Behind The Beauty with Reeyaa Nair

As a model, entrepreneur and humanitarian, much of Reeyaa Nair's life has been shaped by her belief in the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, which she was introduced to as a teenager. "I had moved to Bombay for my higher studies," she tells me. "I was young and homesick and longing for a community that aligned with my values and purpose, and it was around this time that I was introduced to the Nichiren Buddhism community there. And even though there was a lot about it that I didn't understand at first, I continued to attend the meetings."

Founded in thirteenth century Japan, Nichiren Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on the Lotus Sutra and asserts that an individual's inner transformation directly changes their external circumstances and environment. The breadth of Nair's work — which ranges from working with women in the tribal regions of Bastar in the state of Chattisgarh for her brand Coshal, to mentoring young entrepreneurs to working as a model, most recently for the jewelry label Dylan Lex — is an expression of this belief.

"Fame, financial success, and material accomplishments have never been the true measure of fulfillment for me," Nair reflects. "While they can bring happiness, they are ultimately transient. What gives my life deeper meaning is the ability to give back to society,to create impact, uplift communities, and contribute to something far greater than oneself."

In many ways, Nair's beauty routine is a natural extension of her beliefs. Her skincare routine is indulgent, makeup intentional and fragrance specific, but in the same breath, she also speaks of a penchant for cultivating her inner beauty via whole foods, restorative practices and a deep compassion for the world. To spend time with Reeyaa Nair is to understand that none of this is separate for her.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

My day begins with meditation and chanting, it is a deeply grounding practice and a source of growth for me. I usually follow it with some form of body movement and reading before immersing myself in work, while also making time to spend quality time with my husband and dog.

What does your beauty routine look like?

For my skin, I am a huge fan of the Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ and the Reparative Moisture Emulsion from iS Clinical. I also love the Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer from Chantecaille; their Bio Lifting Neck Cream is a luxury purchase that is completely worth the investment, in my opinion, as is Hermes’ Eau Des Merveilles Moisturizing Body Lotion and the Sublimage L’Extrait Huile Levres from Chanel. I also use the Black Rose Cream Mask and the Hair Rituel Revitalizing Fortifying Serum from Sisley Paris, as well as Forest Essentials’ Bhringraj and Shikakai Hair Cleanser, Mashroba Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Facial Cleanser and the Eladi Day Cream.

I am not a big fan of makeup, but I usually go for Chanel’s Style Yeux Waterproof Longwear Eyeliner, Le Volume De Chanel Mascara, and Stylo Ombre et Contour Kohl Pencil. For my hair, I love everything from Kérastase — the Elixir Ultime Hair Oil is my favorite!

The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 is my signature scent and I love how it goes from a casual daytime scent to an elegant evening perfume with its unique combination of sweet, warm and woody notes. I switch this with Gyspy Water by Byredo on occasion – it is a fragrance that embodies the spirit of freedom and the romance of a nomadic lifestyle and was actually inspired by the founder’s transient upbringing, which really resonates with my personality.

I learnt to appreciate the beauty of the natural world from my grandparents as a child. My approach to beauty now is very much rooted in that; intentionally minimal and grounded in natural, time-honoured practices. Mindful nourishment — seeds, fresh vegetables, wholesome juices — alongside regular massages with pure castor, sesame and coconut oils, and the nightly ritual of shirodhara, as well as applying oil to my navel and feet. Practices that feel nurturing, grounding, restorative. I incorporated most of these much later in life, but the foundation was always there.

My understanding of beauty has also been significantly influenced by Nichiren Buddhism and is rooted in inner growth, cultivating compassion, and the grace with which we move through life. For me, beauty extends far beyond the external. That belief was reaffirmed when I was signed as a model in London and saw how beautifully my skin tone and ethnicity were embraced. It became a defining moment for me, not about fitting into a mould, but about understanding that beauty lies in what makes every individual distinctly themselves.

What does creating value mean to you, and how does that show up in your life right now?

I have come to value meaning in everything that I do. Creating value, whether in my work, relationships or personal journey feels increasingly important to me. A prime focus for me has always been to give back and in this chapter of my life, I am leaning into it more than ever — whether it is as an investor, through Coshal, our art shows at M&G Art Co where my work focuses on giving talented artists from across the country a platform to showcase their work in London, Paris, Bombay and Pune and as a restaurant owner at Banana Leaf. I am proud of the purpose-driven life that my husband and I have created together. To me, a beautiful life is one lived with intention; rooted in inner growth, purposeful work, spiritual alignment, and our ability to give back.

A campaign of yours that has stayed with you.

The Dhora Jewelry campaign was one of my most memorable campaign shoots till date, as well as the ones that I did for Lakmé and Phine London — it is a London-based jewelry label with a really talented founder and some of the most stunning pieces that I have seen — and Pamela Easton. And then most recently, for Dylan Lex Jewelry.

What has your work with Coshal taught you about beauty and women empowerment?

I believe every woman should learn to invest in herself, become emotionally secure, deeply fulfilled, and genuinely happy without relying on external validation. Learning to respect the dignity of your own being, while treating others with kindness, compassion and respect, is one of the most empowering things a woman can do. When you are deeply rooted within yourself, confidence becomes effortless. This belief of mine has only deepened through my work with women in the tribal regions of Bastar for Coshal. Working closely with them to help create better opportunities and support a more dignified life for them has been incredibly humbling. It has also taught me so much about resilience, human connection, and how important it is to empower women with the tools, confidence, and understanding to navigate life with strength and self-belief.