You know the #ITGTopShelfie—our interview series that shares the beauty routines of Into The Gloss’ lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Now we’re taking you into the bathrooms, cabinets, and makeup bags of some of Glossier’s own. These folks work in beauty, and they bring to the table lots of capital-t Thoughts about it. Submit yours on Instagram—post your Top Shelfie (tag us @intothegloss!) and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie for a chance to be featured on ITG.
“Hi! I’m Pooja (@poojagparikh). I’m on the Planning Team at Glossier, which is kind of like the link between the front and back ends of the business. Our primary goal is to predict how much of which products we might sell next week, next month, and next year, and then make sure we have the stock to fulfill those orders. I have learned so much about beauty since I started working at Glossier. (It’s almost been two and a half years!) Most importantly, I’ve learned how unique and personal beauty can be. You know that ingredient chart of chocolate chip cookie variations? That’s how my mind now sees beauty: everyone’s ideal is different, and they’re all the best.
I never really struggle with breakouts, but I do have really dry skin. My routine is focused on hydrating and moisturizing all year round. A splash of water is usually enough in the morning, but if I want to cleanse I’ll reach for something super gentle like Milky Jelly Cleanser or Avène’s Gentle Milk Cleanser. After that, I’ll use SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence for extra hydration and then, always, Caudalie Vinosource Deep Hydration Serum. Josh Rosebrook’s Vital Balm Cream looks whipped in the jar, but turns into a balmy, rich cream when it hits my face. A little goes a long way, and it smells amazing. If I’m out of the Vital Balm Cream, I like to use Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Cream. And I use face oil to seal in the moisturizer and leave my face with a nice glow. My top oils for an extra layer of moisturizing protection (without feeling thick or greasy) are RMS Beauty Oil, True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil, and Kora Organics Noni Glow.
I’ve been wearing eyeliner every day pretty much since I was 10, which is definitely a cultural thing. Almost every woman in India wears eyeliner. I feel incomplete when I’m not wearing it, at least in some iteration. My current favorite is Glossier’s Pro Tip—I love the pigment and easy application. There’s also not a day I go without using Boy Brow in Black. Threading is the worst feeling ever, and I always end up sneezing in the technician’s face. It’s so embarrassing—I probably only go do it twice a year, and Boy Brow helps keep me looking groomed in the interim. So, that’s my bare minimum makeup. On days I feel like doing a little extra, I start with Perfecting Skin Tint in G6, apply Cloud Paint in Dusk or Chanel Les Beiges blush stick in No. 23 to my cheeks, and finish with Jillian Dempsey’s Lid Tint in Bronze on my eyes. I almost never wear mascara. And my fancy makeup—like, for a wedding or something—would be Chanel’s Les Beiges foundation in No. 60 with the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger and a red lip. I love how Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance in Vendetta looks on my complexion. There’s something so polished about it.
I guess I should admit it: I’m addicted to lip balms, and fragrance… and candles. This #ITGTopShelfie might have to end in an intervention. I have approximately six lip balms on me at any given time, but if I had to pick one, it would be Olio E Osso Balm No. 1. The wide stick glides on so easily, the texture is so silky (it’s shea butter and olive oil), and the subtle lemon and grapefruit notes are just perfect. One stick lasts forever. In terms of scent, the rotation includes Glossier You, Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday, and Byredo Mojave Ghost, but my favorite right now is Maison Louis Marie Bois de Balincourt. Jo Malone’s Body Cream in Pomegranate Noir adds some subtle and moodiness to whichever I pick, and it lasts all day.
My nighttime routine is pretty simple. I remove any makeup and cleanse my face using either de Mamiel Cleansing Balm or DHC’s deep cleansing oil. If it’s the night before a big event, I’ll mask with Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask for a glowy, fresh canvas the next day. But I’ll typically just slather on some Weleda Skin Food, followed by a couple of dabs of Bubblewrap under my eyes and some Laneige Lip Mask on my lips, and leave it at that. I rotate in Ole Henriksen’s Retin-Alt face cream just once a week—I could do more overnight, but keeping it gentle seems to be working.
I spend most of my free time doing something with food: cooking it, eating it, watching someone make it on TV. Food is a huge part of Indian culture, and it’s been a constant source of fun, comfort, and adventure throughout my life. Last year, I started a Monday Night Dinner Series with my brother and his girlfriend—we pick an interesting-sounding or well-reviewed restaurant none of us have been to before, and try as many dishes and cocktails we can. It is so much fun! Although I’m missing our dinners right now, self-isolating has been great for developing my cooking techniques. My boyfriend David might be a better cook (although, don’t tell him I said that) but I am now a poached egg master.”
—as told to ITG
Photos via the author