beauty
Not every plan works out the way you think it will. Esra Khan thought she’d make it big in cricket, she played at the national T20 level in 2023, but things didn’t go as hoped. After facing setbacks, she found herself exploring something completely different: modelling.
Coming from a traditional Pashtoon background, the shift wasn’t easy, especially with a conservative mother at home. Esra kept her early work quiet, only opening up once she began working with photographer Khawar Riaz. Since then, she’s done shoots for brands like ‘Parniyaan’ by Ayesha, ‘Anzalna’, ‘Safawa’, ‘Croche’, and a few others.
This week, she talks beauty favourites with our readers…
When did you first fall in love with makeup?
I was very young. I remember watching my mother apply her lipstick in the mirror. I was fascinated by the colours and how confident she looked afterward.
What’s your must-have product before stepping out into the sun?
Sunscreen, every single day. I use SPF 50 in the morning, even if I am staying indoors. If I know I will be outside for a while, I also carry sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Sun protection is a habit now.
Any skincare advice you always follow?
Hydrate your body and your skin. Drink water, use a good moisturiser, and include a hyaluronic acid serum if your skin feels dry. Lip balm is essential, and I never forget to apply body lotion, even if I am in a rush.
What are your top picks when it comes to perfumes and lipsticks?
Perfumes I reach for often include YSL Libre, Chanel Chance, and Zara Red Temptation. They all have different moods. In lipsticks, I stick with M.A.C, Maybelline, and Huda Beauty Bombshell. These work for both daily use and events.
Foundation can be hard to match. What works for you?
I prefer warm beige tones with golden undertones. The goal is always a natural look. I want it to blend into my skin, not sit on top of it or look cakey.
How do you take off your makeup after a long day?
I believe in double cleansing. First, I use micellar water or a cleansing balm to break down the makeup. Then I follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser. After that, it is toner, serum, and moisturiser. I do this routine even when I am tired.
Can you walk us through your daily skincare routine?
In the morning, I start with a cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, a good moisturiser, and sunscreen. At night, I double cleanse, then use a treatment serum like retinol or niacinamide. I finish with a night cream and an under-eye product. It is all about consistency.
How do you prevent hair damage?
Weekly oiling helps a lot. I use coconut or argon oil. I avoid using heat without a heat protectant, and I never tie my hair too tight to avoid stress on the roots.
What’s your regular hair care routine like?
It is very simple. I go for regular trims, oil my scalp once a week, and use a deep conditioning treatment every weekend. I avoid trying too many new products at once.
Makeup can be expensive. What’s your advice for someone on a tight budget?
Stick to the basics. You do not need a long list of products. Focus on learning good technique. Brands like Maybelline, e.l.f., and Essence make affordable products that are also reliable. Quality does not always mean high price.
Do you follow a specific diet to keep your skin glowing?
I try to eat a balanced diet. Water comes first. I include fruits like oranges and berries, leafy greens, nuts, and foods rich in omega-3. What you eat shows up on your face over time.
Is there one product you always carry with you?
Lip balm. I cannot do without it. A good concealer also makes a big difference, especially under the eyes. These two are my daily essentials.
Which makeup brands are your favourites?
Charlotte Tilbury and Rare Beauty are very consistent in terms of texture and finish. Huda Beauty has great shades and formulas. For affordable options, I often reach for Maybelline.
What do you always keep in your beauty pouch?
A mirror, lip balm, nude lipstick, compact powder, hand cream, and a mini perfume. Just enough to freshen up during the day.
Is there any part of makeup that still intimidates you?
Winged eyeliner. No matter how much I practice, one side always turns out different. I also tend to overfill my brows sometimes, which ruins the entire look.
How often do you get facials?
If possible, I go to the salon once every four to six weeks. But if I cannot, I do a basic facial at home every Sunday. Cleanse, exfoliate, mask, and moisturise. That is enough to give my skin a break.
Who are some stylists or makeup artists you admire?
I really like the work of Natasha Khalid and Bina Khan. Aleena Qadeer also has a clean, modern aesthetic that I enjoy.
What is your take on whitening creams?
I do not support them. Beauty is not about being fair. It is about taking care of your skin and feeling good in your natural tone. Healthy skin is always better than altered skin.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty means feeling like yourself. It is about confidence, being kind, and how you carry yourself.
Photography: Khawar Riaz