Masoom Minawala on Ageing, Night-Time Rituals and Why Rest Is the Ultimate Luxury

Masoom Minawala over the years, has become a global phenomenon and we have been here rooting and living for it. The entrepreneur, content creator and fashion advocate has carved a distinct space for herself at the intersection of luxury, storytelling and entrepreneurship, all while championing Indian talent on some of the world’s biggest stages including the Cannes Film Festival and many coveted fashion weeks and red carpets.

Today, however, her conversations around beauty extend far beyond trends, treatments and aesthetics. They are about wellness, recovery and showing up for yourself, especially in a world that constantly demands more. As part of Estée Lauder’s latest campaign for its iconic Advanced Night Repair range, Minawala joins musician Jonita Gandhi and cricketer Harleen Deol in highlighting the importance of giving skin — and ourselves — the time to recover from the everyday stressors of modern life.

In a candid conversation with Manifest, she speaks about her evolving relationship with ageing, navigating motherhood, redefining self-care and the night-time rituals that help her reset after long days spent juggling multiple roles.

Manifest (M): Talk about your association with Estée Lauder and its latest campaign for the Advanced Night Repair Serum.

Masoom Minawala (MM): The new Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair campaign reflects the realities of modern life and the everyday aggressors our skin faces, from stress and lack of sleep to pollution and outdoor exposure. Alongside incredible women like Harleen Deol and Jonita Gandhi, I’m proud to be part of a conversation that encourages women to prioritise self-care and make time for restorative rituals amidst their busy lives. For me, skincare is an important act of investing in myself, and the Advanced Night Repair Serum and Eye Gel-Crème support that journey of overnight renewal and recovery.

M: The campaign highlights ageing as one of the biggest modern-day skin aggressors. As someone who has grown up in the public eye and built a global personal brand, how has your relationship with ageing evolved over the years?

MM: It’s constantly evolving. Earlier, I saw ageing through the lens of external expectations, but today I see it as a reflection of growth and experience. I’ve become more focused on feeling healthy and confident rather than chasing perfection.

M: You wear many hats—entrepreneur, content creator, wife, mother and global fashion ambassador. What does a typical night-time wind-down routine look like for you after a demanding day?

MM: My routine is simple and consistent. I try to disconnect from work, spend time with family and follow a skincare ritual that helps me slow down. I love products that are effective and uncomplicated, which is why Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair has become a staple for me.

M: Sleep is often the first thing ambitious women sacrifice. Have there been phases in your life, particularly after becoming a mother, when prioritising rest became more challenging? How do you navigate that today?

MM: Absolutely, motherhood has definitely changed my relationship with sleep. Over time, I have learned that rest is essential, not optional. Today, I consciously prioritise it because it helps me show up better in every aspect of my life.

M: In an industry that constantly celebrates youth and perfection, what does ageing gracefully mean to you personally?

MM: For me, ageing gracefully means embracing every stage of life with confidence. It’s about taking care of yourself, continuing to grow and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

M: You’ve built a career around fashion, but skincare has increasingly become part of the larger wellness conversation. How has your approach to beauty changed from your twenties to your thirties?

MM: My beauty rituals have become more mindful and minimal. I’ve experimented through the years and now I know what works for me, so I focus on consistency rather than trends.

M: As a mother, has your definition of self-care shifted? Do you find yourself being more intentional about carving out moments for yourself, especially at night when the world finally slows down?

MM: Definitely. Self-care feels less like an indulgence and more like a necessity now. I’ve become intentional about carving out small moments for myself, especially at night, to recharge and reset.

M: You travel extensively for fashion weeks, brand commitments and speaking engagements. Between jet lag, long-haul flights and changing climates, what are the non-negotiables in your skincare and wellness routine?

MM: The essentials like moisturiser and sunscreen are a must, and I always travel with the Advanced Night Repair Serum and Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Crème, which have consistently been part of my kit since my mid-twenties. I focus on hydration, movement and getting quality rest whenever possible.

M: Many women look up to you as someone who seemingly balances career success with family life. What’s one misconception people have about ‘having it all’ that you’d like to challenge?

MM: I think the idea of perfection is a myth. I believe you can have it all, but not all at once—priorities change with the years.

M: If you could share one night-time ritual, mindset shift or wellness habit that has genuinely improved your life over the past few years, what would it be and why?

MM: Treating my night-time routine as a moment of recovery rather than another task. Prioritising skincare, putting my phone away and making time for rest has had a huge impact on my overall wellbeing.