Fashion week is about to begin and we cannot keep calm! After all, it is that time of the year when we get first-hand information on all the beauty trends that are about to blow up.
Team BeBe had the opportunity to attend the fittings for Lakmé Fashion Week S/R 2020! Amidst the frenzy, we chatted up with model Raksha Belliappa (@rakshabelliappa) and got her to spill the beans on what she does to maintain her skin through the fashion week madness.

BB: When does your skin prep for LFW begin?
RB: I always try to keep my skin clean and prepped, because I am a full-time model; I have to always be ready. You never know when you’ll get a show. But even then, I do a little extra for LFW. I start prepping my skin about a fortnight or a month in advance.
BB: How do you keep your skin glowing for all five days?
RB: I don’t actually do much. I just follow my regular skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising and that works for me. Additionally, I apply a vitamin C serum twice a day and that according to me to helps my skin look bright and glowing. I always watch out for what my skin needs on a particular day and try to give it that.

BB: What do you do if you notice a breakout in the week leading up to fashion week?
RB: I freak out! The first reaction is obviously panic, but after I have calmed myself a little, I follow my normal skincare routine. Because if you do extra and apply new products, you never know how your skin could react. It could either lead to more breakouts or leave behind a mark, and that’s something I definitely don’t want. Hence, I try to stick to what I know works for my skin, and at the end of the day, anything and everything can be covered with makeup.
In case the breakout is too bad, then I try to calm it down by applying some ice onto the affected area, or tea tree oil as a spot treatment. Before an important assignment, I ensure that I only resort to treatments I know have worked for my skin in the past.
BB: What’s that one skincare quick-fix you swear by during this hectic week?
RB: I think it has to be sheet masks. Sheet masks are the best, especially at a time like this, because I don’t have the time or patience to make a DIY mask and apply it on my face. I just choose a sheet mask based on how my skin feels on that day, keep it in the fridge for about an hour, and apply it. This little trick always leaves my skin looking plump and hydrated.

BB: You’re wearing makeup constantly during LFW. Does it take a toll on your skin?
RB: The constant makeup application makes my skin feel irritated and itchy, and I sometimes even get rashes. So I try to calm it down by applying some ice or a soothing sheet mask in the night before I sleep. I do this for about 15 minutes and when I wake up the next morning, my skin feels really hydrated and fresh.
BB: What does your post-show skincare routine consist of?
RB: I obviously need some beauty sleep because fashion week is extremely tiring. Other than that, I don’t do much except for my regular skincare routine. But if I have a little energy or I think my skin feels particularly tired and dehydrated, I may put on a sheet mask to rejuvenate it for the next day.

BB: Finally, what are your views on self-love?
RB: Self-love for me means taking care of myself and being happy with myself, just the way I am.
Image courtesy: Instagram
Written by Urvi Dalal on Feb 12, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!