Alia Bhatt is no stranger to the red carpet; a star of Bollywood cinema since childhood, she’s one of India’s most prominent and celebrated actresses. Having just made her debut at the Cannes Film Festival (wearing a glittering bespoke Gucci saree to the closing ceremony, no less), the L’Oréal Paris ambassador is accustomed to both jetsetting and trendsetting, letting her work inspire her aesthetic while also remaining resolutely herself. She’s also taken her place in the L’Oréal Paris family at precisely the opportune moment.

“The brand has a 28-year affiliation with the Cannes Film Festival and there’s a strong association between the two. I feel the same as an ambassador and have matching values,” says Bhatt. “I really understand the meaning behind being ‘worth it’ now. I want to make other people feel that they’re worth it too. It’s come at the right time and feels like a very natural fit.”

Alia Bhatt before the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony

Bhatt is confident in her own skin in every sense; open minded, but self-knowing. “In general, I do like to stick to what I know, but I’m always keeping my eyes and ears open for what’s cool and what’s fun and what would be a good fit with my personality too,” she explains. “I’m not one to just jump on a trend because it’s being done by others; I would like to believe that, with the films you make and with the characters that you play, there’s an opportunity to set a trend rather than follow one.”

On getting ready

“The two things I experiment with most are lip colours and jewellery. I find putting a look together fascinating, deciding on hair (hair is everything – if the hair isn’t right, it can all fall apart) and make-up and specific colours is something that I take a keen interest in as opposed to just leaving it to the experts. There’s so much effort and collaboration between hair and make-up teams, as well as stylists and creative directors.”

On her ‘skin first’ approach

“I think my personal beauty philosophy has always been less is more – I like my skin to look like skin. I’m obsessed with having a natural glow and feeling lit from within, with a sun-kissed finish. It’s something I fall back on because it makes me look like me.”

On her skincare routine

“It’s extremely fuss-free and basic, but it changes as the weather does. I live in India where it can be very humid.

“In the morning, I do a single gentle cleanse and follow that up with a lightweight moisturiser, sometimes with a serum underneath. If I have any dark spots that I’d especially like to treat, a medicinal serum can be an effective addition, otherwise I’ll opt for a hydrating serum that’s enriching and barrier-building. Often, moisturiser alone is enough for me. The step I never miss? Sunscreen. And always a lot of it. I’m diligent about topping it up.”

“I’m a firm believer in double cleansing in the evening as I usually come home wearing lots of make-up following a shoot. I wear a thicker moisturiser than I do in the daytime and sometimes I’ll sleep with a face mask on for extra nourishment.

“If I have a shoot coming up, I might use a jade roller to do some simple basic lymphatic drainage on the face. I love ice therapy too; dunking my face and eyes in icy water at home or going for a cryotherapy session.”

On her make-up must-haves

“I love lip care, especially the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil. It’s plumping, super hydrating and has a tint. A combination of oil and tint is my favourite.

“I also couldn’t live without my eyelash curler. Great lashes make eyes look open, alert and happier, I think! I travel with one at all times, alongside my multiple lip balms.”

On slowing down

“The time when I’m most relaxed is when I have a day off, and my daughter’s busy playing with her friends. I chill out and take a nap, or I read a book.

“If I’m traveling or I’m on my own, I unwind with a little workout, then hit the spa and go to the steam room.”

On wellness

“I’ve recently become very into full-body cryotherapy, and I do an infrared sauna session once a week. I treat my body to this type of recovery because it’s great for if you’re working out regularly and if you really want the body and muscles to recover. I believe in cold showers too. I’ve taken to them recently and especially love them because the weather’s so hot where I live in Mumbai.”

“Longevity is a big buzzword at the moment, but looking after your own wellbeing, be it physical, emotional or mental, is more than a conversation; it should be part of the day-to-day. It’s about nourishment. Aside from eating well, working out and being healthy, there are aspects where we all require a little extra help and care and there’s so much available to us through science and innovation. I believe in picking and choosing what works for you.

“Personally, I feel most at peace first thing in the morning, drinking my cup of coffee, cuddling my daughter.”

Alia Bhatt is a L’Oréal Paris ambassador