MADHURI DIXIT NENE’S beauty secrets

The diva speaks to BAZAAR about the art of looking EFFORTLESSLY GORGEOUS, and what it means to be a beauty brand ambassador. By Jhelum Biswas Bose

W hether h th you l loved dh her movies i or dissed di d them, those of us girls who grew up in the ’90s can’t deny that secretly, we all wanted to, well, be her (remember Main

Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon). Yes, men and women alike were smitten by her billion-dollar-smile and were heartbroken when, at the peak of her career, she decided to give it all up post-marriage for a life of domesticity in Denver, Colorado. But the former screen goddess is now very much back in India, and looking as fabulous as ever. It’s oft repeated, but I believe that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. What’s beautiful to me might not be beautiful to someone else. However, I do feel one must use everything in one’s power to look and feel good. Stress has become a major part of our lives, particularly because everybody is working so hard. Add to this, the harsh effects of the sun and the environment. Luckily, science has made advances, and products like Olay Regenerist have been developed to help women look their best and give them that extra confidence. It is a product that allows any woman to look her best at any age.

WHY DO YOU ENDORSE OLAY REGENERIST? Olay Regenerist challenges what’s possible, and so do I, and that is why I endorse the product. I have always believed in challenge—right from the very start. Early in my career, I was told that I wouldn’t become a major heroine, and I challenged that and proved everyone wrong. I was appreciated for my dancing, but somewhere along the line, I was being limited to classical dance. With Ek

do-teen, all that changed. Films like Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Beta, and Pukar, further proved that I was good at Western dance too. It was a challenge when I left my career at its peak and went to Denver to live a quiet life. Now it is a challenge to move back to India and start from where I left off. I revel in new challenges and will always step up to them.

WHAT DOES BEAUTY MEAN TO YOU? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT FROM THE RANGE? The day and night creams. The day cream includes SPF, and the night cream rejuvenates the skin. Both contain green tea, which has antioxidant properties and is a great moisturiser. WHAT’S THE BARE MINIMUM MAKEUP THAT YOU WOULD DARE STEP OUT IN? I believe a woman’s beauty comes from within. How you carry yourself is very important. There are a lot of times that I go out of the house without any makeup at all. Olay Regenerist’s glow gives you the confidence to step out of the house without a trace of makeup.

ANY MUST-HAVES IN YOUR HANDBAG? I love lipgloss and eyeliner. You will always find these two things in my handbag.

GROOMING SECRETS YOU SWEAR BY? Moisturise, moisturise, and moisturise, and just wear SPF. Also, oil your hair. It is very important to oil your hair before you wash it.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE MAKEUP ARTIST? Mickey Contractor, because when he works on a face it is on a very individual basis. He brings out the best of your features. And of course, I’ve worked with him for many, many years.

YOUR FAVOURITE PERFUME?

Issey Miyake fragrances; they smell beautiful.

DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. For me, comfort is essential no matter what I wear. I love pastels and basic colours, and not too much embroidery. I find myself in a happy space when all of these elements come together.

WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN? I currently work out six days a week, eat healthy, and try to get plenty of sleep. Ideally, I will have five to six small, healthy meals a day. I don’t believe in fad diets. It is very important to maintain your vitamin intake and supplements as necessary. Most people generally forget that their skincare is a part of their health regimen. So use the Olay Regenerist range for your face to look healthy too.

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