Padma Lakshmi Breaks Down Her Skincare Secrets, Including Why She Uses Honey in the Shower

Padma Lakshmi just launched a beauty line with MAC cosmetics, and trust us: she's every bit as obsessed with its colors as you are. But, before she dusts on forest-green shadows or swipes on her signature red lipstick, the Top Chef judge makes sure she has a perfectly primed base for all those glorious products. 

When chatting with Into the Gloss, the food and beauty expert laid out exactly what she uses to keep her skin looking healthy and fresh.

One of Padma's secret weapons is her knowledge of natural remedies. "It's my Indian heritage coming out," she said. And, a bit of her foodie roots peek through in her rituals as well. In the shower, for example, Padma uses honey to draw impurities out of her face. "It’s antibacterial, but it’s also a smoothing agent. You cleanse your skin, and then put the honey on a dry face — if you put honey on a wet face, it’ll slide. Then you just play the piano on your skin," she shared. Padma also uses tea tree oil and jojoba oil in her regime. 

Though Padma tends to veer away from big-brand skincare products, she does have a few goods that she swears by. Scroll down to read more about her favorite cleasner, exfoliant, and more — and find out where to shop the goods. 

One of Padma's favorite facialists is Tracie Martyn, who developed this purifying cleanser. The all-natural face wash is brightening and soothing — and it helps to minimize the appearance of pores. 

Martyn also makes this cream. "I’ll actually use that on my thighs before a lingerie shoot, or if we’re doing something that’s very exposed. It just makes your skin firmer," Padma says. 

This is another Tracie Martyn product that Padma loves. Simply put, she calls the exfoliant "fantastic." 

"I do use RevitaBrow because I’m one of those models who plucked all their eyebrows out in the ‘90s!," Padma revealed. The product conditions brows, and helps defend them from breakage. 

Padma's doctor gave her this SPF. "I use the 46 SPF because I have hyperpigmentation issues," she explained. She also shared that she naturally tries to stay out of the sun, and will cross the street while walking to find the shady spots.