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You don’t need us to tell you that the beauty world is cyclical and ever evolving. We’ve come a long way from 12-step convoluted routines, heavy-handed makeup looks and formulations that don’t show up. Today, it’s all about simplicity and products that pack numerous punches in a bottle. Case in point: multitasking products that are lightweight, infused with skin-loving ingredients and that go above and beyond their job description to serve us. And while beauty shelves are brimming with these, what we're currently falling in love with is Akind’s Drop Hint Hydrating Skin Tint.
The beauty of this product is that it's makeup and skincare, all wrapped up in one. Available in six shades, it's a feather-light, buildable tint that leaves your skin looking dewy. It’s also incredibly easy to use. All you do is dab small dots all over your face and blend, blend, blend.
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To know more, we caught up with Akind’s co-founder Mira Kapoor. She let us in on the skin tint’s unique formulation, her approach to minimalist beauty and why, for her, the key to a healthy skin barrier is tuning in and listening closely.
Q. Can you walk us through your own daily skincare routine? Are there any essential steps you never skip, even with a busy schedule?
A. I don’t really believe in a skincare routine as such because our skin acts differently every day. It has a personality of its own and moods that change with the day, the season, the place, the internal workings of our system and many external factors. I just remember to listen to it.
Since we live in the tropics, where, love it or hate it, sunlight is omnipresent even indoors, I never forget to apply sunscreen even if I’m in a rush. Another essential is my On Cloud Nine moisturiser to keep the skin barrier nourished. Everything starts and ends with the skin barrier.
Q. For someone just starting to build a skincare routine, what’s the one product or step you would recommend they invest in first?
A. I think sun protection is paramount when it comes to skincare. It’s the last step of your skincare right before you’re exposed to the sun, but also first priority, if you ask me. It’s really a non-negotiable in any routine, whatever the skin type.
We understand that at Akind, so we have formulated a sunscreen primer, the No Shade Sunscreen Primer SPF 50 PA++++ and a sun stick, the Stick With It Sun Stick SPF 50 PA+++. They both feature high sun protection. We’re such staunch believers of sun protection at Akind that our first makeup offering is also a sunscreen-makeup hybrid—the Drop A Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA+++—a great choice if you want both in one.
Q. What inspired you to create a product that combines skincare, makeup and sun protection in one? Was there a gap you noticed in the industry, or was it a response to our evolving beauty routines?
A. The origin of Akind in the first place was as a response to the current cluttered skincare and beauty market in India. Today, the market is inundated with brands that offer entire ranges of products but don’t actually focus on what one’s skin needs. Akind’s aim is to simplify skincare, educate people on how to listen to their skin and make efficacy-based products that cater to the different moods of their skin. We believe in skincare minimalism, fuss-free beauty and giving your skin exactly what it is asking for—and nothing else.
Q. With so many skincare-makeup hybrids emerging, what sets the Skin Tint apart from others on the market?
A. Our aim at Akind is to create skincare that is designed around the skin barrier and we offer ranges that build, balance and defend it. The Drop A Hint is Akind’s first skincare + makeup formula. It’s formulated for Indian skin and has a sun protection factor for a tropical climate. This can also be layered over serums and sunscreen. It’s lightweight, breathable and buildable; and provides a dewy, blurred finish that you’ll love.
It’s also super hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid and features ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E. We believe we’ve managed to strike the perfect balance between offering skincare benefits and a great finish, and that’s what sets it apart.
Q. Since the Skin Tint—as well as Akind as a brand—caters to diverse skin types, were there any challenges you faced while developing the product?
A. Akind products are gender- and skin type-agnostic, in line with our philosophy of efficacy-based formulations over anything else. All our products can be used on skin types ranging from dry to oily and anywhere in between; and our formulations are gentle enough to suit sensitive skin too. For example, while our Fresh Start Oil-Free Cleanser is created for slightly greasier skin, it’s still gentle enough to be used on other skin types. Our retinol serum, the Sleep Tight Firming Serum, has o.o15 percent retinol that safely suits all skin types.
For the Skin Tint, besides the makeup component, we decided to feature hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is skin-identical for a comfortable, hydrated long wear; and other skin nourishing ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E, licorice extract, squalane and Indian Madder to deliver skincare benefits that are good to have for any skin type—brightening, softening, soothing.
Q. The Skin Tint contains licorice extract, Indian Madder and squalane. Can you tell us a bit about these key ingredients and how you chose them?
A. These ingredients were chosen to add specific skincare benefits. Like licorice extract brightens skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, squalane imparts emollient properties that smoothen and soften skin and Indian Madder nourishes skin and adds lustre.
Q. Can you give us a peek into what a regular workday looks like for you?
A. I always like to start my day with a workout; based on the day ahead and how much time I can squeeze in, it’s either functional training, Pilates or just a quick walk on the treadmill. On shoot days, I’ll do a warm breakfast before I head out, and try to be back in time for dinner and story time with the kids. On days I’m not shooting, I like to have a lazier breakfast and get on my laptop to work on ongoing projects—it’s quiet and nice being productive while the kids are off to school. In the car, between meetings, I like listening to podcasts and actually really look forward to that. Give a listen to Leena Nair’s session at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Post dinner is reserved for me-time—mindful skincare, self-care, watching a show with Shahid or just having a noisy group call with my sisters before I head to bed.
Q. What’s your favourite way to use the Skin Tint and which other Akind products do you like pairing it with?
A. This skin tint is almost like a light veil that goes on easily over your bare skin or over all your layers of skincare including your serum, your moisturiser and an additional layer of sunscreen, if required. I do both…some days I go solo, some days I’ll layer, depending on how my skin is feeling on that day. You have to listen to your skin, like we always say. When it’s super sunny out, you can layer this over our higher SPF sunscreens for extra protection. When it’s feeling dry outside or if you’re between a combination to dry skin type, you can layer it with our On Cloud Nine moisturiser underneath. Every day will be different, but the beautiful, dewy, blurred effect will remain.
Q. What skincare advice do you wish you’d known earlier that you now live by?
A. I wish I knew that every trending ingredient is not for everyone—I’ve made my mistakes with face oils and tretinoin that didn’t end up suiting me, so now I just listen to my skin.
Q. As someone who is well-initiated into the space of beauty, what do you think is the next big shift in skincare? And how is Akind preparing for it?
A. Currently, I think the beauty industry in the country is steadily forging ahead. There are tons of homegrown brands today that cater to various segments of the consumer demographic and, sure, some are white labelled, some are a copy-paste of popular international formulas, some ride the coattails of a viral trend or ingredient, but I also see a lot of great skincare brands in the market today that cut out the frills and really focus on quality.
We’ve recognised skincare as an invaluable part of beauty and wellness. A shift I love is that skincare, and even makeup, isn’t just for women anymore. Another shift we’re seeing is that we now live in an age of excess—layering of serums, actives, various trends, enthusiastic skincare... Akind is the antithesis to that. It’s the only brand that believes less is more and is putting that message out there consistently. This approach of skin minimalism is really what sets us apart. We say, drop everything that you don’t need and just focus on the few things that you do need.
We’re excited to now firmly establish the brand in the beauty space and keep adding to the range and offerings as we go. Just like our brand ethos of simplicity in skincare, we're taking this one step at a time and building the brand along with our consumer by listening to them. We’re all in this together.
To know more, we caught up with Akind’s co-founder Mira Kapoor. She let us in on the skin tint’s unique formulation, her approach to minimalist beauty and why, for her, the key to a healthy skin barrier is tuning in and listening closely.
Q. Can you walk us through your own daily skincare routine? Are there any essential steps you never skip, even with a busy schedule?
A. I don’t really believe in a skincare routine as such because our skin acts differently every day. It has a personality of its own and moods that change with the day, the season, the place, the internal workings of our system and many external factors. I just remember to listen to it.
Since we live in the tropics, where, love it or hate it, sunlight is omnipresent even indoors, I never forget to apply sunscreen even if I’m in a rush. Another essential is my On Cloud Nine moisturiser to keep the skin barrier nourished. Everything starts and ends with the skin barrier.
Q. For someone just starting to build a skincare routine, what’s the one product or step you would recommend they invest in first?
A. I think sun protection is paramount when it comes to skincare. It’s the last step of your skincare right before you’re exposed to the sun, but also first priority, if you ask me. It’s really a non-negotiable in any routine, whatever the skin type.
We understand that at Akind, so we have formulated a sunscreen primer, the No Shade Sunscreen Primer SPF 50 PA++++ and a sun stick, the Stick With It Sun Stick SPF 50 PA+++. They both feature high sun protection. We’re such staunch believers of sun protection at Akind that our first makeup offering is also a sunscreen-makeup hybrid—the Drop A Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA+++—a great choice if you want both in one.
Q. What inspired you to create a product that combines skincare, makeup and sun protection in one? Was there a gap you noticed in the industry, or was it a response to our evolving beauty routines?
A. The origin of Akind in the first place was as a response to the current cluttered skincare and beauty market in India. Today, the market is inundated with brands that offer entire ranges of products but don’t actually focus on what one’s skin needs. Akind’s aim is to simplify skincare, educate people on how to listen to their skin and make efficacy-based products that cater to the different moods of their skin. We believe in skincare minimalism, fuss-free beauty and giving your skin exactly what it is asking for—and nothing else.
Q. With so many skincare-makeup hybrids emerging, what sets the Skin Tint apart from others on the market?
A. Our aim at Akind is to create skincare that is designed around the skin barrier and we offer ranges that build, balance and defend it. The Drop A Hint is Akind’s first skincare + makeup formula. It’s formulated for Indian skin and has a sun protection factor for a tropical climate. This can also be layered over serums and sunscreen. It’s lightweight, breathable and buildable; and provides a dewy, blurred finish that you’ll love.
It’s also super hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid and features ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E. We believe we’ve managed to strike the perfect balance between offering skincare benefits and a great finish, and that’s what sets it apart.
Q. Since the Skin Tint—as well as Akind as a brand—caters to diverse skin types, were there any challenges you faced while developing the product?
A. Akind products are gender- and skin type-agnostic, in line with our philosophy of efficacy-based formulations over anything else. All our products can be used on skin types ranging from dry to oily and anywhere in between; and our formulations are gentle enough to suit sensitive skin too. For example, while our Fresh Start Oil-Free Cleanser is created for slightly greasier skin, it’s still gentle enough to be used on other skin types. Our retinol serum, the Sleep Tight Firming Serum, has o.o15 percent retinol that safely suits all skin types.
For the Skin Tint, besides the makeup component, we decided to feature hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is skin-identical for a comfortable, hydrated long wear; and other skin nourishing ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E, licorice extract, squalane and Indian Madder to deliver skincare benefits that are good to have for any skin type—brightening, softening, soothing.
Q. The Skin Tint contains licorice extract, Indian Madder and squalane. Can you tell us a bit about these key ingredients and how you chose them?
A. These ingredients were chosen to add specific skincare benefits. Like licorice extract brightens skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, squalane imparts emollient properties that smoothen and soften skin and Indian Madder nourishes skin and adds lustre.
Q. Can you give us a peek into what a regular workday looks like for you?
A. I always like to start my day with a workout; based on the day ahead and how much time I can squeeze in, it’s either functional training, Pilates or just a quick walk on the treadmill. On shoot days, I’ll do a warm breakfast before I head out, and try to be back in time for dinner and story time with the kids. On days I’m not shooting, I like to have a lazier breakfast and get on my laptop to work on ongoing projects—it’s quiet and nice being productive while the kids are off to school. In the car, between meetings, I like listening to podcasts and actually really look forward to that. Give a listen to Leena Nair’s session at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Post dinner is reserved for me-time—mindful skincare, self-care, watching a show with Shahid or just having a noisy group call with my sisters before I head to bed.
Q. What’s your favourite way to use the Skin Tint and which other Akind products do you like pairing it with?
A. This skin tint is almost like a light veil that goes on easily over your bare skin or over all your layers of skincare including your serum, your moisturiser and an additional layer of sunscreen, if required. I do both…some days I go solo, some days I’ll layer, depending on how my skin is feeling on that day. You have to listen to your skin, like we always say. When it’s super sunny out, you can layer this over our higher SPF sunscreens for extra protection. When it’s feeling dry outside or if you’re between a combination to dry skin type, you can layer it with our On Cloud Nine moisturiser underneath. Every day will be different, but the beautiful, dewy, blurred effect will remain.
Q. What skincare advice do you wish you’d known earlier that you now live by?
A. I wish I knew that every trending ingredient is not for everyone—I’ve made my mistakes with face oils and tretinoin that didn’t end up suiting me, so now I just listen to my skin.
Q. As someone who is well-initiated into the space of beauty, what do you think is the next big shift in skincare? And how is Akind preparing for it?
A. Currently, I think the beauty industry in the country is steadily forging ahead. There are tons of homegrown brands today that cater to various segments of the consumer demographic and, sure, some are white labelled, some are a copy-paste of popular international formulas, some ride the coattails of a viral trend or ingredient, but I also see a lot of great skincare brands in the market today that cut out the frills and really focus on quality.
We’ve recognised skincare as an invaluable part of beauty and wellness. A shift I love is that skincare, and even makeup, isn’t just for women anymore. Another shift we’re seeing is that we now live in an age of excess—layering of serums, actives, various trends, enthusiastic skincare... Akind is the antithesis to that. It’s the only brand that believes less is more and is putting that message out there consistently. This approach of skin minimalism is really what sets us apart. We say, drop everything that you don’t need and just focus on the few things that you do need.
We’re excited to now firmly establish the brand in the beauty space and keep adding to the range and offerings as we go. Just like our brand ethos of simplicity in skincare, we're taking this one step at a time and building the brand along with our consumer by listening to them. We’re all in this together.
To know more, we caught up with Akind’s co-founder Mira Kapoor. She let us in on the skin tint’s unique formulation, her approach to minimalist beauty and why, for her, the key to a healthy skin barrier is tuning in and listening closely.
Q. Can you walk us through your own daily skincare routine? Are there any essential steps you never skip, even with a busy schedule?
A. I don’t really believe in a skincare routine as such because our skin acts differently every day. It has a personality of its own and moods that change with the day, the season, the place, the internal workings of our system and many external factors. I just remember to listen to it.
Since we live in the tropics, where, love it or hate it, sunlight is omnipresent even indoors, I never forget to apply sunscreen even if I’m in a rush. Another essential is my On Cloud Nine moisturiser to keep the skin barrier nourished. Everything starts and ends with the skin barrier.
Q. For someone just starting to build a skincare routine, what’s the one product or step you would recommend they invest in first?
A. I think sun protection is paramount when it comes to skincare. It’s the last step of your skincare right before you’re exposed to the sun, but also first priority, if you ask me. It’s really a non-negotiable in any routine, whatever the skin type.
We understand that at Akind, so we have formulated a sunscreen primer, the No Shade Sunscreen Primer SPF 50 PA++++ and a sun stick, the Stick With It Sun Stick SPF 50 PA+++. They both feature high sun protection. We’re such staunch believers of sun protection at Akind that our first makeup offering is also a sunscreen-makeup hybrid—the Drop A Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA+++—a great choice if you want both in one.
Q. What inspired you to create a product that combines skincare, makeup and sun protection in one? Was there a gap you noticed in the industry, or was it a response to our evolving beauty routines?
A. The origin of Akind in the first place was as a response to the current cluttered skincare and beauty market in India. Today, the market is inundated with brands that offer entire ranges of products but don’t actually focus on what one’s skin needs. Akind’s aim is to simplify skincare, educate people on how to listen to their skin and make efficacy-based products that cater to the different moods of their skin. We believe in skincare minimalism, fuss-free beauty and giving your skin exactly what it is asking for—and nothing else.
Q. With so many skincare-makeup hybrids emerging, what sets the Skin Tint apart from others on the market?
A. Our aim at Akind is to create skincare that is designed around the skin barrier and we offer ranges that build, balance and defend it. The Drop A Hint is Akind’s first skincare + makeup formula. It’s formulated for Indian skin and has a sun protection factor for a tropical climate. This can also be layered over serums and sunscreen. It’s lightweight, breathable and buildable; and provides a dewy, blurred finish that you’ll love.
It’s also super hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid and features ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E. We believe we’ve managed to strike the perfect balance between offering skincare benefits and a great finish, and that’s what sets it apart.
Q. Since the Skin Tint—as well as Akind as a brand—caters to diverse skin types, were there any challenges you faced while developing the product?
A. Akind products are gender- and skin type-agnostic, in line with our philosophy of efficacy-based formulations over anything else. All our products can be used on skin types ranging from dry to oily and anywhere in between; and our formulations are gentle enough to suit sensitive skin too. For example, while our Fresh Start Oil-Free Cleanser is created for slightly greasier skin, it’s still gentle enough to be used on other skin types. Our retinol serum, the Sleep Tight Firming Serum, has o.o15 percent retinol that safely suits all skin types.
For the Skin Tint, besides the makeup component, we decided to feature hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is skin-identical for a comfortable, hydrated long wear; and other skin nourishing ingredients like vitamins B5, C and E, licorice extract, squalane and Indian Madder to deliver skincare benefits that are good to have for any skin type—brightening, softening, soothing.
Q. The Skin Tint contains licorice extract, Indian Madder and squalane. Can you tell us a bit about these key ingredients and how you chose them?
A. These ingredients were chosen to add specific skincare benefits. Like licorice extract brightens skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, squalane imparts emollient properties that smoothen and soften skin and Indian Madder nourishes skin and adds lustre.
Q. Can you give us a peek into what a regular workday looks like for you?
A. I always like to start my day with a workout; based on the day ahead and how much time I can squeeze in, it’s either functional training, Pilates or just a quick walk on the treadmill. On shoot days, I’ll do a warm breakfast before I head out, and try to be back in time for dinner and story time with the kids. On days I’m not shooting, I like to have a lazier breakfast and get on my laptop to work on ongoing projects—it’s quiet and nice being productive while the kids are off to school. In the car, between meetings, I like listening to podcasts and actually really look forward to that. Give a listen to Leena Nair’s session at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Post dinner is reserved for me-time—mindful skincare, self-care, watching a show with Shahid or just having a noisy group call with my sisters before I head to bed.
Q. What’s your favourite way to use the Skin Tint and which other Akind products do you like pairing it with?
A. This skin tint is almost like a light veil that goes on easily over your bare skin or over all your layers of skincare including your serum, your moisturiser and an additional layer of sunscreen, if required. I do both…some days I go solo, some days I’ll layer, depending on how my skin is feeling on that day. You have to listen to your skin, like we always say. When it’s super sunny out, you can layer this over our higher SPF sunscreens for extra protection. When it’s feeling dry outside or if you’re between a combination to dry skin type, you can layer it with our On Cloud Nine moisturiser underneath. Every day will be different, but the beautiful, dewy, blurred effect will remain.
Q. What skincare advice do you wish you’d known earlier that you now live by?
A. I wish I knew that every trending ingredient is not for everyone—I’ve made my mistakes with face oils and tretinoin that didn’t end up suiting me, so now I just listen to my skin.
Q. As someone who is well-initiated into the space of beauty, what do you think is the next big shift in skincare? And how is Akind preparing for it?
A. Currently, I think the beauty industry in the country is steadily forging ahead. There are tons of homegrown brands today that cater to various segments of the consumer demographic and, sure, some are white labelled, some are a copy-paste of popular international formulas, some ride the coattails of a viral trend or ingredient, but I also see a lot of great skincare brands in the market today that cut out the frills and really focus on quality.
We’ve recognised skincare as an invaluable part of beauty and wellness. A shift I love is that skincare, and even makeup, isn’t just for women anymore. Another shift we’re seeing is that we now live in an age of excess—layering of serums, actives, various trends, enthusiastic skincare... Akind is the antithesis to that. It’s the only brand that believes less is more and is putting that message out there consistently. This approach of skin minimalism is really what sets us apart. We say, drop everything that you don’t need and just focus on the few things that you do need.
We’re excited to now firmly establish the brand in the beauty space and keep adding to the range and offerings as we go. Just like our brand ethos of simplicity in skincare, we're taking this one step at a time and building the brand along with our consumer by listening to them. We’re all in this together.
