Fresh off her red-carpet debut at Cannes 2025 with the short film The Second Wind, Nandinee Khosla is having a moment—and it’s not just about cinema. With a background in theatre and campaigns for major brands like Pepperfry, Revera Diamonds, and Jio Cinema’s Tinder Swipe Ride, she’s now emerging as a voice in beauty too.
To her, beauty isn’t just surface-level—it’s ritual, reflection, and release. As she steps into her role as a new-age beauty creator, we caught up with Nandinee to uncover the skincare habits and self-care wins she doesn’t usually share on the ’gram. From power scents to makeup pouches and what wellness really looks like off-camera, here’s a peek into her glow-up playbook.
- What are the five beauty products you never travel without?
My absolute must-haves? First up, the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: it’s a lifesaver for dark circles and those last-minute stress breakouts. Then my NARS Cheek Palette is an all-in-one blush, bronzer, and highlighter situation, perfect for travel. I swear by the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder to lock everything in and prevent creasing. Ilia’s Mascara gives that instant lash lift. And finally, a long-lasting neutral pink liquid lipstick. Smashbox’s “Yes Honey” is my go-to for a full-day wear
- What’s always in your touch-up pouch? A mini concealer, a beauty blender, compact setting powder with a puff, a cheek tint, and a trusty lipstick. Honestly, these five products can do more than just touch-ups; they can build an entire look when needed.
3.What’s the first product that touches your skin in the morning?
Acne pads are my holy grail. They’ve truly changed the game for me. I cleanse my face with them first thing in the morning to keep my skin clear and calm.
- How do you like to unwind after a long day?
Step one: remove every trace of makeup. Then a long hot shower, followed by my skincare ritual. Once that’s done, I put on some music, light a candle, and just dance around my room. Nothing soothes me more than dancing to my favorite songs.
- What’s the best beauty tip you’ve learned on set?
I used to wonder why makeup artists are always dabbing faces with a powder puff between shots—until I experienced it myself. The secret to long-lasting makeup is setting it well. A good translucent powder and a puff can make a 12-hour shoot look like you just got your makeup done. Just blot lightly when needed, and you’re fresh again.
- What’s the most underrated beauty product?
Mascara, hands down. A little curl and a swipe of mascara instantly open up your eyes and freshen up your whole face. Who needs falsies?
- What’s been your best beauty buy so far?
Investing in a good set of makeup brushes. They’re not cheap, but they’re the one thing that will truly last you years. I’ve had my Sigma brushes for over five years now and they still deliver the perfect, flawless blend every time. A worthy investment for sure.
- What’s your signature or power scent?
I choose my scent based on the occasion. For the daytime, I love something floral and feminine—Gucci Flora is my pick. For the night, I lean into something bold and sexy like YSL Black Opium or Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. - Which perfumes do you reach for when you’re in your soft girl era?
Whenever someone mentions “soft girl era”, my mind instantly thinks of a delicate vanilla base. It gives that feminine energy. Good Girl by Carolina Herrera hits the sweet spot with its warm, vanilla-rich scent.
- How do you like your room to smell?
I’m big on incense and diffusers. I love fresh, floral notes—think lily or lavender. Recently, I discovered an oud-based diffuser, and surprisingly, I’m loving the depth it brings to the room.
11.What was your beauty prep like for Cannes?
For me, beauty prep always starts with skincare and that means taking care of myself inside out. I cut out sugar and dairy to avoid breakouts and bloating, and loaded up on Vitamin C-rich foods. Oranges were my best friends. I stuck to home-cooked meals, got a full eight hours of sleep, drank lots of water, and kept my skincare consistent. When your skin feels great, makeup just glides on effortlessly.
- Who’s your role model and why?
It always goes back and forth between my mom, dad, and sister—they all inspire me in different ways. But today, I’ll say my mom. She’s the epitome of grace and confidence. She embraces her grey hair and fine lines as symbols of wisdom, not flaws. In a world obsessed with youth and filters, her authenticity and pride in her natural beauty are so empowering. Watching her walk into a room with poise reminds me every day that real beauty comes from self-respect and strength. - Which 5 beauty or wellness creators do you love following?
I’m constantly inspired by creators who strike that perfect balance between looking good and feeling good. My absolute favorites right now are: Hailey Bieber – the queen of clean-girl beauty: glowy skin, glazed lips, and minimal effort that always looks runway-ready.
Aashna Hegde – effortless glam with a refreshingly real vibe.
Diksha Rawat – soft glam meets quiet luxury; everything’s polished and intentional.
Sheena Fit – a wellness icon for me: strong, balanced, and grounded in her body.
Emily Noel – her grounded beauty reviews keep it real and relatable.
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