Our cover star and the Made In Heaven actor, Elnaaz Norouzi dons sensational couture looks – from traditional embroideries to contemporary drapes, metallic lehengas and more – for modern brides and their tribes.
EInaaz Norouzi, renowned for her modeling work with global brands and groundbreaking performances in the Indian film industry, made a transcontinental leap in pursuit of her true passion. With undeniable talent, she has firmly established herself in the industry. In a candid chat, the model and actor shares the secret to her glowing skin, her passion for travel and personal milestones.
FL: How do you prepare for major appearances, and can you share any fashion or beauty secrets you swear by?
EN: Well, it’s not anything extravagant. I suppose it depends on the occasion’s significance. Of course, there are facials and hair treatments for special events. However, in my daily routine, before shooting or making a regular appearance, I always use a sheet mask. I didn’t use to do this before, but ever since I started, I can totally see the difference in my skin and the way it shines, especially on screen or in photos. And then obviously, as a woman, there are also the usual grooming routines and nail care that you typically do before any public appearance. So, nothing crazy really, unless it’s a major event.
FL: What’s the most extravagant or luxurious gift you’ve ever received or given?
EN: I, once, got a car gifted to me. I guess that’s the most extravagant gift.
FL: When it comes to relaxation and self-care, what are your favourite indulgent treatments or rituals?
EN: I love massages. It might sound a bit unusual, and I’m not sure if others share this too, but I can easily spend up to four hours getting a massage without feeling bored or irritated. When I mention this to my friends, they often ask me how I can lie still for such a long time during a massage. However, for me, it’s the ultimate way to relax and completely let go.
Speaking of relaxation, in recent years, I’ve really learnt how to calm myself down. I dedicate a lot of time to meditation and chanting, which I consider a form of self-care. However, my absolute favorite self-care ritual is a spa day. Alternatively, another self care regimen is shopping, which I guess everyone can agree with me on.
FL : Could you walk us through your daily beauty and skincare routine to maintain that radiant glow?
EN: Well, so in the morning, I have my aloe vera wheatgrass juice. I feel it is very important for my immune system and overall well-being because I’m a firm believer that skincare starts from within. It’s a process that begins inside your body and reflects on the outside. And then I usually do my face wash, moisturise and consider if I need to use a mask.
At the end of the day, my nighttime routine involves removing makeup, followed by a face wash, toner application, and generous moisturising. I always emphasise the importance of using toners in your skincare routine. I’ve noticed that, especially in India, not many people use toners, but they are one of the most important aspects of skincare routine. It just blows my mind how people just remove their makeup and apply moisturiser without using a toner. So, I believe it’s important to highlight the significance of toners in skincare routines-it’s one of my must-have products.
And then, staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and ensuring you get your essential vitamins are also crucial elements of skincare routine.
FL: What’s your favorite piece of glamorous jewellery, and is there a special story behind it?
EN: Well, I don’t know if you can count watches as jewellery. For me, I love wearing watches. So, on a normal day-to-day basis, I’m not a big jewellery person. Unless it’s for a specific look when I’m heading out and want to put on some jewellery. you won’t typically see me wearing it. But, yes, watches will be the only thing that I would wear if I’m not wearing any other jewellery.
FL: How do you celebrate personal milestones or achievements?
EN: Well, that’s a question! I always get to know myself more through interviews, and I love that. Well, I can’t really celebrate them much since my family and loved ones are not in India, except for a select few. So, I think the only way that I celebrate my milestones is through FaceTime and talking to my family and friends.
But, when I have a big achievement, I like to take some time off to reward myself. This often involves traveling to LA or Germany, where I can be with my loved ones. It’s my way of acknowledging and appreciating what I’ve accomplished. Unfortunately, I can’t go to Iran to see the rest of my family. But as I said, FaceTime helps me stay connected and celebrate with my loved ones, even if we’re miles apart. I know that can sound sad, but that’s how my life is.
On a more local level, I do enjoy going out with my friends for dinner and or a drink. But, yeah, travel would be mainly the way I would celebrate and give myself a break.
FL: Tell us about a breathtaking travel destination you’ve visited, and what made it so special for you.
EN: Let me think. I think a place that will always stay with me and that I will always remember will be Shanghai, because I had some of my best times there. But I also remember a breathtaking trip that I had to the Seychelles. It was so extremely beautiful, just like a scene from a movie or a postcard.
I had not been to San Diego until recently. The drive from LA to San Diego, and the moment when you enter the city, is a sight to behold. I was mind blown! It has the picturesque La Jolla Beach and beautiful sunsets. That’s also quite breathtaking, honestly. So, San Diego, Seychelles and Shanghai.
FL: Do you have any bucket-list experiences you’re eager to check off?
EN: I’ve always wanted to go to Japan and Brazil, but I never made it. I don’t know how and why. But, Japan is definitely on my bucket list.
FL: Describe your dream vacation destination and what you envision as the epitome of a glamorous getaway.
EN: My dream vacation destination, besides Brazil and Japan, would be Iceland. I would love to see a luxurious mountain hut in the middle of beautiful snowscapes. Unlike camping, which I’m not particularly fond of due to the presence of various creatures. So, even if I want to spend some time in nature, I need to feel comfortable. But, I’d love to be in a tree house or a secluded mountain hut with breathtaking views and having lots of things to do around. I think that would be like my dream vacation.
FL: How do you keep up with the ever-changing trends in the fashion and beauty industry to stay ahead of the curve?
EN: Well, I don’t really keep up with them that much. I just do my thing, mostly. Sometimes, when there’s something new,
“And for us, I guess, at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the journey and enjoying every minute. Because every minute is so different from the other, and it’s important to remember and create lasting memories along the way.”
ELNAAZ NOROUZI
obviously you hop on to it, if you like it. And I do that, too. And of course, we have our stylists who are always up to date with the trends and they try to bring that to our lives and our looks. But other than that, I am a person who is not big on trends, I don’t follow it that much. I have friends who are super trendy. and they go with everything that’s a trend, but I’m just not one of those people. I don’t care about trends that much. To me, trends don’t hold a significant sway over my fashion choices.
FL: Finally, what’s your personal motto when it comes to living life to the fullest in the world of glitz and glamor?
EN: My typical motto, which you can find in my Instagram bio, is “Good, Better, Best – Never let it rest. ‘Till your good is better and your better is best.” This principle guides both my work and personal development.
But when it comes to the life of glitz and glamor, there’s a different motto I live by – “Try to enjoy the journey.” Because many people see the glamor, the outfits or the appearance, without realising the effort that went behind the scenes. They don’t know how hard it was to fit in that outfit, the hours spent on hair and makeup, the fatigue from prior shoots, or the discomfort of some outfits.
All of these are little things that go unnoticed, people just see the end product. And for us, I guess, at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the journey and enjoying every minute. Because every minute is so different from the other, and it’s important to remember and create lasting memories along the way, I would say.