Pinkvilla Exclusive: Amrita Rao shares her beauty & fashion mantra

We loved her as the sweet girl-next-door in Ishq Vishq and the bubbly prankster in Main Hoon Na. She is now back to charm us in her upcoming film, Jolly LLB. Pinkvilla caught up with none other than the beautiful Amrita Rao on her Beauty, Fitness & Fashion mantra. Here is what she had to say....

What does a typical day in your life look like?

My typical day when I ‘am shooting starts with 2 hours of makeup and hair styling and then costume and then going through my dialogues in my vanity. In between shots I take work related decisions with my team and also schedule media news and interviews with my PR team. A non-shoot day requires me to make time for several business meetings and interviews. Amidst all of this, I need to make the time for fitness and a healthy dietary intake.

What is your skin care regimen?

Before I go to bed I clean my face with a cleansing milk and cotton pads and then wash my face thoroughly with a foamy face wash. I apply a calamine lotion on my face and a medicated moisturizer on my face and neck. I repeat the same procedure after I wake up in the morning. One will be surprised how much of makeup residue comes out on the cotton pad first thing in the morning. This exercise leaves my skin feeling fresh and healthy.

What are your beauty essentials?

A lipstick and eyeliner and a powder compact can keep you looking fresh and attractive all day.

What is your hair care regimen like?

Always oil you hair before shampooing it! You shall avoid dryness and weakness of roots and hair fall by doing so. Also oil your hair on freshly washed and dried hair at least thrice a week and keep the oil over night for best results.

How is your daily meal plan laid out? Is there any food you avoid?

I can’t live without rice. Rice is compulsory in both my meals. I love home cooked Mangalorean food with all our coconut based gravies with different sprouts. While shooting I make arrangements for the production to pick up my lunch box from my home. I avoid eating restaurant food during long shoot schedules in my city. When on an outdoor shoot, you have no choice. Street food which is highly popular in Mumbai is a complete ''no no''. Rest I have no dietary restrictions as such.

What is your fitness regimen?

For me Fitness is not about fighting fat or aiming thinness, it is about having the stamina and physical energy to keep up with my professional demands and day to day requirements of life. I shuffle between yoga and going to the gym. A 10 minute basic cardio on the treadmill and lifting easy weights coupled with a healthy diet is good enough for me.Yoga gives you more intrinsic benefits.

How would you define your style?

Style for me has to be customized and style needs to feel comfortable following which I shall automatically exude confidence.

What are the must haves in your wardrobe?

- One lace dress
- A black colored and 1 off-white colored slim fit pants
- A branded hand bag (''Michael Kors and Valentino) are a favorite.
- A stunning branded watch
- Jackets in black, off white and beige are compulsory.

Your most prized possession?

I have this white and gold Versace hand bag which was autographed by none other than the legendary actor Dev Anand. With his autograph it has become priceless.

Who do you consider as your style icon?

My dad he never goes wrong with his styling.

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

New York 42nd street and Hong Kong are the best for shopping.

What is your take on cosmetic surgery?

Very risky a proposition. It can ruin a life forever if it goes wrong.

One wellness tip you want to give to the readers of PinkVilla

Pray before you sleep and pray for others and their wellbeing. Thank God for all the positive things that he has given you. You will soon get addicted to this daily chat with God and you shall also sleep like a baby.