Sonam Poladia

Anyone who was born in the era where MTV channel aired more than reality shows about 20-somethings on their quest for love and fame (not necessarily in that order) would be aware of the impact Sophie Choudry had on our style growing up. The VJ-singer-actor regularly treats her followers to behind-the-scenes glimpses of her workout routines and vacations around the world. The multi-talented personality sat down with HELLO! to talk about her beauty favourites, her all-time favourite icons, and her everyday beauty ritual...

What are your in-bag essentials? 

“Right now, sanitiser, an extra face mask, lip balm and my phone. And if the bag is big enough, I carry a small make-up kit, a hair brush, a bottle of water and a small wallet.”

What are the top beauty products for you?

“I swear by 111Skin products. Their vitamin C serum, face wash, under-eye products and rose gold face masks are amazing. The Sarah Chapman cleanser is great. I also like products by iS CLINICAL, like their hydra serum and neck primer. I use a light paraben-free moisturiser, but I amp everything up with different serums.”

Which day products are part of your everyday ritual? 

“The 111Skin vitamin C face wash and under-eye cream. I add a few drops of a serum to my moisturiser. Sunblock is vital, even indoors! As for make-up, I use a light base from Bobbi Brown or NARS and a cream blush by NARS or Tom Ford. Sometimes, I just fill in my eyebrows and wear mascara— no other eye make-up. I love highlighting and bronzing to give shape and glow to the face. A warm, natural pink lip colour is my go-to.”

Which products do you use at night? 

“I remove my make-up with the Sarah Chapman cleanser, a Clarins eye make-up remover, the iS CLINICAL neck cream and a serum mixed with my moisturiser. I finish off with a lip balm.”

What are some of your top beauty tips?

“Nothing is more important than taking care of your skin. Start using an eye cream in your 20s. Don’t neglect your lips or your neck. Never sleep with make- up on. Change your products depending on how your skin feels. Don’t pick on your skin and blemishes; go to a professional for that. Invest in your skin! What also reflects on your skin is your diet and lifestyle. You need to workout regularly, eat right, avoid dairy and refined sugar, and drink lots of water and herbal teas. All of these make a tremendous difference!”

What’s your current favourite beauty trend?

“I love putting my jade roller in the freezer overnight and using it the next morning. I think face rolling has become a big trend in the past year, along with using multiple masks.”

What does true beauty mean to you? 

“It’s so much more than just physical attributes. It’s the positive energy and aura someone carries with them that is magnetic, the ability to be true to themselves and someone with a pure heart—all of these things reflect on your face. That’s what makes some more beautiful than those with just perfect features and not much else.”

Who are your beauty icons? 

“So many! I was named after Sophia Loren, whom I love. Rita Hayworth was so beautiful. Jennifer Lopez constantly reinvents herself and is so inspiring. Rekha ma’am is truly iconic. There’s also Gayatri Devi and the beauties, Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan] and Kareena [Kapoor Khan]. I admire all these beautiful women for being their own kind of beautiful!”

What are your favourite fragrances?

“Good Girl Gone Bad by By Kilian, Gucci Oud and Carolina Herrera by Carolina Herrera.”

What are your favourite beauty rituals? 

“I use various masks at home at least once a week. Otherwise it’s 111Skin facials in London. I really miss them.”

 What kind of bags do you prefer? 

“I don’t like them to be too big or too small. Chanel would be my favourite generally, in terms of styles, and Dior, especially ‘the saddle’. I do love cross-body bags, but for travel, it’s a tote!”

What makes Indian women unique and beautiful? 

“The quality of our skin and our diverse skin tones. Also, the quality of our hair. Many Indian women have found the balance between the traditional and modern. That is truly beautiful and unique to us. We can go traditional in a saree and Indian jewellery and then rock a western, edgy outfit or a fabulous gown. Deepika does both superbly! “

Who, according to you, is the most beautiful man?

“That’s a tough one, but I would say Hrithik Roshan and Michele Morrone. Also George Clooney and Bradley Cooper. All incredibly good-looking men!”

This has been adapted from a story that was originally published in HELLO! India’s September 2021 issue. Get your hands on the latest issue right here!