When it comes to subtle beauty, few ace it like Mrunal Thakur. She believes makeup should enhance, not mask, one’s natural features. From her early days on television to making a mark in films like Super 30 and Sita Ramam, Mrunal has carved a niche for herself in the industry. She was recently announced the brand ambassador of Ramsons Perfume.
In a candid conversation for HT Shop Now's Makeup Mantras, Mrunal Thakur spoke about her makeup and skincare secrets and her love for perfumes.
Q: Indian summers and long shoot days are a challenge. What is your secret hack to making your fragrance last from the early morning vanity van call to the 10 PM wrap?
Mrunal Thakur: Hydration is key both for your skin and your fragrance. I always moisturise well before applying perfume because it helps lock in the scent. I also do a light layering, like using a body mist or lotion with a similar note and then spritz on pulse points. And a quick mid-day refresh never hurts!
Q: Ramson's campaign focuses on fragrance as a tool for self-expression. What are your thoughts?
Mrunal Thakur: I genuinely love that idea because fragrance is such a personal, invisible extension of who you are. Sometimes, even before you say a word, your scent can leave an impression. For me, it’s like an emotional accessory; it reflects your mood, your energy, even your confidence on a given day.
Q: What kind of fragrances do you usually gravitate towards: floral, woody, fresh, or spicy?
Mrunal Thakur: I usually lean towards fresh and floral fragrances. There’s something very uplifting and effortless about them. On some days, though, I like a hint of woody notes, which makes the fragrance feel a little more grounded and mature.
Q: Do you choose different scents for different moods and occasions or one for all?
Mrunal Thakur: Definitely different scents for different moods. If I’m heading out for an event, I might go for something a bit more intense and long-lasting. But for everyday wear or shoots, I prefer something light and refreshing. It’s like choosing an outfit; it depends on how you’re feeling.
Q: Are there any perfumes that remind you of a special memory or phase of your life?
Mrunal Thakur: Yes, absolutely. Certain scents instantly take me back to my early days in Mumbai, those first few auditions, that mix of nervousness and excitement. Even now, if I come across a similar fragrance, it brings back that whole phase of dreaming and hustling.
Q: Do you use essential oils or specific perfumes to calm your nerves?
Mrunal Thakur: Yes, I do! I really enjoy using lavender or sandalwood-based oils when I want to unwind. They’re very calming and help me slow down, especially after a hectic shoot day.
Q: What’s a scent you just cannot stand?
Mrunal Thakur: Anything that’s too overpowering or overly sweet can be a bit much for me. I prefer fragrances that are subtle and grow on you rather than something that enters the room before you do!
Q: Have you picked up any beauty hacks from makeup artists on set?
Mrunal Thakur: So many! One that I swear by is using a damp beauty sponge for a more natural finish; it really melts the makeup into your skin. Also, less is more. Good skin prep can do half the job before makeup even begins.
Q: What’s your go-to lipstick shade these days?
Mrunal Thakur: I’ve been loving a mix of some classic nudes and soft pinks. They’re easy, versatile, and work for both day and night.
Q: Do you think fragrance and makeup together define a person’s vibe?
Mrunal Thakur: Absolutely. Makeup is what people see, fragrance is what they feel. When both come together, it really completes your overall presence. It’s like creating your own signature.
Q: Which makeup trend are you currently loving, and which one would you skip?
Mrunal Thakur: I’m really loving the dewy, skin-like makeup trend. It feels fresh and real. I would probably skip anything too heavy or overly contoured because I personally like to keep things more natural.
Q: Five makeup products that are always there in your bag
Mrunal Thakur: A good lip balm, a nude lipstick, compact powder, mascara, and a tinted moisturiser. These are my absolute essentials; they can take you from a simple day look to something more polished in minutes.
Similar articles for you
How Sameera Reddy glams up in her late 40s: Makeup lessons to take from the ‘Messy mama’
Sophie Choudry thinks that a nighttime skincare routine is very important, never misses her lip balm
Turmeric, vaseline and inner beauty: Padmini Kolhapure spilt her simple skincare secrets
(Makeup Mantras is a celebrity beauty series that dives into the makeup and skincare routines of your favourite stars, revealing their go-to products, personal hacks, and confidence-boosting rituals.)
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Get your
next Purchase
Based on your credit profile