You know that kind of beauty that makes you pause mid-scroll? Neha Kapur has it. The former Miss India, who lives with husband Kunal Nayyar (of The Big Bang Theory fame) between Delhi and LA, is plotting her next move in the creative space—mentoring emerging talent and dreaming up a platform that celebrates real artistry. “I’m charting a course that’s unique and personal to me,” she says. “Eventually, I want to create a space where true talent can be realised—and I’m enjoying the journey as much as the destination.”
But let’s talk about her other talents—like drawing up a deeply restorative nighttime routine that could moonlight as a spa menu. Read, dry brushing in the sauna, red light masks and knitting (yes, really). We caught up with Kapur to decode everything that happens after the workday ends—what she slathers on her face, what she eats, and the little habits that help her sleep like a baby.
What’s your usual clock-out time? How do your evenings usually unfold?
It differs from day to day. I try and get most of my work and errands finished by 3 pm. The evenings on weekdays are very restorative. I’m a big proponent of dry brushing the body in the sauna, followed by a steam and a bath. All of this results in great sleep as the lymph nodes are well filtered.
What’s your PM skincare ritual looking like these days?
My skincare routine shifts with the seasons and how my skin responds to environmental changes, but a proper cleansing ritual is non-negotiable. I start with J’ai of Beverly Hills gentle cleanser and exfoliating pads—they’re soft, effective and perfect for sensitive skin. On days when my skin feels reactive, I reach for Dermalogica’s Milkfoliant powder, made with calming oatmeal, or 111SKIN’s enzyme powder cleanser infused with NAC Y2, which helps cleanse and restore simultaneously. Post-cleansing, I apply a toner to rebalance my skin’s pH—Hydrinity’s Purifying Mist is my favourite. With sensitive skin, I naturally lean into serums: SCBI Gold Serum, Hydrinity Renewing HA Serum, and plated Intense Serum are staples. Once or twice a week, depending on how my skin is doing, I use the Environ Gold Roll-CIT microneedle at night—it’s an active treatment, and nighttime is when skin repair really kicks in.
Do you do anything special for your hair before bed, like oils or leave-ins? And are you a silk pillowcase kinda girl?
A hair routine that I swear by is getting regular scalp treatments. Product build-ups are very common, and I like to use a shampoo that helps in clearing out product build-up. I always use a scalp serum or an oil-based treatment half an hour before I shampoo, since an expert (Lori Huitron, creator of the holistic Scalp Alchemy Academy) told me it only takes that much time for any treatment to seep in.
Are you into LED masks or supplements for sleep and skin?
I use red and infrared light thrice a week for collagen production at a cellular level. The Lyma Laser is an investment, but I like to use it regularly and also carry it with me on flights.
What’s your bath or shower setup like—is it a full ritual or quick rinse?
I like to use a shower oil, which acts like a shower wash as well. Paro has lovely shower oils that are light and easy for everyday use.
What’s your ultimate comfort dinner for a cosy night in?
I prefer to keep the meals in the evening relatively light, as it helps with sleep and metabolic stimulation—a chicken stock soup with a salmon filet or a chicken breast. Sometimes, if I need to add some carbs, I’ll have some pasta with a protein.
