Behind The Beauty with Avanne Dubash

Avanne Dubash has that rare ability to make every word feel personal, even when she is speaking to a roomful of strangers.

As someone who has spent sixteen years in front of the camera with ET NOW — one of the country’s largest media networks — speaking on camera is almost second nature to Dubash. But what drew me to her, beyond the way she commands a room, was her skin — gleaming, gorgeous and yet, still very much her. Perhaps it was the result of a career spent anchoring prime-time business shows at ET NOW. Perhaps it is her beauty philosophy — less is more — and her adherence to a disciplined lifestyle. Or perhaps, it is her steadfast loyalty to BiE — a brand co-founded by Dinyar Workingboxwalla and Queenie Singh that is committed to redefining the concept of beauty with advanced scientific formulations and time-honored ingredients.

“I’d seen the absolute worst of it — breakouts, scars, and a face that didn’t feel like mine as I hit my 30s,” says Dubash. “I tried everything — every pill, potion and “miracle” cream out there. Nothing worked — until I met Dinyar. There’s a beautiful kind of madness to his method. His clinic isn’t your typical sterile skin place. He threw out all my bottles and tablets, and instead, took me back to the basics. He literally popped my pimples (yes, painful!), and we began this ritual — cleanse, wash, mask, spot treat, repeat. Once the breakouts were gone, we started rebuilding my skin’s strength. What I love about BiE is that it comes from that same philosophy — skin that breathes, products that respect your body, and science that’s rooted in reality, not hype. No harsh chemicals, no quick fixes. Just balance, discipline, and a real understanding of how beauty and biology coexist.”

Now, Dubash works independently as an anchor and podcaster, a leap she describes as an exhilarating mix of freedom and fear. And when she is not on set, you’ll likely find her with a book in hand (she’s currently reading the hard-hitting Mother Mary Comes To Me as part of a bookclub which Dubash says is more therapy circle than literary group), hitting the gym or playing a quick game of pickleball. But it’s her role as a mother to her spirited four-year-old daughter that defines this chapter of her life more poignantly than perhaps any other.

“Motherhood has made me a paradox — I’ve slowed down and sped up at the same time,” Dubash tells me. “My daughter has taught me to pause, to take in those small, heart-filling moments — a hug that lingers, the way her hair smells, how her laughter can reset my entire day. But she’s also turned me into the world’s most efficient multitasker. I juggle scripts, shoots, deadlines and bedtime stories like a full-time EA managing a very high-profile life. So now, I see myself as a calmly chaotic person — more grounded, but also more driven than ever. There’s purpose in my madness, and peace in the pauses.”

What does a typical day in your life look like?

No two days are alike, and that’s what I love about my work. A morning could begin at a 7 AM shoot, or an evening could end at a 7 PM event. In between, there’s always a workout, time with my daughter, and plenty of laptop hours. I thrive on a good routine but also embrace the unpredictability my work brings.

How would you describe your beauty philosophy?

I lean toward a less-is-more, low-intervention approach. Discipline is key for me. Since make-up is such a big part of my work, I prefer keeping my skin bare whenever I can. I was blessed with good skin, but I took it for granted until my thirties brought a rude awakening. That’s when I turned to Dinyar Workingboxwalla, whose advice and products completely changed how I care for my skin. In a world overflowing with beauty advice, I prefer to follow one trusted philosophy rather than chasing trends.

What does your beauty routine look like?

Cleansing is non-negotiable. I start my mornings with BiE’s Fresh Forward Deep Hydrating Cleanser, followed by their Vin Rouge Renewing Face Wash and Plumping Serum. Sunscreen only comes out if I’m outdoors. After a day in make-up, I double cleanse and at night I use Super Power Eternal Youth Cream, sometimes Halo Uplifting & Soothing Face Oil, and Eyefinity Under Eye Gel, all from BiE as well. And always, my eye pillow — my tiny luxury.

A product that makes you feel your best before an event.

Beyond skincare, a sweep of the Huda Beauty Highlighter across my cheeks and nose gives me that instant glow.

Which are the products that you use to create your signature look?

I usually do my own make-up. I start with the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water, which instantly smooths and blurs pores and fine lines and helps makeup look and feel better and longer. Next, I go in with the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation. It has a beautiful creamy formula that hydrates the skin and gives it a comfortable, natural finish. I love the eyeshadows from e.l.f Cosmetics, they are so versatile and super easy to blend into the skin. Asa’s Lip & Cheek Tint is another favorite — it looks and performs so well on the skin — as is Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara, which gives visible lift and length to my lashes and stays on without clumping. I finish off with Simply Nam’s Lipstick and Gloss, both products that feel so comfortable on the lips and look absolutely stunning!

What is a ritual that you turn to, to recentre after a big day?

Taking off my make-up is my meditation. I love using the BiE’s O₂ Oxygenating Mask afterward — it’s like pressing reset on my skin and my mind.

A piece of advice that you would like to give to your younger self.

Don’t take good skin for granted. While I was diligent about removing make-up, I ignored the details — clean brushes, good tools, primers, my own products. In the newsroom, we all shared whatever was lying around. It worked then, but skin has its way of reminding you later.

How has being in a people-facing job shaped your view on beauty?

There’s no denying the transformative power of make-up. It’s not just about looking different; it’s about feeling prepared, centred, and elevated. The shift between rehearsal and going live is like stepping into a different version of yourself. It’s part ritual, part armour.

If you had the opportunity to create a beauty product, what would that be and why?

I’d love a truly multitasking base product, something weightless that blends skincare, primer, and light coverage seamlessly without compromising on performance. Just one product that truly adapts to your skin through the day, so that I don’t need to pause for touch-ups!