If anyone knows a thing or two about staying ready for the camera, it’s celebrities. Be it models or actresses, their schedules are jam-packed with events, shoots and much more, which means they have to work extra hard towards keeping their skin radiant and healthy.

With drama serials Mera Rab Waris and Baba Jani among many others to her name, VJ turned actress Madiha Imam is currently appearing in ongoing drama serial Muqaddar alongside veteran actor Faysal Qureshi. The actress also essayed the character of Rubab in the recently concluded Dushman e Jaan, which caught viewers’ attention due to its unique storyline and brilliant performances. Moreover, Madiha is gearing up for her next drama and will soon make her big screen debut in Pakistan alongside Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan.

We caught up with the actress to find out about her beauty regime and what products she uses to keep her skin flawless.

Skincare regime

Madiha Imam firmly believes that what you eat reflects on your skin. So she drinks a lot of water during the day; 11 to 12 glasses of water. In addition, she drinks a glass of lukewarm water with apple cider vinegar (half a cap) early in the morning. “I make sure to consume food items that are easy to digest like cucumbers, leafy green veggies and fruits before sunset and your dinner. I think that eating clean can make a whole lot of difference,” she shares.

Madiha furthers, “Other than that, I have started using organic aloe vera gel that is easily available in the market. Even though I have oily skin and aloe vera is not too great for that particular usage, I have been using it for quite some time now - avoiding my T-zone area - and it has really worked for me.”

The Muqaddar actress reveals that she also massages her face with almond or coconut oil thrice a week and wipes it off after 20 minutes. “Also, I follow a specific skincare regime; it starts with face wash, applying sun-block religiously, then day cream and before hitting bed, I apply eye cream and a night cream. Sometimes, I go for serums as well,” she continues. “I keep alternating between almond and coconut oil face massages after every three weeks.”

Talking about desi totkas, Madiha says, “I’m not too big on homemade remedies or masks and prefer sticking to skincare products - mostly. To be honest, I am not a facial mask person but am thinking about using those orange peel and minty effect masks; I’ve heard really good stuff about it.”

Hair secrets revealed

On the secret behind her beautiful tresses, she reveals, “I take really good care of my hair. I have very fine, thin hair so I avoid using too many products like serums, hair spray and volumizing, texturizing hair sprays as much as I can, especially when I am not shooting.”

According to Madiha, she also applies a hair mask bimonthly that is made of egg yolk, mayonnaise and egg whites; she rinses it after 20 minutes. “Also, conditioning is a must and make sure to drink lots of room temperature water,” she stresses.

Beauty rituals

Speaking of makeup, Madiha says that she is not too fond of wearing excessive amount of makeup when she is not working/shooting. “When I am going out I don’t wear makeup, but when going to parties or get-togethers, I use a concealer for my dark circles or if there is a blemish that I want to cover. I don’t wear foundation because it gives a very cake-y effect. I use a transparent or tinted chap-stick; I have quite thick dark brows so I don’t need to fill them or shape them. However, I curl my lashes with an eyelash curler and put on loads of mascara to open up my eyes and make me look more awake,” she shares, adding that she makes sure to remove her makeup with almond oil as soon as she gets home.

As far as her signature beauty look is concerned, she says that it is very basic. “I love the no makeup look so I go for mascara, chap-stick and a hint of blush. As for hair, I don’t really style my hair as they are silky straight and at times I opt for braids.”

Madiha’s makeup bag is full of...

She reveals that her personal makeup bag contains foundations by Gucci, Armani, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) and Milk Makeup, “as they blend seamlessly on my skin giving a very natural effect”. “I also have a brow gel in my kit, a nude lip colour, mascara by Benefit, a three-in-one kit by Rimmel, which has contour, blush and highlighter as well as brushes to blend my makeup.”

As far as cosmetic brands are concerned, Madiha admits she is obsessed with YSL; it is her absolute favourite. “I love their translucent powders, pressed powders, highlighters, concealer and lip colours. YSL’s foundation, called Touche Eclat, is my all-time favourite. Moreover, I love Milk Makeup highlighters and a few products by Huda Beauty, Burberry as well as Fenty Beauty.

Beauty trends

Coloured eyeliners and mascaras are the actress’ favourites. “I absolutely love using coloured pencils on your waterline instead of black kohl.” She adds, “Besides, I am really fond of graphic liners and glittery eye shadows and eyeliners as well.”

A trend which Madiha will not go for is using the extreme shade of plum which goes towards black. “It is very Goth, so that is a big no-no for me.”

Tricks of the trade

On a parting note, Madiha Imam shares the one tip that she has learnt from makeup artists backstage: less is more. “All the intelligent and talented makeup artists I’ve worked with always guide me to opt for something that complements my face and enhances my features rather than going overboard,” she concludes.