Beauty secrets: Kalki Koechlin’s fuss-free hacks

However, she does put in some disciplined effort to maintain her skin. So, from last minute zit fix-its to family skincare secrets, here’s the lowdown on the actor’s beauty mantra.    

Daily regime: Since I travel a lot I use a three-step beauty regime, which is a cleanser, serum and a day and a night cream. When I’m not working, I avoid wearing make-up just because the skin needs to breathe. I try and keep it natural. 

Zit zappers: I’ve been lucky with my skin, but I do get one or two little pimples once a month which can be a nightmare on shoots. If you have that one pimple and you have a close up shot, you’re screwed! I discovered that tea tree oil works well to get rid of the zit overnight. It just dries it out. Sometimes, toothpaste works too!

Family secret: My mom has always been very natural; she never encouraged me to put on a lot of make-up. I used to take her kajal to draw a moustache on my face and act like Charlie Chaplin. But she has always told me to cleanse and moisturise my face every night. I grew up using an amazing hair oil. A lady in Pondicherry makes the oil and named it after grandmother, it’s called Ruby’s oil. It has nine different ingredients and I feel it has made my hair thick and healthy. 

Waxing or shaving? I prefer to use a razor to get that smooth skin whenever I want and no matter where I am. 

In your handbag: I don’t carry much. It’s usually a sunscreen and a bottle of water. I really think that we forget to drink water.