Pritika Swarup, international model and global ambassador of Operation Smile, is heavily invested in beauty and wellness—and she’s only getting started. From her Ayurvedic beauty line, Prakti, to what she loves on long-haul flights, these are her favorites in the space this summer.
Your line has a new launch coming out. What makes it different?
We have a lot coming out! The big one right now is our detox mask, which comes out October 3. It has that push-pull technology, and we’ve never had a product like it. It’s actually the most advanced product we’ve ever put out. On application, it pulls out impurities, while pushing moisture into your skin. It’s just a super creamy, super hydrating formula. It really changes the game when it comes to detoxifying because it creates this really nurturing, comforting experience.
Yes…detox masks aren’t always kind to sensitive skin.
I’ve had so many bad experiences with detox masks. My skin just gets super, super angry, tight, and irritated afterward. I really wanted to address those concerns. I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to share about it, but let’s just say, I’m excited.
I know you also lean heavily on the “experience” of your products. What are you hoping users will love the most about this one?
I think they’re going to love a couple of main things: It goes on super easy and you feel this immediate warming sensation. When you think about a detox mask, you think about discomfort, but you really do need to pull out those impurities and pollutants and you want to minimize your pores. It does everything for that, but in a comfortable way. Even if you leave it on too long, it’s O.K. You can’t mess it up.
My thing is, when I would use other detox masks, I would put it on and I’d be like, all right, I’m going to take it off in 10 minutes, but then I would get so caught up in something that it would be on for like half an hour. That’s when I’d be in a lot of trouble. I just feel like the overall experience—it’s warming, it’s soothing, it’s hydrating—it’s really redefining this type of mask experience. I’m really excited to see how people take it because it has the purple sweet potato, which is this beautiful color, and the rosemary as well. The aroma is really beautiful. We always really look at the aroma aspect of it because it’s functional as far as skin care goes, but then it’s also functional when it comes to uplifting your mood. Our aroma stories are really beautiful with our products.
Can you share any insider info on what’s coming next?
I can share that we’re launching wellness candles in November. It’s a full collection and I’m really looking forward to that. We’ve been able to create these beautiful, complex blends that are multidimensional. We have three categories—purifying-detoxify, energizing-uplifting, and then we have grounding-calming. It’s kind of crazy how they totally transform your mood and enhance your day. And they are perfect if you’re working from home.
I tried all of them; I tested all of them for months and months. I’m excited to get those out there and just promote this idea of holistic wellness more. I want to encourage people to not only take care of their physical aspects of beauty, but to also take care of the mind and soul. Even just take a second and burn one while you’re doing skin care. We’re really leaning into that idea right now.
I know rituals are also a big part of the line, and your personal life. Is there anything you do every night that is just for you?
I think it depends on how tired I am! Sometimes, I just have to crash, but I always do meditation. When I can, I also like to do a nice facial massage—either before bed or as I’m starting my day. If I’m doing an interview, or if I’m going on a shoot, I do some extra massage with some I use some facial tools. I try to always take a moment to just feel good.
You travel a ton. Do you have any advice to give nervous flyers or anyone looking to relax more on a plane?
I have half a glass of wine if I’m going to sleep, but I’m also a big believer in breathing. People don’t understand how much breathing has to do with our anxiety and stress levels. If we’re really stressed out, we’re breathing really fast. We’re taking short breaths and we’re not actually letting the oxygen go into our body, and get into our brain. I do the two-to-one breathing or alternate nostril breathing, and that helps because it actually does allow more oxygen into your brain. It helps you feel a little more relaxed, calm, clear.
Recently, my friend was just flying to Istanbul—she was so nervous about the long flight— and she was like, “Oh, I’m going to just take the pill and pass out.” I just said, “Yes, I mean, you can do that, but it’s also O.K. to learn how to regulate how you’re feeling, because that helps all of the areas of your life.” I recommended doing some breathing, a little skin care, taking a little time to feel like you’re in your best state. And then, before you know it, you will fall asleep or you’ll watch a movie and you’ll start to feel comfortable. I think everyone just wants to be comfortable.
