I remember the first time I saw Katrina Kaif it was about a decade ago at a party and instantly being struck by her lit-from-within complexion. Over the years, I have spotted her at various social and professional events, and even interviewed her a couple of times. And yet, she has remained something of an enigma to me—she’s famously been elusive and guarded about her personality and personal life. But it takes just about watching three of her reels on Instagram to unravel her appeal and affinity with all things beauty. Not to mention, Katrina’s online presence is endearingly relatable: she giggles when applying her own makeup, she often reveals that multi-use products are her favourite and she even posts playful videos with her husband Vicky Kaushal about cosmetics, all while deep diving into formulations and finishes.
The big-ticket actor, whose films have been mostly hits, except for the ones that have been superhits, has leveraged her skincare and makeup know-how to become one of today’s biggest beauty sensations and behemoths in India with the launch of her eponymous label Kay Beauty By Katrina.
When I speak with Katrina on the heels of her latest wedding campaign and collection, the actor turned makeup mogul speaks so articulately, and with such earnestness, that in just about 30 minutes I feel like I know the indecipherable actor. From disclosing the makeup tips and tricks she’s learnt from her own wedding celebrations and the bridal beauty trends she thinks will be big in 2025 to introducing me to must-have products from her latest line, she spills all the beans.
On her bridal makeup philosophy
Ever since the label’s launch in 2019, its motto has been to dismiss perfection when it comes to bridal makeup. “With Kay Beauty, we’re saying it’s also about authenticity, personality and joy. I wanted our products to create that balance—refined enough to look elegant, yet natural enough to feel like you. Our approach is about enhancing your features rather than transforming them,” Katrina says. And this credo has translated as a slew of offerings that “focus on lightweight, breathable textures and shades that don’t just sit on your skin but truly blend into it, creating a soft, radiant finish that lets your beauty come through with grace and freshness—perfect for day weddings.”
On her latest bridal campaign
Kay Beauty’s new film celebrates the bride of today and her many sides, each brought to life as various bridal makeup looks. Dewy. Sunkissed skin. Soft, romantic glam. Every video is incredible and Instagrammable, with Katrina and her bridesmaids decked up in Tarun Tahiliani bridal couture. “For me, bridal beauty is about more than just looking beautiful on one day. It’s about feeling this incredible sense of confidence, of embracing all that you are, and letting that shine through. When I thought about bridal beauty for Kay Beauty, I wanted to create something that would make every bride feel like the truest version of herself – radiant, unique, and happy. Through this campaign, I want to say to brides, ‘This day is yours, so make it about you’. Let your makeup tell your story, highlight your essence, and feel like the celebration of everything that makes you, you,” Katrina shares.
On the new bridal range
Katrina, who is known for being mindful and methodical, meticulously chose every shade in the new bridal range. “Each shade was chosen with care, keeping in mind how personal and diverse bridal beauty is. Weddings are full of moments—the joy, the emotions, the thrill—and I wanted our shades to reflect that spectrum. From our Multi-Use Blush in Awaken for a natural flush to the Hydra Crème Lipstick in Panache for a soft, polished look, we curated colours that allow a bride to express every side of herself. We wanted brides to have colours that would be as memorable in photographs years from now as they are on the day, especially with the softer, radiant tones suited for daytime weddings.”
On 2025 bridal makeup trends
“Brides today are loving a more luminous, skin-focused look. They want a glow that feels fresh and lasts all day. I also see more brides going for a less-is-more approach, enhancing their natural features with minimal but impactful products. With Kay Beauty, we’ve focused on products like our Hydrating Foundation and Liquid Highlighter that create a soft, lasting glow without any heaviness. It’s about embracing who you are, which is exactly what I want Kay Beauty to stand for.”
On long-lasting bridal makeup
“I learned the importance of layering lightweight products for durability without heaviness. Start with a good hydrating primer, then go in with a long-lasting foundation like ours. A quick spritz of setting spray after loose powder helps keep everything in place. And a tiny trick I used—adding a little shimmer to the inner corners of my eyes just before stepping out—it makes you look fresh and awake all day. I’d also recommend softly smudging a bit of our Gel Kajal along the lash line and blending it with a brush to create that soft, natural smoky effect, perfect for a daytime look that still feels defined and special.”
On makeup lessons she learnt as a bride
“Honestly, my biggest takeaway was to keep it simple and focus on enhancing, not hiding. I think brides sometimes overthink it and their makeup artists end up going for too many layers. I’d suggest starting with a strong base—well-prepped skin and a hydrating foundation—and letting everything else flow from there. One little hack – Dabbing a tiny amount of liquid highlighter over your blush gives a stunning, multi-dimensional glow.”
On the biggest bridal makeup faux pas
“For me, it’s when makeup feels heavy or unnatural. Your wedding day is all about feeling your best, and makeup should be used as a tool of self-expression, and not a mask. Overly matte or cakey finishes can take away from that natural glow, so I’d say, steer towards products that give you a natural, glowy finish, and use powders sparingly.”
On curating a versatile makeup trousseau
“For a bridal trousseau, I’d say start with the essentials! A great foundation, like our Hydrating Foundation, which is a must for a natural, radiant base. Our Velvet Crème Blush in Awaken is perfect for that soft, flushed look, and the Liquid Lipstick in Embrace adds a lovely neutral touch with a modern twist. Don’t forget the Multi Texture Eyeshadow Palette in Sunkissed for versatile eye looks and the Liquid Highlighter in Champagne for that bridal glow. These are products that won’t just look beautiful but will feel right at home on your wedding day and on every other special occasion to follow.”
