Priyanka Chopra on representation, mood-boosting beauty rituals, and leaving extremes behind

Priyanka Chopra is many things. A hugely successful actor who has managed to navigate the notoriously difficult cross over from Bollywood to Hollywood; a wife to one of the most famous musicians of our generation (Nick Jonas); a new mother; an activist for social injustices and a businesswoman putting the needs of minorities at the forefront. And those are just the things off the top of my head.

While the many facets of Priyanka Chopra is all of that and so much more, to me, she is one of the first people I saw on screen, on red carpets, on billboards of global campaigns that looked anything like me. 

I’m not nervous to meet Priyanka (albeit over the phone), because I already know so much about her. I’m not talking about her impressive CV, or even the nuggets of her life she shares on social media. I know her because she is me and I am her – two South Asian women existing in a world that hasn’t always allowed us to be visible.

In the same way you would be of a big sister, I’m proud of Priyanka. Proud to share the same heritage, the same skin, and the same desire for women to feel considered. It’s that hugely important consideration that has led Priyanka to her latest collaboration with Max Factor. 

As someone who grew up desperately wanting to find a lipstick that didn’t make my brown skin look icy, or an eyeshadow pigmented enough that it would show up on my complexion, this collection of makeup staples, that's designed to suit every skin tone, has a way of making you feel important. 

I caught up with the global superstar to talk through her beauty and wellness rituals – and how the industry is working towards more representation.  

My evening skincare routine is important to have a sense of grounding. 

Its therapeutic properties really help me feel good before I go to bed. I spend 5 minutes on it, just using my serums and oils and I find that time really centres me. I used to be that person that thought I was too busy to give time to myself, but if you can brush your teeth you can do this.

Not living in extremes has helped to not let anxiety lead my life. 

I start my day with a lemon, ginger and parsley shot because it’s just good and detoxing. But my wellness really comes from my mental health. I work out, I believe in having a sense of balance. I lived in extremes during my 20s, but that’s too tumultuous. Now I’m getting older I look for balance, whether that’s taking a walk with my dogs and the baby, or having a minute to myself with my face mask and my coffee, or oiling my hair, or my night time routine listening to some music. Five minutes of doing something for you can really help heal the day.

A red lipstick goes everywhere with me. 

It’s a great day-to-night tool. It can be high impact or more like a stain and I use it on my cheeks too sometimes for a bit of flush and colour.

When I was younger you couldn’t even find the right foundation, I would have to mix a few shades and hope for the best. 

Finding the right colours was a big struggle for me growing up. Beauty as an industry is getting better at shades, but undertones not so much. So that is exactly what we have tried to do with this collection. I tried the products on myself and friends and family, and I’m very proud of the palette that we have created of amazingly pigmented shades that are flattering on universal skin tones. The foundation aspect of beauty is being addressed and has been worked on – even with us at Max Factor, the range of foundations means you can find your exact skin tone. We want to challenge the conventional notions of beauty – how beauty has been defined in entertainment and advertising. The conversation we have had with this collection is around different – and that isn’t just different skin tones – it’s different people, different personalities. It’s not up to us to define what beauty looks like.

When I’m touching up my makeup at lunch, I only take off the makeup from under my eyes and around my mouth.

I re-moisturise, and then put just a little bit more on so it feels fresh and supple instead of taking on more makeup on top of make up.

My definition of beauty is confidence.

When I wake up and I’m really excited about the day, like I’m going to kick the ass out of this day, it makes me feel happy and, in turn, confident. I really think the definition of beauty is internal, and when you have the tools at your disposal to create that happiness, you radiate confidence.

Blooming Orchid would definitely be a mood booster.

With colour cosmetics, those different skin tones haven’t been addressed as much. If I wanted to do a nude colour lipstick, it would often be too pink or too cool in colour, which doesn’t bring out the warmth or glow in our skin. I love the pink pop of the [Blooming Orchid Colour Elixir Lipstick] shade and it just makes my entire face bright. 

Fashion is so expressive and beauty can be, too. 

A brown hued sparkle always works well this time of year with a red lip. I love playing with eyeshadow, I’m having an eyeliner moment as well. I love sitting at my dressing table and watching makeup Reels for inspiration.

I feel most empowered when I have a table full of friends and family around me. 

Just seeing the faces of people that love you and are proud of you and will be there for you no matter how terrible you are, is such an empowering feeling. I have a large family and they are my greatest strength; their unconditional love makes me feel empowered.

The Colour Me Confident collection is available exclusively online and in store at Superdrug now.