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“When I m home, I make sure that half of my diet is fruits and vegetables," says Padma Lakshmi. “I m 51 and I think that s why my skin now looks good because I ve nourished it properly.” Along with her minimum intake of 2-3 liters of water per day and the regular consumption of yogurt Lassi for gut health, it s clear Lakshmi has an inside-out approach to beauty. “People always ask me what I put on my skin and sometimes it s not what you put on your skin topically,” she says, “it s really what you put in your body.”
Food is also the star of her topical regimen, thanks to a DIY honey mask. “It has anti-inflammatory properties; it s a smoothing agent and exfoliant,” she says, massaging the mask onto dry skin and gently tapping: “The suction pulls out all the impurities.” Lakshmi harvested this elixir from her own beehive, which sits nestled on her New York City terrace.
As a food expert, model, and TV host, Lakshmi has spent years on camera, and she’s honed her makeup routine accordingly. She starts with a Laura Mercier primer and two shades of Armani Beauty s Luminous Silk foundation to veil hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. “When I m going on camera, I make sure my face is extra even but when I m not on camera I don t really wear that much makeup," she says. "I try to let my skin rest.”
For added coverage, she blends concealer with her fingers on her under-eye area, as well as around her mouth, chin, and forehead. She etches her brows with a Dior pencil with the help of a Zadro compact mirror, before sweeping a peachy bronze shade atop her lids. Her eye look is complete with purple eyeshadow on her lower lash line—“I love purple on brown skin; I think it actually acts as a neutral”—a subtle blue-winged eyeliner (a shade by Urban Decay that she can’t live without), and a coat of mascara.
When it comes to lip color, Lakshmi reaches for matte products that won t budge throughout a day spent eating—this time reaching for a duo by Nars and Clinique. She highlights her cheeks and Cupid s bow (a tip from pro makeup artist Pat McGrath), then adds a soft contour, and a spritz of Tata Harper s hydrating essence. Her homemade perfume—a blend of essential oils like neroli, geranium, rosemary, and black pepper—provides the perfect finishing touch.
Below, shop Lakshmi’s beauty secrets.
