Nidhi Sunil on the One Mascara That ‘Does the Job’

Meet the first-ever global Indian L'Oréal Paris spokesperson.

Nidhi Sunil on the One Mascara That ‘Does the Job’

Nidhi Sunil is the first ever global Indian L'Oréal Paris spokesperson, so when she calls us from her apartment in Brooklyn, she reacts accordingly: “This is a huge deal for me. I grew up in India. I've only been in the United States for the last five years, so to have this global beauty platform is really meaningful.” 

Sunil—a model/actress/activist—loves makeup and skincare, but what she's most excited about is being a face for women in India who have typically be told that the color of their skin isn't ideal. “I've faced colorism, and it was just something I had to confront,” she tells Glamour. “To be from a country where fair skin is often preferred, it's huge that so many girls who don't identify with what they see in mainstream India can now see me in this role. I get a lot of mail from fans who are like me—South Indian girls who are brown—who reach out to see how I did it.”

It's been a long road for Sunil, but she's always kept her focus. That includes being an activist and working with the Invisible Girl Project, which advocates for young women in India who are subjected to terrible injustices based on their gender. 

“Growing up, how we look and how we see other people looking at us really shaped how we see ourselves. That is so backward to me and disempowering to me,” she says. “I want every single person to have agency regarding the way that they look and not be controlled by an outside narrative.”

And so, with that in mind, we asked Sunil to talk about how she finds empowerment, and the women inspiring her the most right now. Time for another round of Glamour's Big Beauty Questions.

What's one beauty trend that you're obsessed with right now?

Skincare. I'm obsessed with having clean, good skin and the technology on the market right now, from retinol to various serums. 

What city or country gives you the greatest beauty inspiration?

My country, obviously, and Indian traditions. I mean I grew up with turmeric mill, Saffron and my grandmother's beauty routine, and yogurt on the skin. My mom would insist on making sure I had coconut oil in my hair at night so I could wake up with long, flowing hair. 

If you could only use three products for the rest of your life, what are they and why?

Coconut oil for my skin and hair, because it's tradition and I've used it since I was a kid. It doesn't make me break out and it's perfect for all weather. Then L'Oréal's Voluminous Mascara, because so much research goes into how they make their products, so it really does the job. I'm a model, so I don't think I can leave the house without mascara when I go out for a casting. It just makes me feel like I'm put together. And then Elvive's Total Repair 5 Collection. My hair needs a lot of care because it's wavy and curly.  

L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Shampoo + Conditioner

Would you rather get a facial or a massage?

Massage. I'm Indian, so I like a good bargain. [Laughs]  I'd rather target my entire body as opposed to just my face. 

What's your go to perfume and why?

I use pure essential oils, so I will use frangipani essential oil as perfume from South India. It's really beautiful. Or just pure lavender as perfume, which is really nice. I get a lot of aromatherapy benefits out of it.

You have $20 and free roam of a drugstore. What do you buy?

Rosewater spray. Anything that's sourced sustainably. And the L'Oréal Revitalift 10% Glycolic Acid serum. I have also been loving the L'Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain.

L'Oréal Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

L'Oréal Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain

Who are the women inspiring you most right now?

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan from Never Have I Ever. And Simone Ashley, who will star in the next season of Bridgerton. I actually read for that part, but they needed somebody more accomplished, which is totally fair. It's just so inspiring to see all of these Indian women going out there and pursuing their careers. And it feels nice to be out here while they're doing it.

You can follow Nidhi Sunil on Instagram at @nidhisunil.

This interview was been edited and condensed for clarity.

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Jessica Radloff