Guest Blogger: Roopika Malhotra from Beauty Guroo

Hello! I'm Roopika Malhotra (née Nayar), and I'm the beauty blogger behind beautyguroo.blogspot.com. Prior to joining the blogosphere, I held editorial posts at both Allure and ELLE, and have covered beauty, fashion, fitness, and food for publications such as Self, In Style, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Over the years, my beauty adventures have taken me from New York Fashion Week, where I've grilled trendsetters including Charlotte Tilbury, Orlando Pita, Dick Page, and Pat McGrath, to behind-the-scenes labs, where I've watched perfume "noses" concoct scents from start to finish. A true Jersey Girl at heart, I never stray far from my trusty Chanel Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil (in Ambre) or generously loaded on Nars blush (in Orgasm). Here, a few of my other, must-have, can't-live-without-them products.

Nars Body Glow: This super-luxe body oil is a year-round pick-me-up. Whenever I feel like my skin looks dull and lackluster, I smooth it on (it's more fool-proof than self-tanner, but has a similar sun-kissed effect). The combination of coconut and monoi de Tahiti oils leave my skin silky-smooth and subtly-scented, while tiny shimmer particles give my limbs a gorgeous golden sheen.



Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish: When you're a real beauty junkie, you remember the first time you tried a product the way you remember a first kiss. I splurged on a tub of this amazing body exfoliator as a broke college student nearly seven years ago—and I haven't looked back since. It's got real brown sugar crystals and a fragrant blend of essential oils that work together to gently (read: no stinging whatsoever) get rid of flakes and dryness. Even now, I'm incredibly precious with my supply, using it only before special occasions to make sure my skin is soft and glowing. Trust me, this product is The One.


Josie Maran mascara: Even when I'm just running errands or going to the gym, I swipe on a coat of this stuff. It's formulated with jojoba oil, which actually strengthens and conditions your lashes as it tints and lengthens. I love the way it makes my lashes dark and slightly glossy, but still completely natural-looking.


Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten: The ultimate, universally- flattering eye shadow. Its texture is incredibly velvety and crease-proof, and this shade honestly looks amazing on every skin tone. I use it day and night (sweep it all over lids, or just use it on browbones and the inner corners of your eyes with your favorite smoky shadow). It's also great for highlighting the cupid's bow above lips. The best part? One pan lasts forever. Love!


MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel: Dennis Gross, MD, is an A-list dermatologist, and this 30-day system is almost as good as one of his coveted in-office treatments. Gentle enough to use every day, but effective enough to erase fine lines, age spots, and skin-dulling flakes.