Applying natural products works better for my skin: Carol Gracias

Model Carol Gracias admits that when she joined the industry over a decade ago, she knew very little about make-up and skincare. “I had to learn the basics — how to put make-up on and how to take it off, so your skin doesn’t develop blemishes.”

Model Carol Gracias admits that when she joined the industry over a decade ago, she knew very little about make-up and skincare. “I had to learn the basics — how to put make-up on and how to take it off, so your skin doesn’t develop blemishes.”

Over the years, the products and techniques she’s relied on to preserve her much-photographed beauty have changed considerably. “Back in the day, we didn’t have any good make-up removers, so all of us used Johnson’s baby oil. It was easy, cheap and gentle on your skin,” she says, adding, “Now, I have started using more moisturiser, something I never bothered doing when I was younger.”

I have combination skin, so I need to be careful about moisturising my face with a balancing product, otherwise some parts get oily while others remain dry.

I enjoy cooking, so I eat a lot of home-cooked, balanced meals.

My hair takes a beating when I’m working, with all the styling products, blow-drying and back-combing, so I need to pay extra attention to it. I oil it and do a Kerastase protein treatment often, so that it stays healthy.

I apply simple home products like honey, sandalwood paste, olive oil and aloe vera gel on my face instead of going for facials at a spa. Natural products work better for my skin.