Malaika Arora’s beauty philosophy has evolved over the years, from ditching heavy powdering to embracing a dewy glow. Today, it’s all about finding the perfect balance. In this candid conversation, the actor opens up about her non-negotiable bedtime skincare ritual and reveals the quirkiest beauty treatment she’s ever tried.

“For me, beauty is about balance. I enjoy playing with one strong element — like a bold lip or dramatic eyes — and keeping the rest subtle. My little hack is to keep skin fresh and dewy; less really is more,” says the 51-year-old, adding, “I gravitate towards products that feel light and nourishing, like lip oils that add just the right amount of shine while keeping my lips healthy.”

She shares, “Longevity always starts with skin prep — hydration and primer make all the difference. When your skin feels good, your makeup naturally performs better. And the mistake I’ve learned from? Over-powdering. In my early days, I thought matte meant flawless, but I’ve realised nothing looks better than skin that still looks like skin.”

Malaika reveals that she follows a dedicated skincare ritual every night before bed, no matter where she is. “I never sleep with makeup on. Double cleansing is my golden rule, followed by a nourishing cream or oil. For me, ending the day with skincare is less routine and more a mindful gesture of love for my skin,” she says.

Recounting the weirdest beauty treatment she has tried, Malaika says: “A beauty treatment I tried once was slimy but surprisingly good. It was a snail facial! My takeaway? I’ll try anything once, but the basics always work best.”