5 Minutes With Karishma Kotak

Cosmo: What’s the next destination on your travel list when the pandemic ends?

Karishma Kotak: My work usually takes me to Dubai and Mumbai. So, I would ideally like to go to either of these two places. If I have to pick a holiday destination, I would have to say Mykonos or Barcelona...that is where I would like to go once the pandemic ends. 

Cosmo: What has been your biggest self-realization during the pandemic?

KK: We all know that life is short but I think the pandemic has made us hyper-aware of our own value system. We forgive and love ourselves more, are kinder, and most importantly, have learned to save more. It has been such a financially crazy time during the pandemic that it has taught many the power of saving for a rainy day. 

Cosmo: What are the products in your beauty bag that you are relying on during the lockdown?

KK: I just love Lancome Idole Eau De Parfum Spray and it is a must-have for me. Then there is the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint that you can use on your cheeks and lips. I also love my YSL Touche Eclat Concealer and MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Finally, a happy pink blush that just wakes you up with just a swipe. The one I am using right now is Blush Color Infusion in the shade Watermelon by Laura Mercier. 

Cosmo: What is the one makeup hack you swear by?

KK: Well, I actually swear by Benetint because it makes such a big difference to your face. On top of that, it is super versatile because you can use it as a lip tint and as a blush! 

Cosmo: What are some hobbies or skills that you learned during the pandemic? 

KK: I have become very good at working out in the comfort of my bedroom. I honestly thought earlier that you have to go to the gym or that you need equipment to work out. I also think we all have become master chefs during the lockdown and are channeling our inner Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver.

Cosmo: What is your go-to, easy-to-make comfort food?

KK: My comfort food is the baked potato! All you have to do is to take a potato and put it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes. Once it is done, take it out, crack it open and put some butter, cheese, and beans on it. Voila, it's done!

Cosmo: How are you achieving your fitness goals during the lockdown?

KK: When the weather is good in London, I go out for a walk. I also watch a lot of Chloe Ting and Caroline Girvan workout videos. I have also started meditation by watching Sadhguru in the mornings.

Cosmo: Your favourite reads during the lockdown?

KK: Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss: An interesting read about past life regression by psychotherapist, Dr Brian Weiss.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: In layman terms, it is the story of Draupadi from Mahabharat. 
The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: This tells Sita’s life story from the Ramayana. What I loved about these two books was that they are really easy to read and not at all complicated. 
The Alchemist and Zahir by Paulo Coelho are definitely books that I read and re-read quite often. 

Cosmo: The best and worst pickup line you have used or heard?

KK: The worst ones would be something cheesy like 'Are you tired because you have been running through my mind all day' or something as ridiculous as that.

The good pickup lines acknowledge your inner beauty rather than outer appeal. I have gone on dates with people for a few hours that did not lead anywhere. Later, they messaged me after reading a book that reminded them of me or recommended a book to me. I think these gestures stick with you more than cheesy come-ons.