"Smile is your gateway to beauty" - Zeba Aali

Model-turned-actor Zeba Aali is one of the contemporaries of Vaneeza Ahmed, Iraj Manzoor, Iffat Umer, and Nadia Hussain. “Those were the days. It was fun to work with divas like Iraj and Vaneeza. They had charm and charisma of their own. Now, the era of super model has gone,” elucidates Zeba Aali, who has represented Pakistan internationally on many occasions during her modelling days. She was a regular feature on runways and fashion weeks including Fashion Pakistan Week and Bridal Couture Week.

After her successful innings in the fashion industry, she made a smooth transition to acting and instead of going on a signing spree she preferred quality roles. She showed her acting skills in hit drama serials like ‘Baat Ban Jaye’, ‘Pehla Pyar’, ‘Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan’, ‘Wajood-e-Laraib’, ‘Sheeshay Ka Mahal’, ‘Man-o-Salwa’, ‘Gharana’, ‘Man Hari Piya’, ‘Pyari Shamoo’, ‘Jain Kanhan Arman’ and ‘Mutthi Bhar Mitti’. For her powerful performances she was nominated for PTV Awards and few others as Best Supporting Actor. Among her up-coming projects she has her eyes set on serials ‘Mosam-e-Wasal’,’ Zameen Pe Chand’ and ‘Berung’. This week in an exclusive interview with You! magazine, this beautiful and versatile actor shares her beauty secrets with our readers. Read on…

What is your everyday makeup look?

I like light makeup – nothing heavy or fancy. I don’t like a made-up look.

How old were you when you started doing your makeup?

Since my school days, I was inclined towards makeup but at that time makeup meant applying lipstick only. However, when I auditioned for my first TVC (I was 16 then) I properly applied makeup for the first time. Now, it has become part of me because of my nature of work.

Your favourite perfumes?

My all-time favourite perfume is Chance by Chanel. I also love Libre by YSL.

Any tips for school and university going girls?

I would suggest them to use sunblock and stay hydrated. It keeps your skin supple.

When stepping out, do you wear makeup all the time?

Since I have to wear makeup when I am on shoots, I prefer not to wear makeup when stepping out on a day-to-day basis. I only wear the L’Oréal Day Cream for a smooth skin.

What are your favourite brands in lipstick?

Dior and YSL.

Do you use lighter shades of foundation or darker?

Normally, I use one shade darker, whereas onscreen, I use one shade lighter.

According to you, what cleansers are best for one’s skin?

I use cleansers from The Body Shop and Garnier. I think they are the best.

How do you manage hair from damaging after straightening and blow drying?

Women have to face hair fall when they dye and blow dry. I prefer onion shampoo and rice water, and organic oils which are good for hair.

How do you keep yourself fit?

My work demands me to stay fit so whether I like it or not, I have to drag myself to gym every day. I also do intermittent fasting in order to keep myself fit. If you are in showbiz and want to be an eye candy, then you have to take care of yourself.

One cosmetic you can’t go without?

Mascara – I love the YSL mascara. Another thing that I love to wear is lipstick.

What’s in your beauty bag?

A lip gloss and lipstick from Christian Dior, hand cream, body mist, sunblock, wallet and keys.

Which cosmetic brand do you find pocket friendly?

I love Maybelline as it’s affordable, easily available and brings wonderful results.

When applying makeup, what do you fear the most?

Smudging my eyeshadow. It’s an art to do eye makeup.

How often you go to salons for facials?

Since I have sensitive skin, I avoid taking facials.

Who is your favourite hairstylist?

Nabila – hands down!

What is your go to place for hair and makeup?

Mona J salon for hair. And for makeup, I usually do my own makeup when going out to a party or wedding.

Your beauty regimen?

My beauty regimen is more focused towards cleansing and keeping my skin moisturised, at least thrice a day.

Where do you go for makeup shopping?

I prefer Dolmen Mall, Karachi. It is the best place to get everything under one roof. Internationally, I would choose to shop from Dubai.

Are you comfortable with using whitening creams?

Not at all. Whitening creams trigger acne on my skin, as it is quite sensitive.

What makes a person beautiful?

A beautiful person is someone with a genuine smile. It is your gateway to beauty.