‘Let’s get the skin ready’: As Malaika Arora shares her pre-makeup ritual, a dermatologist breaks down her routine

Facial oil application followed by a jade roller massage
Gua Sha facial massage
Under-eye patches
Oil or moisturizer is applied to the neck
Lip balm for hydration

Dr Harsimran Kaur, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Advisor at Kaya Limited, broke down Malaika’s skincare routine and helped us understand the value of each step and its benefits.

Facial oil

The use of facial oil helps lock in moisture and gives the skin a healthy, dewy finish. However, it’s important to opt for non-comedogenic oils like squalene or rosehip to avoid clogged pores. “Richer oils like coconut or palm oil, though nourishing, can be comedogenic and may trigger breakouts. For maximum comfort under makeup, a thinner oil is ideal,” said Dr Kaur. Although cleansing wasn’t shown in the video, it’s a crucial first step to remove impurities and allow for better product absorption.

Ideally, a lightweight hydrating serum or moisturiser should be applied before oil, as applying oil too early can act as a barrier and prevent hydration from reaching the skin. Dr Kaur added that SPF is another essential step to protect against UV damage and maintain an even skin tone under makeup. A primer can also be layered last to create a smooth base and act as a protective barrier between skincare and makeup.

Gua Sha

“We also see the thoughtful use of a jade roller and Gua Sha, both of which help enhance circulation, reduce puffiness, and gently sculpt the face, prepping the skin for a smoother makeup application,” said Dr Kaur, further advising using authentic stone tools, as plastic alternatives lack the cooling effect and can cause unnecessary friction. Always glide these tools in gentle upward strokes with adequate facial oil to avoid tugging or microtears, she said.

Malaika Arora loves guasha massages (Source: Instagram/@malaikaaroraofficial)

Under eye patches

“While under-eye patches are a great addition to her routine, for more consistent and long-term benefits, incorporating an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or peptides, applied twice daily, can help reduce puffiness, improve hydration, and visibly smooth fine lines over time,” mentioned the expert.

Neck hydration

“It’s also great to see neck moisturization included, as this often-overlooked area shows early signs of aging and benefits from the same actives used on the face. Include targeted treatments such as peptides, retinol, or firming serums formulated for the neck area,” said Dr Kaur. For optimal results and to prevent further damage, consult a board-certified dermatologist who can guide you on the right interventions based on your skin’s needs.

Lip balm

Finishing with a nourishing lip balm helps prevent flaking and ensures lipstick goes on evenly and comfortably. For daytime routines, Dr Kaur recommended choosing a balm with SPF to protect the delicate lip area from UV damage, which can lead to pigmentation and premature aging. Apply a generous layer during your prep, allowing it to deeply hydrate, and gently dab off any excess before applying lip makeup to an optimal finish.

Lastly, the expert highlighted the importance of allowing each layer of skincare to absorb fully before moving to the next; rushing can impact product performance and affect how makeup sits on the skin.