin! I hope he does not read this…I'm sure he will kill me but I think he is beautiful! I remember when I was at the Mahadev shoot, Mohit had changed into his 'Jallandhar' avatar and instead of wearing the Blue costume; he was wearing the Black one. I saw him at the set – long flowing hair, kohl eyes, Black costume and the first thing I said to him was that he was looking very beautiful!! He was so amused and he replied – 'What? Am I supposed to look beautiful or handsome??' I have to admit, he has really good skin! I have also seen Madhuri ji without makeup and she is stunning! Last year, I was shooting an episode of Jhalak to support Chang and I saw Madhuri ji…she just glows! She has absolutely flawless skin and she really looks gorgeous without makeup!
TG: What is Neha's trademark make-up style?
NM: I believe that makeup should enhance your face and your features. So for me, it is about enhancing my eyes and looking clean, fresh and pretty. I always make sure that my hair is neat and tidy, my complexion should be dewy and my skin should be glowing, I'll accentuate my eyes with a beautiful kajal or liner and of course…I have to use the perfect perfume!
TG: The best beauty advice / tip that you have received
NM: I think everyone knows about the benefits of water but for some reason people just don't drink enough water. So my advice will be to drink lots of water because it flushes out toxins, keeps you hydrated and believe me…it is the best thing you can do for your general well being! Coconut water is great but don't drink fruit juices because they contain Glucose and sugar. Also eat a lot of seasonal fruits!
Photo credit: Neha Marda
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