Katrina Kaif On Confidence, Rituals, & The Meaning Of True Beauty
Few stars embody grace and glamour the way Katrina Kaif does, yet behind the red carpets and iconic film roles lies a woman who has redefined beauty on her own terms. Now, with the UK launch of Kay Beauty, the first Indian-founded beauty brand to debut at Space NK, Katrina brings her vision of inclusivity to a global stage.
Co-founded with Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle destination, Kay Beauty champions the belief that true beauty isn’t about fitting in but about celebrating your authentic self. Here, Katrina opens up about her life in beauty…
Kay Beauty is making waves across the globe. What was the defining moment you knew you wanted to launch the beauty brand?
Makeup has been an integral part of my journey as an actor, and Kay Beauty was a natural progression after spending 20 years in front of the camera. I’ve spent countless hours in makeup chairs, working with incredible artists, and learning how transformative makeup can be. Over time, I started doing a lot of my own makeup for films, red carpets, and stage performances, and through that, I developed a clear understanding of what truly works, especially for our skin tones and our climate in India. I noticed gaps in the market: foundations that didn’t go ashy, lipsticks that suited deeper, warmer complexions, and formulas that were long-wear but still breathable, blendable, and gentle on sensitive skin.
The real turning point was realising I wasn’t alone, so many women around me were facing the same struggles.
The real turning point was realising I wasn’t alone, so many women around me were facing the same struggles. That’s when I knew I wanted to create something inclusive, innovative, and empowering. Kay Beauty was born from the desire to celebrate individuality and make makeup feel like a tool of confidence, not intimidation.
What’s the core philosophy behind your brand?
Our philosophy is captured in our taglines: #ItsKayToBeYou and #MakeupThatKares. Launching Kay Beauty aligned with a period of personal growth for me, learning to be kinder to myself, less critical, and more accepting of who I am. The beauty industry can sometimes feel intimidating, like an exclusive club with rigid standards. I wanted Kay Beauty to be the opposite: a space where everyone feels seen and celebrated.
For me, makeup has always been about transformation and self-expression, whether I’m creating a character for film or a dramatic red-carpet look. I wanted to extend that feeling of empowerment to everyone who uses our products. There’s no single definition of beauty. It’s about embracing every version of yourself and expressing it fearlessly.
India has such rich beauty traditions. Did any rituals or ingredients from your upbringing inspire your formulations?
Absolutely! Indian beauty culture is endlessly inspiring. Kajal, for example, is deeply rooted in South Asian tradition; it was one of the first products I ever used, and it still feels timeless. That’s why our 24-hour Kajal and 2-in-1 Kajal Eyeliner Duo have become cult favourites.
The way we emphasise the eyes in South Asian beauty, bold, expressive, artistic, is tied to our film, dance, and festive culture.
The colour stories in our films and festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid, the joy, the vibrancy, are also reflected in Kay Beauty. When it comes to ingredients, I wanted to combine tradition with innovation. Our formulas are infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, chamomile, mango butter, avocado butter, and lychee extract. Having sensitive skin myself, it was crucial that our makeup performed incredibly well while also caring for your skin.
Can you walk us through your morning skincare routine?
My morning routine is simple because I believe less is more. I start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid is a must for me because it keeps my skin plump without feeling heavy. Then I apply a lightweight moisturiser with SPF. Sun protection is absolutely non-negotiable, especially with the amount of time I spend outdoors or under harsh lights.
If my skin needs a boost, I’ll add a vitamin C serum for brightness. I also love retinol, but only in the right amounts because of my sensitive skin. I keep a facial mist with me throughout the day for quick refreshes. The key is consistency and using products that support the skin, not overwhelm it.
How has your personal definition of beauty evolved from your early days in the industry to now as an entrepreneur?
Over the years, as I’ve grown more comfortable with myself, my definition has shifted completely. Now, beauty is about authenticity, individuality, and self-acceptance. It’s not about fitting in; it’s about celebrating what makes you unique. Beauty is confidence, joy, creativity, and owning your story. Launching Kay Beauty has been part of that evolution. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned and poured it into creating something that hopefully empowers others to feel confident in their own skin.
What’s one product from your line you can’t leave the house without?
That’s such a tough one, but if I have to choose, it’s our Hydra Crème Lipstick, especially in the shade Poised. It’s one of our bestsellers for a reason. The formula is hydrating yet incredibly pigmented, so you get rich colour without dryness. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid, Moroccan oil, and lychee extract, so it cares for your lips while giving that perfect pop of colour. What I love most is its versatility. It’s effortless and elevates even the simplest look.
When you’re travelling or on set, how do you maintain skin health amidst the chaos?
Long shoots and constant travel can be tough on the skin, so I’m very disciplined about my routine. I never skip cleansing, no matter how tired I am, because removing every trace of makeup is crucial after 12-hour days. I always use gentle, hydrating products that don’t strip my skin. After cleansing, I apply a nourishing serum and a rich moisturiser to help my skin recover.
I also let my skin ‘breathe’ whenever I’m not shooting and go makeup-free. Hydration is key; I drink a lot of water and use hydrating mists and serums throughout the day. Honestly, using Kay Beauty products on set helps because they’re breathable and infused with skin-loving ingredients, so even when I’m wearing makeup for long hours, I know my skin is being cared for.
I also let my skin ‘breathe’ whenever I’m not shooting and go makeup-free.
You radiate wellness from within. What are your non-beauty wellness rituals?
Wellness for me is about balance and consistency. Fitness is a huge part of my routine; I work out almost every day because it energises me and clears my mind. Some days it’s strength training or HIIT, other days it’s yoga or Pilates. The key is choosing movement that feels good.
I’m also mindful of what I eat. I try to avoid gluten, dairy, and refined sugar while focusing on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and staying hydrated. But I don’t believe in extreme restriction. It’s about listening to your body.
Mental wellness is equally important. I make time for rest, for quiet moments, and for things that bring me joy, spending time with loved ones, reading, or simply being present. When you feel good on the inside, it always shows on the outside.
What’s one city or country that inspires your aesthetic the most?
India will always be my biggest inspiration. The colours, the diversity, the vibrancy, it’s unmatched. From festivals to weddings, traditional artistry to modern creativity, Indian beauty culture is rich and ever-evolving, and it deeply influences Kay Beauty.
I also find London incredibly inspiring. There’s a sophistication and eclecticism in its beauty scene that I love, the blend of cultures, the innovation, the creativity. Space NK has always been one of my favourite beauty playgrounds, so seeing Kay Beauty on those shelves felt like a full-circle moment.
What’s a beauty tip or hack you’ve picked up from makeup artists that you still use?
One of my favourite tricks is using kajal as both an eyeliner and an eyeshadow base. I apply it close to the lash line and smudge it out for a soft, smoky effect. It adds depth without feeling heavy. Kajal is so versatile: subtle for daytime, defined for evening.
Another tip is mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for a natural glow from within. It gives you radiance without looking overly shimmery. And the most valuable lesson? Prep your skin properly. Makeup only looks as good as the canvas underneath; cleansing, hydrating, and priming make all the difference.
Makeup only looks as good as the canvas underneath; cleansing, hydrating, and priming make all the difference.
What’s in your in-flight beauty bag?
Air travel can be so dehydrating, so my in-flight essentials are all about hydration and comfort. I always pack a rich moisturiser or face oil, a hydrating facial mist, lip balm, and hand cream. I apply a good layer of moisturiser before take-off and refresh with mist during the flight.
For longer flights, I love using sheet masks; they’re a quick boost of hydration. Eye drops are essential because cabin air dries everything out. And when I land, I swipe on Kay Beauty Hydra Crème Lipstick and dab our Velvet Crème Blush on my cheeks and eyes, it instantly revives my face and makes me look refreshed.
You’ve often spoken about balance. How do you balance indulgence with discipline in self-care?
It’s a constant practice! I don’t believe in punishing myself or extreme restrictions. For me, balance means being disciplined about the basics, exercise, sleep, and nutrition, while allowing room for indulgence and joy. If I want dessert or a rest day, I take it without guilt. When your routine brings you joy, discipline becomes natural. That’s real balance—living fully while caring for yourself.
If you could write a letter to your younger self about beauty, what would the golden rule be?
I would say: Be kinder to yourself. Don’t let external standards define your worth, and don’t judge yourself so harshly. Beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity. The “flaws” you worry about often make you unique and memorable. And most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for everything else. When you treat yourself with kindness and respect, that’s when you truly glow from within.
Your fans always want to know: what’s your go-to signature fragrance note?
I gravitate towards warm, sensual fragrances in the woody, amber, and floral family. I love scents that feel sophisticated but not overpowering, something with depth that evolves throughout the day. Warm, slightly spicy notes feel comforting and elegant to me.
Fragrance is deeply personal; it sets the tone for your day. I prefer timeless scents over trendy ones, fragrances you can wear to brunch or a formal event, and they still feel right. It’s another form of self-expression.
Lastly, how is Kay Beauty celebrating Diwali this month, and what does this time of year mean to you personally?
Diwali is one of my favourite times of year, it’s a celebration of light, joy, new beginnings, and of course, beauty! The festival is about radiance in every sense, which aligns so beautifully with what Kay Beauty represents. This year, to celebrate Diwali and our UK launch, we invited everyone to Space NK stores in Birmingham Bullring and Leicester. Our Kay Beauty ambassadors were there creating Bollywood-inspired glam eye looks, bold kajal, shimmering shadows, and expressive drama that’s so central to South Asian beauty. Plus, we had a complimentary chai cart outside the stores, which was a big hit with customers. Diwali is about community, connection, and shared joy, and that’s exactly what we created at this event.
For me personally, Diwali is about family, gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead. It’s a time when everyone embraces beauty and self-expression, whether it’s vibrant colours, new looks, or simply taking time to care for themselves. It’s the perfect reminder that #ItsKayToBeYou, and this festive season is all about celebrating exactly who you are.
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