Founder of Livwell, Payal Shah shares her AM to PM beauty routine.

Talk us through your morning routine.

My day starts with movement. I’m up before 7am, sip hot water with lemon, grab my electrolytes and head to the gym. HIIT, weights, tennis or a quick run wakes up my body and skin, and if there’s a sauna, I’m in, it’s my essential habit for recovery, clarity and that natural glow. After supplements, I go straight into hydrating skincare (Glow Recipe, TIRTIR or The Ordinary), RoC’s Vitamin C, an eye serum or cream, and sunscreen from La Roche-Posay or Supergoop, adding Paula’s Choice BHA when I need more clarity. I eat plant-forward and fibre-first earlier in the day, leaning on fermented favourites for gut and skin health.

How does your evening routine differ?

My evenings are all about unwinding. I double cleanse, layer a hydrating or peptide serum, and seal everything in with a richer moisturiser. If it’s a hair-wash night, I always finish with cold water, it seals the cuticle, boosts shine and gives instant volume. Some nights I’ll use my red light therapy mask to soothe, calm and support collagen renewal. I track it all with my Oura ring, which keeps me honest about my sleep, stress and recovery.

What are your go-to skincare products?

My everyday staples are simple. I rotate between hydrating heroes like Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump, TIRTIR’s SOS Serum, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and RoC’s Vitamin C, paired with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA for clarity and Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng + Retinal Eye Serum or Kiss Red E for bright, rested eyes. For protection, it’s La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane UV Moisturizer SPF 30 or a Supergoop Glow Stick top-up. I keep Subtle Energies’ Aura Protection Mist for an instant reset, Innisfree’s Rose Energy Mask for a quick glow, and a Medicube device to boost absorption. These are my non-negotiables, the products I trust, rely on and never leave behind.

Are you a fan of masks?

Yes. Masks are one of my favourite ways to bring life back into my skin. Before big events, presentations or long days under lighting I use the Innisfree Rose Energy Sheet Mask. When I want deeper absorption I use my Medicube device with my serums. And at night, when I want something calming and reparative, I use my red light therapy mask. It brings down inflammation and gives me a really healthy glow.

How would you describe your approach to makeup?

My makeup philosophy is simple: skin first, always. I keep my everyday look natural, fresh and minimal, a transparent base, defined brows, lifted lashes and just enough concealer to look awake. I’m obsessed with lip colour because I’m constantly speaking, presenting and hosting, so my lips naturally become the focal point; the right shade can make me feel bold, soft or unstoppable.

What can always be found in your makeup bag?

Concealer, an eyebrow pencil and a lip liner. I never travel without a good lip color.

Talk us through your hair routine.

My hair routine is simple and rooted in consistency. I have been using the Inde Wild Champi Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, which keep my hair soft and lightweight. After washing I apply The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density to lift the roots and keep the scalp healthy. Oh, and my red light helmet is great for helping with hair growth. One of my favourite hacks is ending my shower with cold water, which makes my hair smoother. And from my Indian beauty tradition I continue to oil my hair before workouts so the heat can help it absorb deeper.