#CosmoExclusive: Kareena Kapoor Khan On Beauty, Motherhood, Movies, and Her Hopes For 2022

"To me, beauty is confidence," says Kareena Kapoor Khan. "Highlighting your positives and playing on your strengths is the key to looking beautiful," she claims, and we couldn't agree more. The 41-year-old actor—who is now the face of St.Botanica, a quality-driven, premium skin and hair care brand—explains how her relationship with beauty is ever-evolving. 

21 years of diligence, determination, and dedication later, the on-the-go artist and mother of two, somehow, manages to take time out for self-care, and self love. When we asked her what it is that she does to unwind after a day's hard work, she said, "With busy shooting schedules, having a moment for myself becomes necessary. In my spare time, I meditate and read books." 

Although personal and professional commitments, round the clock, may expectedly disrupt her work-life balance, you wonder? Perhaps. But the celebrity doesn't allow her hectic schedule to come in the way of her skin and hair needs, and neither should you. "Everyone must take care of their hair and skin, looking to work on any concern they are experiencing, rather than covering them up with makeup and hairstyling, which inevitably cause irreversible damage." 

In an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan India, Kareena Kapoor Khan opens up about her learnings over the years, the significance of 'me-time', and what keeps her going. 

 

Cosmopolitan: You have completed 21 years in the film industry. What keeps you going and motivated?

Kareena Kapoor Khan: "I think I'm very lucky when I say that I *really* love my job. I get to experience new places, new people, and I learn something new each time. With every new project, I get to play a different role and tell a new story, and that's very exciting for me and keeps me going. Lastly, but most importantly, my family. They are my biggest support and motivators."

 

Cosmo: While you radiate beauty—and are a role model for many young women—we bet you've committed a few beauty blunders in the past.

KKK: "I think going overboard with makeup was something that didn't do well for my skin (nor suit my look!). I've grown to love the natural, no-makeup look; it's more popular now, and I prefer it as well." 

 

Cosmo: And, what is your relationship with your hair like? Any specific issues you’ve had to deal with over the years?

KKK: "I really love my hair and have always been obsessed with styling it. That said, I think all the heat can really damage one's hair easily, which is why I use heat protectants and serums such as the St. Botanica Pro-Keratin and Argan Oil Smooth Therapy Hair Serum to protect my mane and keep it healthy and shiny."

 

Cosmo: What is your absolute favourite product from St.Botanica’s haircare range?

KKK: "I'm in love with the St.Botanica Moroccan Argan Hair Oil and Serum because regular hair oiling and deep nourishment is something that I firmly follow every single week. Plus, the serum is a quick fix for glossy tresses and gives the hair a subtle sheen." 

 

Cosmo: Who do you look up to for hair and skin solutions? What's the most relevant advice you've received to date?

KKK: "My mother is my most important—and most valuable—advisor in all areas of life. She’s taught me so much about natural beauty, developing my worldview about the importance of natural ingredients. The most relevant advice I have received from her was when she divulged the amazing, scientifically-backed benefits of honey for my skin and hair."

 

Cosmo: Tell us a secret talent no one knows you have. 

KKK: "Honestly, not many people know that I *love* to cook, and I do feel that I have become an even better cook with all that extra time we had on our hands during the lockdown."

 

Cosmo: Having worked with a cross-section of people in the industry, who's that one person that has influenced you the most when it comes to beauty and grooming?

KKK: "Our industry is brimming with iconic women, but I think my biggest inspiration has been my sister Karisma Kapoor. Growing up, I always looked up to her and followed everything she did. Even today, the way she’s maintained her youthful beauty is mesmerising to me. I often take beauty tips from her."

 

Cosmo: With 2022 on the horizon, what are your hopes for the coming year?

KKK: "Well, for starters, I hope we can beat COVID-19, and I pray that everyone is safe and healthy." 

 

Cosmo: Tell us about the upcoming projects that you’re excited about. 

KKK: "I'm really excited about my upcoming release with Laal Singh Chaddha, alongside Aamir Khan—it’s always a pleasure to work with him. I'm also thrilled to be the face of St.Botanica, a brand that uses the power of science to extract the best from nature and natural botanicals."

 

Cosmo: Apart from spending time with family, what do you do in your leisure time?

KKK: "As much as it is important to spend time with family, it is also important to give yourself your own space. In my 'me-time', I unwind by reading books, doing skincare, practising yoga and meditation." 

 

Cosmo: Lastly, any words of beauty and motherhood wisdom for millennial moms?

KKK: "I think millennial moms are super intelligent and caring. Today, so many women are successfully juggling between work and motherhood, and it does put a lot of stress on them. A piece of advice that I'd like to share with multitasking mothers is that it is absolutely normal to feel burned out, and it is crucial to take a break once in a while to find your peace and calm amongst all the hustle."