Wamiqa Gabbi's Go-To Beauty Tip Needs To Be In Every Bride's Playbook

Wamiqa Gabbi moved to Mumbai a decade ago and since then she hasn’t looked back. The actress has consistently proven she's a name to watch out for with powerhouse performances in movies and TV shows like 83 (2021), Khufiya (2023) and Jubilee (2023). The trained Kathak dancer was also spotted walking the ramp for designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla at their Hyundai India Couture Weekshowcase this year.

Recently, the multi-talented actress added another feather to her cap. Wamiqa was signed on to become the brand ambassador of the popular Korean beauty brand Innisfree.

"I'm delighted to share my association with Innisfree!" says Wamiqa, as she chats with Manifest about the exciting new partnership and all things beauty, "It's a brand that resonates deeply with my values. Even before partnering with them, I was familiar with the brand’s reputation for creating high-quality products."

Take a look at what she has to say about K-beauty, Bollywood's beauty standards, her favourite skincare tips and more in this excerpt from our chat...

In Conversation With Wamiqa Gabbi

Manifest: How are you feeling these days?

Wamiqa Gabbi:I’m feeling fabulous, thank you for asking. Life has been a whirlwind of exciting projects and adventures, and I’m loving every moment of it.

M:What is your beauty regime like?

WG:As an actor, I'm often required to wear make-up for longer periods, so taking care of my skin becomes crucial. My beauty regime is all about hydration and gentle care. I love using the green tea range from Innisfree which offers maximum moisture to prep my skin for flawless makeup.

M: Tell us about why your association with Innisfree is special for you.

WG:What drew me to the brand was its commitment to veganism, which aligns perfectly with my own lifestyle choices. As a vegan myself, I appreciate the brand’s dedication to using natural ingredients and avoiding animal-derived products.

M: What do you think about K-beauty?

WG:I think K-beauty has revolutionized the way we approach skincare. The attention to detail, the innovative ingredients, and the rigorous skincare routines are truly impressive. The products are made in a way to suit various individual needs.

As someone who's passionate about natural living and veganism, I appreciate how many K-beauty brands prioritize using plant-based ingredients and cruelty-free testing methods. Innisfree, in particular, has won me over with its commitment to natural ingredients and eco-friendly practices.

M: If you could use one product for the rest of your life—which one would make the cut?

WG:It is very difficult to choose since there are multiple products which have been a staple in my routine. However, sunscreens, as you know, are crucial for everyday use. So I think I’ll go with one which has hydrating properties.

M:What is your notion towards beauty?

WG:My views on beauty have evolved as I’ve grown older. There are certain standards that society wants you to live up to, but I feel the concept is much more deeper and personal. Beauty comes naturally when you are confident and know how to carry yourself. The outer beauty is just the reflection of what’s inside. To me, a truly beautiful person is someone confident, kind to themselves, and considerate of others.

M:As an actor, what do you think about beauty and glamour in the film industry?

WG:Beauty and glamour have always been a big part of the film industry, and as an actor, I have a mixed relationship with both. On one hand, they can be powerful tools for storytelling and creating memorable characters. But on the other hand, I’m aware of the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards, which can affect one’s self-esteem. The constant scrutiny and criticism can be overwhelming, so it’s important to maintain a healthy perspective. Fortunately, the industry is evolving and understanding notions of diversity and inclusivity.

M:What do you think about ageism in the beauty industry?

WG:It is a pressuring issue and the industry’s biased focus on youth and their idealisation, hence marginalising older individuals. Adding to it, the beauty industry commercialises skin youth enhancers. This focus on anti-ageing and youth-centric products creates unnecessary pressure and reinforces ageist attitudes. True beauty should celebrate people of all ages, acknowledging their uniqueness and authenticity.

M: What is your take on the beauty industry's toxic expectations?

WG:There is no denying the fact that there still lies unrealistic expectations and the demands of living up to that level are quite damaging. But as I said earlier, the industry is working on improving towards more inclusive and realistic representations.

M: A beauty tip you swear by...

WG:I swear by ice-water facial dips. It not only helps my skin to glow and shrink my pores but also preps my skin for long-lasting makeup. Since I often wear a lot of make-up for shoots, this trick ensures my skin stays fresh and make-up looks flawless throughout the day.

M:Your go-to five-minute makeup look?

WG:My go-to is a no-makeup makeup look. Post the skin prep, which is very, very important, I usually go with powder, blush and mascara, and top it off with a cute lipstick. My skin gets oily during summer, so I like to use a powder that not only sets the base but also helps control excess oil production.