By Nilanjana Gupta (NEW DELHI) – Sonali Bendre Behl, a model, actress and now a mother of a five-year-old son, spills her beauty and styling secrets. She talks about how she keeps it simple and classic.
How do you maintain a wonderful, ageless skin, being the mother of a five-year-old now!
My skin is very sensitive and it doesn’t respond well to anything unusual. Even moisturizers don’t gel with me. So I keep it minimal. When I get up, I just wash my skin with water and a non-moisturizing soap. I make it a point to always remove any make-up before going to sleep. I use baby oil to take off the make-up and then wash it off with soap and water.
What do you like to wear while stepping out?
At work I am required to be heavily dressed up, so I like to keep it simple and minimum otherwise. I prefer straight lines to fancy clothing. Black and White are my favorite colors, and sometimes I like a bold color for a fuller look. I feel best in Jeans, a soft T shirt and a stylized belt. Shoes, bag and sunglasses add to it.
As goes for the makeup, I wear a very light lipstick and mascara during daytime. If I go out in the night, I add on a liner and a very light eye shadow. I like Mac cosmetics.
How do you like to style your hair?
I brush my hair many times so that it appears smoother and shinier. I don’t use any specific brand in shampoos. I prefer herbal and natural hair care products.
Sometimes I leave my hair open and sometimes I just ponytail them, depending on the hair day. But I like to keep it long. Long hair goes well with my face and gives it a perfect definition.
Your tips for a younger-looking skin?
Keep your skin clean – oxygenate and hydrate it often. Eat healthy food, as lack of essential nutrients leaves your skin dull and worn out.
What is your favorite style statement?
Wear something that looks good on you and makes you feel comfortable. Don’t try anything else. My perfect sense of style would be something that is classic. I love to wear brands that are long-lasting and reusable, like my pair of Ferragamo shoes which I have been wearing for the last 10 years.
What are your five must-carry things?
I would say Jeans, T-shirt, shoes, bag and mascara!
Who are your favorite designers?
I really like Indian designers, as they use a variety of colors that go well with my skin tone. Indian designers come up with very different designs. Although many international designs too are interesting, but I still prefer Indian designers for my wardrobe. Among them, I like the work of Abu Sandeep. I like Gauri Nainika too and that is what I am wearing right now. Then there is Nachiket Barve, Shantanu Nikhil, Anamika Khanna, Rohit Bal. Their designs are fantastic and beautifully finished.
What kind of watches do you like? How has your association been with Omega as its brand ambassador?
It’s been more than ten years now. I feel I have grown with this brand and I can understand, empathize and admire what it really stands for. It is amazing to own an Omega.
Omega watches are comfortable, scratch-proof and durable. I started by wearing Omega watches and since then I prefer only Omega. I wear watches of different designs, shapes and color. The new line with its thicker straps is very contemporary in its styling and I have been highly impressed by the attention to detail. These styles are truly unique and will appeal to those with a discerning eye and seeking world-class products.
It is more than a piece of jewelry. It has functionality to it. It is something that you can pass on to generations, so it has a sense of history.
Besides watches, what else do you indulge in?
Shoes and bags – Ferragamo being my favorite. But I like other brands too that have an elegant finishing.
Nilanjana Gupta 
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