Sonam Kapoor is rejecting beauty’s rigid rules

“I am still grappling with becoming completely comfortable with my body,” says Sonam Kapoor. “I’ve always had a battle with body image, and I think it’ll go on for the rest of my life, like most girls and boys.”

It’s a soft, quiet admission. One that feels both intimate and universal, coming from a woman who’s been the subject of endless scrutiny for over a decade. And yet, there’s no drama, no self-pity. She continues, “I truly feel like you need to love yourself and I am constantly trying to do that,” before adding, “I have to stop being hard on myself like everybody else.”

Her beauty rituals reflect that quiet tenderness, an attempt at softness in a world that often demands perfection. “I like my silk eye mask, my silk pillowcase, silk Dior pyjamas. It’s all silk.” A seemingly indulgent collection, but it’s a choice grounded in practicality, too. Silk, unlike cotton, keeps moisture locked in, preventing hair breakage and skin dehydration. There’s an elegance to the simplicity of it all, but also a deeply personal commitment to nurturing herself through comfort and care.

Her hair care is equally thoughtful. She shares a recipe her family has been mixing for years: “Almond oil, vitamin E and coconut oil.” It’s become a staple she turns to more frequently these days. The blend speaks to the simplicity of nature’s offerings: almond oil for strength and shine, coconut oil for hydration, and vitamin E for protection. More than ingredients, they are a part of a ritual, a mindful pause in the rush of daily life.

As for beauty trends, her clear stance is refreshingly grounded. Overnight sheet masks? “So uncomfortable.” Facial icing? “It’s not as good as people think it is. You’d rather go and do cryotherapy on your face.” And a hard pass on heavy contouring. “I’m all for the natural look.” Her preferences feel more like a quiet rebellion against an often loud and aggressive beauty culture. She gravitates towards authenticity, a preference for what feels right over what’s trending.

Motherhood, of course, has brought its own set of shifts. “I was unsettled, so I spent the night with my sister,” recalls Sonam Kapoor, reflecting on a moment of vulnerability while her husband was away. “Companionship is necessary.” The transition to motherhood has altered her routine, too—no longer rigid, but more fluid, adaptive. A change that’s not just physical but emotional. Her wellness rituals, be it oil pulling or drying brushing in the morning, now exist between obligation and self-care, grounded in the chaos and the quiet moments alike.