For years, Malaika Arora's life was framed by studio lights and camera lenses, where beauty routines were often dictated by the demands of the set. Today, the celebrated television personality and judge reveals a significant shift in her perspective. Her relationship with beauty and makeup has transformed from a professional obligation into a deeply personal form of instinctive expression.
From Set Demands to Personal Instinct
Malaika Arora, a familiar face on reality TV panels, now approaches beauty as an extension of her personality. "It's less about what a set demands and more about expressing my own personality — bold, confident, glam," she states. This evolution, however, does not signify an abandonment of her love for full-glam looks. Instead, it represents a more conscious and nuanced approach.
She explains that while she still enjoys a full-glam moment, her product choices are now guided by comfort and enhancement rather than just impact. "I'm more conscious about choosing products that feel comfortable and enhance my features without overwhelming them," Malaika shares. Her mood dictates her style, oscillating between warm, powerful glamour on some days and softer, more diffused looks on others, highlighting a practice of tuning into her own feelings.
Drawing Boundaries Between On-Camera and Off-Duty Beauty
A crucial lesson from her years in the spotlight has been learning to separate her professional and personal beauty rituals. Because makeup is such a big part of her professional life, she has drawn clear boundaries. On camera, she views makeup as a tool to step into character, essential for the role. Off camera, her preference shifts dramatically towards minimalism and comfort—a style that remains expressive but authentically hers.
The Emotional Power of Lipstick
For Malaika, lipstick holds a particularly profound emotional significance. Each shade serves as a conduit for different facets of her mood and energy. A bold red lip instantly makes her feel powerful and ready to conquer the day, while soft nudes mirror her grounded moments, and pinks bring out a playful side. She chooses her lip color based on her daily energy, using it as a direct form of self-expression.
She recalls a specific stage appearance where a deep red matte lipstick had a transformative effect. "The moment I applied it, I felt stronger, sharper, and far more in control. It reminded me how transformative beauty can be, even in its simplest form," Malaika recounts. This philosophy aligns with her role as the brand ambassador for HYUE and the face of its 'Own It' campaign, which champions confidence and self-possession.
Sharing Beauty with Friends
This emotional connection to beauty extends to how she shares it with her close circle. If she were to create a Christmas lipstick hamper, her first choice would be longtime friend Kareena Kapoor Khan. "We've shared so many moments getting ready together," Malaika says, imagining Kareena enjoying classic reds and effortless nudes. The next recipient would be Kriti Sanon, whose fresh and experimental vibe, according to Malaika, allows her to carry everything from soft pinks to bold festive shades with ease.
Malaika Arora's journey underscores a broader narrative in the beauty world: the move from standardized, external expectations to a more individualized, intuitive, and empowering form of self-care and expression.
