Can Beauty Be Simple? Mira Rajput Kapoor Thinks So

One can’t help but admire Mira Rajput Kapoor’s glass-like skin. Whether she’s fresh off a flight or out in the sun, her face has a perpetual glow. But in today’s world, the term ‘skincare’ can seem daunting, often synonymous with a basketful of products that come with bizarre names and even stranger descriptions.

So when Kapoor put on her entrepreneurial hat last year by co-founding Akind, a beauty and skincare company, in collaboration with the Reliance-owned Tira, she decided to streamline the process. To become a trusted voice in the beauty and wellness industry, she had to first turn to someone she trusted herself — her mother Bela Rajput.

“My biggest influence has always been my mom,” says Kapoor. “She taught me that beauty is about feeling good in your own skin and taking care of yourself.” Now, Kapoor shares these same nuggets of wisdom with her 4.8 million Instagram followers.

The idea of beauty as self-care is what drives the entrepreneur’s vision for Akind, where she promotes skin health in a more inclusive manner, by offering a variety of products for people of all skin types and gender. She simplifies the tedious skincare routines often seen on social media by introducing products that offer targeted solutions. Being an angel investor in several wellness brands has also shaped her understanding of what it means to create effective and accessible products.

The Hollywood Reporter India sat down with the entrepreneur a little after her foray into the world of make-up to discuss her brand.

Mira, how was Akind born?

Growing up, I saw my mom’s simple, natural beauty rituals and that’s where my skincare journey began. Over time, I discovered that what we put on our skin is a reflection of our overall health. Akind is about sharing those discoveries and creating straightforward solutions that help people understand their skin better. I wanted to create a brand that looks at skin care holistically, addressing the foundation of our skin’s needs while also tackling individual issues. This reflects my own philosophy, because I believe in accessible, everyday solutions that work for everyone, regardless of skin type or gender. 

As a busy mom-of-two who’s often in the spotlight, how do you deal with changes in your skin?

I definitely had a pregnancy glow and faced some postpartum unevenness too. It’s so important to embrace these changes and not be too hard on ourselves. I always say, if we can take a break from the gym for a day, we can absolutely take a break from our skincare routine as well. I found that focusing on one skin concern at a time and keeping my routine simple really helped me.

Your brand’s mantra is to ‘listen to your skin’. How do you listen to yours?

Skincare isn't just about following trends or routines that work for others; it’s about understanding what your skin needs at each stage of life. For me, this journey began by observing how my skin reacted to different products and routines, especially how it evolved from my teenage years dealing with acne to becoming a mother with changing priorities.

I required a balance between gentle yet effective products, which prioritised skin health over quick fixes. For instance, when facial oils were trending, I tried them for hydration and massage, but eventually found that they didn't suit my slightly comedogenic [blackheads-prone] skin. This led me to create Akind’s On Cloud Nine moisturiser, which hydrates and massages without clogging your pores — ideal for skin like mine. To listen to your skin means noticing these shifts and choosing products that respond to them. I want to empower our community to find what works best for their skin without over-complicating the journey.

What is your AM-PM skincare routine?

It’s more important to practise consistent, mindful skincare over sticking to set routines. I always start with the Akind Clean Slate Hydrating Cleanser to refresh my skin and gently remove any residue from the night before. Depending on the current climate, I pick my actives [active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, retinol, AHAs and BHAs, for example]. I love using Bright Idea Serum because it contains 10% Vitamin C and brightens the skin instantly. After that, I layer on Akind On Cloud Nine lightweight moisturiser to lock in the hydration, followed by Akind No Shade Sunscreen Primer, which I make a point to never skip, whether indoors or outdoors. In the evening, I begin by cleansing with the Fresh Start Cleanser to remove any impurities, make-up or buildup from the day. On days my skin needs more exfoliation, I use the Sleep Tight Firming Serum with the safest amount of retinol to fight anti-aging signs, as it has the entire night to work its magic. Next, I apply a thick layer of the moisturiser mentioned earlier to ensure I wake up with soft, supple skin. Lastly, I incorporate a quick face massage, which has been a game-changer for me as it improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, leaving my skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

What are the three most important tips to ensure healthy skin?

Consistency, nourishment and protection. Start with a simple skincare routine early on during your teenage years. A gentle cleanser, toner moisturiser, and sunscreen form the foundation for healthy skin, setting up good habits that pay off over time. Eating according to Ayurvedic principles, I focus on a dosha-aligned, vegetarian meal plan that changes with the seasons. Small practices like starting the day with overnight-soaked raisins and a spoonful of ghee can regulate hormones, and the benefits often reflect in your skin’s natural glow. Lastly, sunscreen is non-negotiable for protecting your skin from UV damage and preventing premature ageing. And, of course, hydration both internally and through moisturising products keeps your skin looking fresh, healthy and resilient.

A common beauty myth you’d like to bust?

People believe that a long and complicated routine is the key to healthy skin, but I firmly believe that quality over quantity is crucial. Simplifying your routine can be just as effective, if not more so. I advise people against following the latest trends blindly. Instead, focus on what genuinely works for your skin type. People forget that skin health goes beyond just the products we use; it’s also about our overall lifestyle. Introducing skincare early can really help establish healthy habits and by incorporating good nutrition, exercise and sleep into our daily routines, we can positively influence how our skin behaves over time.

Your latest product drop, 'Drop a Hint', was your first step into the world of make-up. What makes it stand out?

I wanted it to fit seamlessly into any routine. This skin tint combines hydration, sun protection and a light tint for a fresh, dewy look. We’ve packed it with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins B5, C and E, so it does good things for your skin while also providing coverage. It’s lightweight and we designed six shades specifically for Indian skin tones. For me, it’s about using products that make your skin look and feel healthy and this tint does just that.

What’s next for you and Akind?

I’m excited to firmly establish the brand in the beauty space and work on some new product launches to keep adding to the range. I’m simply taking this one step at a time and building the brand along with our consumers — we're in this together.