HELLO! India Exclusive: “Beauty doesn’t have to be perfect”: Sahher Bambba on makeup as a medium for self-expression

In a world of near-impossible aesthetic standards and filtered photos, it's almost an act of defiance to approach beauty with a love for it; rather than a necessity to turn out perfectly. So it's refreshing to find Sahher Bambba; an actress whose job sets many of those very standards, embrace makeup as a medium for self-expression rather than perfection. As the newest face of Too Faced India's Born This Way campaign, Sahher speaks to HELLO! India's Associate Editor Dayle Pereira-Alemao about finding confidence in her own skin, the pressure to look flawless on and off screen, and why makeup should enhance rather than define how we see ourselves. 

(Also Read: Pratibha Ranta shares her skincare philosophy)

HELLO! India: Has your relationship with makeup changed as you've become more comfortable in your own skin?

Sahher Bambba: Absolutely. When I was younger, I saw makeup as something that helped me fit into a certain idea of beauty. Over time, it's become much more about self-expression and having fun. Some days I enjoy a full glam look and on others, I'm happy with just a little concealer and mascara. The biggest change is that I no longer feel like I need makeup to feel confident, it simply enhances how I already feel.

HELLO! India: What's a beauty myth you think deserves to be retired?

Sahher Bambba: The idea that beauty has to be perfect. Whether it's flawless skin, perfectly symmetrical features or always looking polished, I think we've put far too much pressure on ourselves. Real beauty has character. It's in the little imperfections and the confidence to embrace them.

HELLO! India: There's increasing pressure to look flawless both on and off screen. How do you separate real beauty from aesthetically-pleasing beauty?

Sahher Bambba: I remind myself that what we see on screen or social media is often carefully styled, lit and edited. It's beautiful in its own way, but it isn't everyday life. Real beauty is how you carry yourself, how you treat people and how comfortable you are in your own skin. That's what leaves a lasting impression.

(Also Read: Katrina Kaif's beauty tips for camera-ready skin)

HELLO! India: What made partnering with Too Faced for the Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer campaign feel like the right fit for you?

Sahher Bambba: The message behind the campaign felt incredibly authentic to me. It celebrates individuality and confidence rather than perfection, and that's something I genuinely relate to. I also love products that work hard while still looking and feeling natural, so the Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer fit seamlessly into my routine. It felt like a partnership that reflected my own approach to beauty.

HELLO! India: What's the best beauty advice you've received from someone in the industry?

Sahher Bambba: One piece of advice that has stayed with me is that skincare is just as important as makeup. No matter how busy life gets, taking care of your skin and giving yourself time to reset makes such a difference. Another thing I've learned is that confidence is always your best beauty accessory, people notice how you carry yourself far more than whether your makeup is perfect.

HELLO! India: Do you think today's beauty conversations are becoming more inclusive, or do unrealistic standards still dominate?

Sahher Bambba: I think we've definitely made progress. There's much more representation today, and people are embracing different skin tones, features and definitions of beauty, which is wonderful to see. At the same time, social media can still create unrealistic expectations. So while the conversation is becoming more inclusive, it's important that we continue encouraging authenticity over perfection.

HELLO! India: What's one makeup product you think deserves more credit because people don't realise how versatile it is?

Sahher Bambba: A good concealer, without a doubt. People often think it's just for covering blemishes or dark circles, but it can do so much more. You can use it to brighten certain areas of the face, define features, clean up makeup, or even wear it on its own for a fresh, natural base. It's probably one of the most versatile products in any makeup bag.

(Also Read: Harleen Deol: “Recovery is just as important for my skin as it is for my body”)