Hi guys, it’s me! Your 5’1, small fair Parsi, Beauty Editor at MissMalini. While you could probably have more important things to do, and while my life journey to being an editor isn’t all that inspiring, I’d like to think I’ve picked up a few valuable and key life tips along my Vogue India internships, hairdressing courses and some good ‘ol self practice.

1. Never touch your face

Something I’ve learnt since I was a kid is to never, ever touch my face. Another important thing my father instilled in me from earlier on is to always wash my hands the moment I get home. If you touch your face with dirty hands, it could become a breeding ground for acne and pimples.

2. Wear sunscreen every single day

I didn’t realise the gravity of how dangerous UV rays could be until my dermatologist sat down and explained it to me. Not only do you have to apply sunscreen every damn day, but one needs to reapply it at least twice after. Also, make sure to never forget to apply it to the neck.

3. It’s okay if it’s expensive

We all love a pocket-friendly product. But when it comes to your face and body, it’s better to be safe than regret it years later. That’s what happened to me with a drugstore toner buy. Days later I was breaking out and it only got worse for my skin from there. So just remember that if it comes down to buying a product whether skin or makeup, invest your money on trusted formulas with ingredients that are good for your skin.

4. Always wash your face before bed

Washing your face before bed is just a must-do. Whether you have makeup on for an entire day or not, your skin is susceptible to a lot to dirt, grime and pollution in the air. Thoroughly cleansing your face lets your skin really breathe and can also slower ageing. You don’t necessarily have to follow it up with a nighttime routine, but applying a moisturiser or cream once washed will help keep your skin feel and look healthy.

5. Don’t believe everything you see on Instagram

While social media is great, it can come with some really ill-fitted advice and products. What you see via bloggers, influencers and celebrities on Instagram or Pinterest isn’t always to be taken for word-for-word. While some products promise overnight changes, some products can also harm you in the future. Take for example, hair vitamins. I myself got dragged into that one pretty deep. Promising hair growth in 30-60 days, with shinier and healthier locks after just popping 2 gummy bear vitamins seemed like a sweet deal. But in reality, it never really worked and let’s just say my body felt a little weak after.

6. Invest in your skin

I learnt this lesson pretty late in life. But if you’re suffering from skin issues, always ask for help (The Internet doesn’t count!). Trying to google or test out a cream or acne treatment on your own could be a really bad thing. Call a reputed skin specialist or dermatologist.

7. Know that things take time

Patience—Another thing I’ve learnt and honestly had to work on the most. “How much time will it take for these (acne) spots to disappear”, was one of the first questions to my dermat when I approached her for the treatment. To my dismay she said, “6 months or more”. Something that I’ve learnt over the years is that results take time to show. Just like a new fitness plan, you have to be patient enough to trust the process and be regular with your regime.

8. Just because it works for everyone doesn’t mean it’ll be the same for you

Just like all 5 fingers aren’t the same, people’s skin tones, textures and sensitivity isn’t going to be the same. The skincare routine your BFF follows to the T, may not work for you and that’s okay. Get to know your skin better and see what works for your skin by reading the ingredients and knowing your skin type.

9. Sugar is your worst enemy

Oh man, if I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it’d be Malteasers, Milka and Twix bars. But I learnt the hard way that chocolates can be the ultimate enemy—not only for the weighing scale! TBut the sugar in chocolates, candy, ice cream, sodas, and anything else not only spikes insulin levels, but it can also increase inflammation and collagen in the skin.

10. Accept your flaws

While the concept of beauty is quite frazzled nowadays, just know that it’s okay to not be perfect. I’m a beauty editor who not only has the most stubborn dark circles you would ever see, but on normal days at the office, I don’t even think of concealing them. Accepting that certain traits and imperfections doesn’t define you is the key. So why be perfect when you can be perfectly imperfect, amirite?