Poorna Jagannathan's Must Haves: From a Hot-Towel Warmer to a Travel Beauty Case
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Poorna Jagannathan is entering her beauty era. Although, according to the star, it's not new territory for her. While Jagannathan has built up a diverse career in Hollywood, starring in top TV projects like "Never Have I Ever" and "The Night Of," she's stepping into perhaps her most exciting role yet as the celebrity ambassador for Ranavat — a luxurious skin- and hair-care brand that aims to infuse ancient Ayurvedic alchemy into mainstream beauty.
"It feels like such a milestone, such a watershed moment, that Ayurvedic products are now in Sephora," Jagannathan tells PS.
Unlike other modern skin-care brands, Ranavat has developed a different approach to beauty — one that puts Ayurvedic practices front and center, all while delivering accessible products that are designed to support different skin types and textures. In many ways, the brand's thoughtful ethos and intentional approach mirrors that of Jagannathan's own wellness beliefs — and, more specifically, her Indian roots.
"The second I got Ranavat, it was both new and yet very familiar. It's all the products that I've always grown up with and used in my skin-care regime, except when I was younger, I just had a lot of raw ingredients that I was working with. When I was a teenager, I'd actually make my own sandalwood paste for acne or use saffron or turmeric face masks, just like a do-it-yourself situation," explains Jagannathan, who credits her mother and aunt for teaching her the benefits of an all-natural beauty routine.
"One of the incredible things about Ranavat, outside of [them] having this very luxurious and nourishing product inventory, is just the fact that they place such a strong emphasis on sustainability and the significance of Ayurvedic beauty," she says.
As part of our My Must Haves series, we had the opportunity to chat with Jagannathan about her best-kept skin-care secrets, the role Ayurvedic beauty has played in her life, and all the products she can't live without. From a nourishing coconut oil and a beauty case for travel to a hot-towel warmer, keep reading to shop her essentials.
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Poorna Jagannathan's Affordable Must Have
Despite its under-$20 price tag, Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($15) actually has a multitude of purposes for Jagannathan. "I use this when I'm out of the shower to moisturize my body. I use it in my hair from time to time, and in a pinch I'm taking my makeup off with it," she says.
Pro Tip: To better preserve the consistency of this coconut oil and keep it from hardening, store it in a cool environment like a pantry or cabinet.
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Poorna Jagannathan's Morning-Routine Must Have
Jagannathan notes that while Ranavat has "so many remarkable products," she has a special affinity for the Ranavat Brightening Saffron Serum ($35). "I have hyperpigmentation sometimes. I'm also an anti-wrinkle whore at this point. So it's just been wonderful to be able to tackle hyperpigmentation and fine lines with something so efficacious, but also so intensely natural," Jagannathan says.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for an extra glow in your everyday makeup look, mix one or two drops of this serum into your foundation before applying.
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Poorna Jagannathan's Nighttime Must Have
While she believes that having a staple morning routine is important, Jagannathan also thinks a good nighttime routine can make all the difference in your skin's quality the next day — which is why she's such a fan of the Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum ($110). The actor believes it's her ultimate trick for waking up with "great, hydrated, happy skin."
Pro Tip: The brand recommends applying a few drops of the serum into your palm then gently patting the formula into your skin. Allow the serum to absorb for about 30 seconds before applying any other products.
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Poorna Jagannathan's Investment Must Have
After being introduced to a hot-towel warmer on set, Jagannathan knew that her life would "never be the same." Products like the Wuissvnb Towel Warmer ($80) can add a whole other element of luxury to the home, and for Jagannathan, it's even helped to transform her evening routine. "For me, I've been using [a hot-towel warmer] for so long that it just signals a wind-down. A hot towel just feels like a fresh, clean slate for the next day — I cannot recommend it more."
Pro Tip: Jagannathan notes that while on set, they'll often dip the towels in essential oils like lavender for an even more nourishing experience.
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Poorna Jagannathan's Travel Must Have
The actor is a huge fan of Cuyana — hence why all her makeup bags are from the brand — and she loves this Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll ($248) because it helps her to "compartmentalize better" when she's traveling. "It has such thoughtful compartments and even has a detachable pouch. With this bag, I find myself separating products into different categories depending on the trip — sometimes it's day versus night products," Jagannathan explains.
Pro Tip: The travel accessory is available to shop in four different colorways and, for an additional cost, can be monogrammed.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on POPSUGAR Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.