#InsiderFavourites: The beauty, hair, and skincare products these pros swear by

In part two of our insiders’ series, we dive into the beauty and skincare essentials that keep these pros looking and feeling their best. From Carla Dennis Kanungo’s secret to instant volume with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to Ankita Chhetri’s holy grail Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, these products are more than just favourites—they’re the trusted tools behind effortless hair, glowing skin, and makeup magic.

Discover the go-to picks our fashion, beauty, and lifestyle insiders rely on to elevate their daily routines and keep them glowing, polished, and camera-ready.

Carla Dennis Kanungo, content creator

The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a revolutionary hairspray for incredible volume, and to absorb oil at the roots without leaving a powdery residue. Whenever my hair feels flat, I reach out for this—it’s the ultimate hot girl hair product.

Merrilyn Boro, content creator and entrepreneur

My favourite pick-me-up product is the Off Days Hair Serum. I use it straight out of the shower to keep my hair frizz-free. For a glossy finish, I work a small amount through the lengths of my hair, and for a polished look, I use it to slick my strands back. It’s a staple in my haircare routine.

Meghna Goyal, entrepreneur

I’m hooked on the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. Since I have fine hair, it tends to fall flat very easily. A few spritzes of this...and voilà! It gives my hair the perfect lift while boosting volume and soaking up excess oil—by far the quickest way to feel put together without a full wash-and-style routine.

Coco Ballucci, content creator

I can’t get enough of the Anomaly Dry Shampoo—it’s a game changer on busy days. This magic in a bottle instantly revives my hair, amplifying volume and smoothness in a matter of minutes.

Sonnalli A Sajnani, actor

They don’t call it the Hershesons Almost Everything Cream for nothing. You can literally use it on your hair at any point of time—before a wash, after a wash, on damp strands, and even on dull, lifeless locks that crave a boost.

Shalini Kutti, content creator

The Dior Backstage Contour Palette is my favourite multipurpose makeup find. I not only use it as a bronzer, but also an eyeshadow, a blush, to contour around the lips for a fuller look, and to create a subtle wing with an angled brush.

Malvika Raaj Bagga, actor

I’m absolutely obsessed with Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics. Be it night or day, the dewy, flushed look makes you feel pretty—and all it takes is a few dabs across the lips, on the cheeks and the eyelids.

Aashna Hegde, content creator and podcaster

I swear by the M.A.C Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick in the shade Marrakesh-Mere. The formulation is just divine...and I love using it as a blush.

Amyra Dastur, actor

The Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint doubles up as an eyeshadow and lip tint. The pigment lasts and lends a ‘my skin but better’ effect. Besides, the packaging is compact and sturdy—a prerequisite for those who travel frequently.

Rahil Sayed, content creator

If you know your colour theory, you know how versatile the Huda Beauty FAUXFILTER Color Corrector is. It offers buildable coverage under the eyes and across problem areas to lend an even-toned finish. Plus, I like to use it as a blush—the orange undertone is perfect for deeper complexions—as a transition shade along my eyelids to achieve a warm tone, and just a tiny dab at the centre of the lips for a flush of colour.

Radhika Seth, content creator and entrepreneur

The Ae¯sop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream is non-greasy and instantly hydrates my skin. Unlike its counterparts, it’s non-sticky and acts as the perfect layer under makeup. Bonus: It smells fab!

Ankita Chhetri, content creator

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine for its impeccable formula. Weightless yet deeply moisturising, it seamlessly sinks into the skin, leaving no trace of greasiness. Meanwhile, it also doubles up as the perfect makeup base, creating a smooth canvas that enhances the longevity and finish of my foundation. In a nutshell, it’s one of those products that consistently delivers result.

Yashwant Singh, content creator

The Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner comes in a 500ml bottle; so rest assured, it’s going to last you a lifetime! Unlike most milky toners, this one’s super lightweight—ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin—and you can layer it up depending on your skin’s needs.

Nauheed Cyrusi, actor and content creator

Venusia is the most calming, moisturising cream I have ever used—nothing better for my compromised skin barrier. 

Mannat Sandhu, content creator

My skin is extremely acne-prone, and Clinique’s Moisture Surge is one of those few moisturisers that quenches the epidermis without clogging pores. And, it layers beautifully under makeup.

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's July-August 2025 print edition. 

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