The #ITGTopShelfie interview series focuses on the beauty routines of Into The Gloss' lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Submit your own on Instagram—post your Top Shelfie (tag us @intothegloss!) and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie for a chance to be featured on ITG.
"Hi! My name is Saakshi (@saakshikaushik). I’m from not-so sunny England, and I do social media marketing for a French beauty brand. Basically my job is about conveying a story that sounds compelling, exciting and organic—even if you're paying for reach. I love getting insight into how humans use social media, as if there’s almost a psychology to it. I haven’t cracked the code… yet. Maybe I won’t ever, but it’s fun for now. Contrary to popular belief, my job involves a little bit more than sitting on Twitter and stalking Hasan Minhaj, or tagging other beauty brand pals in memes.
I’ve grown to appreciate beauty for how it makes one feel, not look. I’ve realized it’s as personal as the clothes you put on that morning, or the Scandi-minimalist vibe that’s synonymous with you and only you. That alone has completely changed my outlook in terms of the quality and quantity of the products I use. It’s something I really try and embody in my day to day, and it’s tough, but I guess beauty isn’t a bad place to start.
I was, at one point, a full-face kind of gal. And don’t get me wrong, I still can be from time to time. But age, the pursuit of practicality, and perhaps the acceptance of my general aesthetic meant that I decided to stop spending so long in front of the mirror and, instead, spend that time cooking breakfast. Living in India for a couple of years and being exposed to the muggy climate meant that I wore next to nothing on my face for most days. I’ve really fallen in love with shiny skin—the kind of dew that shows up uninvited when the sun messes with your makeup. I like the approach to beauty that celebrates your smile over the lipstick you’ve worn, or the glint in the eyes versus an inner corner highlight. I still love that, though.
As a result, I’ve managed to narrow my everyday products down to the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Medium, RMS Un Cover Up Concealer in 33, Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk on cheeks, cheekbones and bridge of nose, and Glossier Haloscope in Quartz—my family and friends bring Glossier back from the States. Sometimes I like to play around with a little bronzer, a coral lip or a brown smoky eye, as long as it takes me no more than a couple of extra minutes. I recently discovered MAC Blush in Coppertone. It’s a muted copper brown hue that manages to serve as a bronzer, blush and a contour—the kind you pop right under the apples of your cheek. It’s beguiling and makes me feel like I have Caroline Roitfeld cheeks.
Currently, I'm trying to pare down my skincare routine. I used to use Pixi Glow Tonic but have since graduated to Biologique Recherche’s P50 Pigm Lotion which I use maybe twice a week at night. I’m kind of dabbling into the retinol/oid territory—so far I’ve only really played around with The Ordinary 2% Advanced Retinoid and Sarah Chapman’s Overnight Facial, but I'm not sure if that's even a retinoid. I was using Differin for a little while and started to observe the drying side effects, got scared, and put it away for a bit. I know that’s not what you’re supposed to do but, truthfully speaking, sometimes I think I’m putting my skin through more than it needs right now.
One discovery I made when in NYC last month was the Glamglow Supermud Mask Treatment—oh my God. I have never used a product that actually made my pores shrink immediately after one use. I am in [heart emoji]. And it works! It has this hurtful way of highlighting all your pores, so if you have ‘em large AND a case of trypophobia, you may want to avoid using this. But the result is so worth it. An honorary mention to the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, which makes me look like a work of art.
When it comes to hair, nothing makes me happier than a blowout. The idea of long, luscious, shiny locks makes me so happy. I let my hair air dry after running some Living Proof Restore Leave-In Conditioner than go to town with the Babyliss Big Hair. I may end with a tiny blob of Moroccanoil but it's not usually required. Otherwise, take me to a salon any day, baby."
—as told to ITG
