Millennial beauty guru, Nikita Upadhyay, shares her top skincare tips
Feb 5, 2021
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She comes across as a glow-getter and a determined one at that! Browse through her Instagram feed featuring her travels, beauty reviews and collaborations with leading brands. Nikita Upadhyay, author of Roots to Radiance: Wholesome Beauty Solutions for the Millennial Life is millennial and unapologetically so. This former digital head of Cosmopolitan understood the perks and perils of the ‘Insta-age’ and hence created a modern beauty handbook, a ready reference for when you want to whip up a home remedy, be it for dry skin or frizzy hair. Our beauty editor, Aparrna Gupta catches up with Upadhyay and they discuss home beauty remedies, myths, reading labels and everything in between.
3. Has your concept of beauty changed over the years, from when you were a beauty editor to now when you have authored one of the best-selling books on beauty?
Nikita Upadhyay: I’ve become more of a minimalist when it comes to make-up. These days I only like to use clean cosmetics and as my friend, Bobbi Brown (founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics) says, “skin should look like skin”. A lot of people buy brighter tone foundations because they think it’ll bring them an otherworldly glow, but it just gets them a grey undertone. So, ‘acceptance’ is perhaps the right word in this context. I think that’s what has changed for me. The more you accept how your skin is and get products in sync with that, the better your skin will behave.
4. Tell us about the journey of Roots to Radiance. In an age when all the information is available at the click of your fingers, what inspired you to pen down a book on beauty?
Nikita Upadhyay: So many online articles on beauty, that’s true. But I like to call ‘Roots to Radiance’ a reference book. It’s not a novel that one has to read cover to cover. It’s a book that’s charted out different parts of the body into simple chapters and listed remedies for all concerns. For example, the chapter about eyes will have 10 recipes each for puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles etc. I have even listed 50 things one can do under 3 minutes to improve hair and skin health. That’s something us millennials can definitely benefit from.
5. During the process of writing ‘Roots to Radiance’, you have spoken to international experts, which are particular tips that stayed with you?
Nikita Upadhyay: I was super kicked when I had all the movers and shakers of the beauty industry support and endorse my book! It rarely happens for a book to have this kind of compilation. Dia Mirza, an actress who’s awarded for her great skin and contribution to the environment wrote the foreword. A beauty mogul (Bobbi Brown) who’s an inspiration to millions (on how to build a brand) has penned down an inspiring letter for stressed millennials! A Hollywood dermatologist (Dr Barbara Sturm) who treats celebs like Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian has done a skin Q/A for my book. The man who is known as the finest nose in the world (Roja Dove) has taught people how to pick their signature fragrance. And since beauty starts from within, Asia’s star chef (Sanjeev Kapoor) has contributed some easy to make recipes for glowing skin.
Here are the tips that stayed with me:
- Dia Mirza, Former Miss Asia Pacific, Actor, Activist, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador wrote the foreword…and taught me an amazing morning ritual for a youthful glow which is in my book. And some other life lessons that are bigger than beauty.
- Bobbi Brown taught me that it’s okay not to have a clear idea or things figured out upfront…but one has to have an open mind. Being open is the key quality of success.
- Dr Barbara Sturm taught me not to over-cleanse my face i.e. using face wash only once in a day (at night).
- Chef Sanjeev Kapoor taught me the usage of Indian superfoods and pairings to boost their efficiency.
10. You have a deep understanding of Ayurveda and Indian herbs. Which are your favourite beauty herbs and why?
Nikita Upadhyay:
Basil (Skin): Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that calms your skin and fights pigmentation. Pairing it with Multani mitti makes for a great DIY face mask.
Indian jujube leaves (Hair): These leaves are great for treating irritated and flaky skin/scalp. Blend them with aloe vera and glycerin to nourish your skin or scalp.
Ashwagandha/Indian Ginseng (Body): This herb cancels fatigue. One must add this to their routine in form of capsules or churans to energise their senses.
Nikita Upadhyay: Beauty Bytes
The first beauty/skincare product you use in the morning…
After splashing just water on my face, I use toner.
The product with which you pack up your day…
Beauty must-haves (fragrances, colour cosmetics, hair care) on your vanity dresser now…
- Fragrance – Chanel Mademoiselle, Narciso Rodriguez ‘Her’
- Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour in Retro Coral,
- Foundation: Kosas Tinted Facial Oil
- Mascara: Benefit BadGal Bang
- Brow Pencil: MAC Eye Brows Styler
The beauty ritual gives you an instant high…
DIY facials and massages… A full body scrub.
Beauty essentials you never leave home without…
Hand cream! Hands show signs of ageing before any other part of our body. And maybe a face compact and lipstick.
Favourite smells…
Mostly aqua, floral, classic but definitely NOT fruity!
Beauty products you never fly without...
Oh, the list isn’t small especially, for international flights.
Here it goes:
- A good hydrogel sheet mask
- A mini hand sanitizer
- Hand Cream
- Wet Wipes
- Mascara (I can also do my brows with a mascara)
- Tinted Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Face Mist
- Tinted SPF Lip Balm
- Face Wash
- Hair Brush
- Dental Kit.
SHOP NIKITA UPADHYAY’S JUST HERBS FAVORITES

ELIXIR
facial serum

Kimsukadi Tail
glow boosting facial oil

Herb-enriched
skin tint

Sapta jal
ayurvedic micellar water

Aloe vera
facial massage gel

Body luster
ubtan pack
WhatsApp us for bespoke skin and product consultation
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