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Never underestimate the power of manifestation. A sheer belief can help turn dreams into reality, and that is exactly what happened with Miss World 2017 and Bollywood actor Manushi Chhillar. Estée Lauder, the international cosmetics giant, has named Manushi as their global brand ambassador. “Joining Estée Lauder as their global ambassador is something I have manifested for a long time,” an elated Manushi tells us.
With this announcement, the Indian beauty queen joins the roster of Estée Lauder’s global talent which includes the likes of Karlie Kloss, Grace Elizabeth, Ana de Armas, and Carolyn Murphy. Back in August 2022, Manushi endorsed the brand’s night repair serum and cut to April 2023, she graduated to being the global brand ambassador for Estée Lauder.
“Estée Lauder is an iconic brand founded by a visionary woman, Mrs Estée Lauder, who proved anything was possible with hard work, passion and dedication. Like her, I hope to be a role model for women around the world, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their ability to impact positive change,” she shares when enquired about what she aims to bring to the table.
Manushi first stepped into the limelight in 2017, when she won the Miss World crown. Later, she drew attention to her inspiring perspective on beauty and showbiz. She laid emphasis on embracing oneself, inclusivity and how one doesn’t have to conform to society’s standards. In 2022, she showed off her acting chops in Samrat Prithviraj, a period film based on a Rajput emperor from Ajmer, starring megastar Akshay Kumar.
In conversation with Zee Zest, Manushi talks about the joy and responsibility that comes with the Estée Lauder association, the changing notion of beauty, her personal skincare routine, beauty trends she’s really digging right now, and staying her authentic self on social media.
Read the edited excerpts below:
1. What does beauty mean to you? Is beauty part of self-care for you?
Yes, beauty is a part of my self-care, beauty is more than skin deep. My mother always tells me that happy girls are pretty girls. And I think if you focus on inner happiness, you genuinely feel more beautiful on the outside.
It is about feeling content and at peace with yourself, which radiates a natural glow. For me, beauty is all about being comfortable in my own skin and feeling confident about who I am.
2. The notion of beauty is changing and it's becoming more about individuality and realness. As the Estée Lauder brand ambassador, how do you plan on perpetuating this philosophy?
Estée Lauder has always been a pioneer in promoting these values, fostering inclusivity and diversity throughout its history and legacy. By representing the brand, I aim to amplify this philosophy on a global scale and empower individuals to celebrate their individuality without limitations.
3. Talking about beauty pageants like the Miss World, what, according to you, do they represent and stand for?
Beauty pageants, such as Miss World, have a rich history and have evolved over time to represent a broader concept of beauty.
Originally, these pageants were created as a form of entertainment for soldiers returning from war and were focused on physical beauty, as evident from the swimsuit competition. However, today's beauty pageants embody something much deeper than just physical beauty. They reflect more holistic ideologies that include inner qualities such as confidence, intelligence, talent and leadership skills.
Additionally, beauty pageants provide a platform for cultural awareness and give young women an opportunity to highlight their skills and make a positive impact on society. As such, Miss World and similar pageants represent the ever-evolving concept of beauty and provide young women with a powerful platform to emphasise inner beauty and purpose in life.
4. What does your self-care routine look like?
My favourite way to relax and unwind would be to paint. When I can find the time between travelling, having some quiet time to do this works well for me.
5. What does your beauty routine look like?
My routine is quite simple. My morning starts by cleansing my skin, then I apply moisturizer and eye cream. I always wear sunscreen – my go-to is the Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50.
Before sleeping, the first thing I do is double cleanse because I like to take off all my makeup. My first cleanser is oil-based and then I use another cleanser to remove whatever remains on the skin. Then I like to use the Advanced Night Repair Serum followed by a deeply hydrating moisturizer and I finish my routine with the Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex.
6. Do you incorporate any Indian beauty rituals into your routine?
Yes, I do integrate certain Indian beauty rituals into my routine. One of my favourites is a homemade face mask mixture made using gram flour, yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric. Whenever I have some spare time in the morning, I like to use this face mask because it has incredible benefits for my skin. It helps reduce pigmentation and tan, retain moisture, and even exfoliate the skin.
I have found this ritual to be a fantastic addition to my beauty regimen, and it is something that has worked wonders for me.
7. What are some beauty trends you’re really digging right now?
I am a huge fan of the "less is more" trend where makeup is kept minimal and focused on enhancing natural features. I also love the trend of bold brows and lashes, as they can make such an enormous impact on one's overall look.
Overall, I think these trends are great because they allow you to experiment with your makeup while still maintaining a natural and effortless look.
8. Who or what do you turn to for beauty inspiration?
Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have been great sources of inspiration for me. I enjoy following influencers and content creators who share their unique makeup looks and techniques, which I can learn from and incorporate into my own routine.
I believe that learning from good teachers and staying inspired are crucial to constantly improving and evolving one's own beauty regimen.
9. Which are the products you always travel with?
I always like to be prepared, so I carry a little pouch of skincare and beauty products in my handbag. This pouch contains all my essential items, including a travel-size bottle of the Advanced Night Repair Serum, Perfectionist Pro Sunscreen, lip balm, and a compact.
By having these skincare and beauty products with me, I can ensure that my skin remains healthy, nourished and radiant always.
10. How do you manage to stay your authentic self on social media?
While I must admit that I am not always active on my social media platforms, I do my best to remain true to myself when I post. It is essential because I believe that honesty and authenticity are key to building a trustworthy relationship with your followers. And it is the best way to remain relevant in the ever-changing social media landscape.
11. Lastly, what’s keeping you busy right now?
There are multiple things that are keeping me engaged and are in the pipeline for my career now. I am enjoying this stage of my life as an actor, where I'm being offered a lot of opportunities and possibilities to explore. I have already shot numerous films, including Tehran, for which I'm extremely excited. I am also filming for a handful of other fascinating projects that are now in the works, such as Operation Valentine.
Photo: Estée Lauder and Instagram/Manushi Chhillar