Beauty Secrets With The Stars: Prajakta Koli on her skin care game and diet

Dubai: Prajakta Koli, the beloved content creator-turned-actress/author, is proof that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated.

From her love for DIY skincare to embracing her natural freckles, Prajakta’s approach to beauty is as relatable as it gets. Whether she’s piling on blush without apology or taking style inspiration from Zendaya’s off-duty coffee runs, her effortless charm shines through every step of her routine.

In Gulf News' latest series, Beauty Secrets With The Stars, Prajakta spilled the beans on her go-to beauty hacks, her obsession with keeping things minimal, and why she’s happy to let her natural beauty take center stage.

What are some home remedies you swear by?
One thing that works like magic for my skin is a paste made of besan (gram flour), turmeric, yogurt, and honey. Sometimes, I swap besan with rice flour, and it becomes the best scrub I’ve ever used.

For my hair, I rely on an oil that Baba makes at home. He deep-fries onions in coconut oil, removes the onions, then adds curry leaves and removes them as well. The concentrated oil is a game-changer. I was struggling with hair fall due to heavy styling and products, but this oil completely transformed my hair.

Do you believe in a “less-is-more” approach to makeup?
Absolutely! I don’t even know how to do makeup beyond a basic look. I genuinely believe I look better when you can see my freckles, my pores, and my natural skin.

Are you into multi-step skincare routines like Korean beauty trends?
I used to be during the lockdown, but now I stick to three steps: toner, moisturising serum, eye cream, and lip balm.

What’s your take on blush?
I’m obsessed with blush! I have what I call “blush blindness.” I pile it on shamelessly. The other day at the airport, people were staring at me because of how much blush I had on. Even my director joked about it, but I don’t care—I love it!

Would you ever consider starting your own beauty brand?
No, I don’t think I’d do a great job at it. Beauty and makeup aren’t areas I know enough about, and there are so many more qualified creators out there. I’d rather focus on something like selling books, which is more my passion.

Who inspires your beauty and fashion choices?
I have an incredible glam team who have worked with me for years. They understand my skin and know what works for me. If I could raid anyone’s wardrobe, it would be Zendaya’s. I especially love her casual looks when she’s spotted grabbing coffee or heading to a movie. Those seem like her own picks, not styled by anyone, and she looks amazing.

What’s your go-to fragrance?
I’ve been wearing Nina Ricci for a long time, but I’m about to switch to Chance by Chanel. I chanced upon it recently, and it was love at first sniff.

How would you describe your personal style?
Casual and comfortable. I want to get to a point where I’m so successful that I can wear sweatshirts to red carpets. For everyday looks, I stick to baggy jeans and black sweaters. My wardrobe is mostly black—it’s my colour.

Do you follow strict fitness or diet routines?
Not at all! I love food way too much for diets. My mum wouldn’t let me diet even if I wanted to—she makes sure I eat well. My approach is more about mental and physical health, which I maintain through workouts like strength training, cardio, and Animal Flow. I aim for four days a week, but sometimes I work out every day.

Last question: Who’s your ultimate fashion icon?
Zendaya, hands down. I adore all her looks, especially when she’s casually spotted getting coffee or stepping out of a car. She’s effortlessly stylish.