There are certain people who make us wonder how they get it all done in a day. Stylist, creative director and brand consultant Reva Bhatt is one of them. “The beauty of the work I do lies in having agency to explore different mediums based on how I’m feeling,” the LA- and New York City-based creative explains. “The community I’ve been able to build through art is also one of my favorite aspects of what I do.” This community consists of styling for soul singer Raveena – who recently graced the cover of Gay Times – and Kulfi Beauty, a beauty line that celebrates South Asian beauty and is available in Sephora right alongside Rose Inc. Most recently, Bhatt launched Rooted, an international event series for South Asian creatives and innovators to celebrate and further enrich their community.
Bhatt also offers up style and beauty inspiration on her own social pages, from a lime green shoulder bag to royal blue eyeliner and sculpture-inspired nail art. “My mother and Bollywood had the biggest beauty influences on me,” she says. “Of course I feel beautiful when my ‘fit goes off with a sickening hair and makeup look,” Bhatt expresses. “But other times, I feel most beautiful when I’m at home by myself in an oversized button down, no makeup, with my favorite body oil and fragrance on.”
Below, Bhatt elaborates on her biggest beauty inspirations, her go-to wellness routine and how she defines beauty.
What has your journey to confidence been like?
I credit my confidence to moving to New York City and finding a community that really saw me and allowed me to grow into all the different versions of myself.
Who is inspiring you beauty-wise these days?
I’m so inspired by chic aunties that have aged effortlessly and still look so damn good. Whenever I see an older South Asian woman with all grays, a big bindi and heavy kajal — I think that’s going to be me! I’m especially introspective on the future, as I’m turning 30 this year. Skincare and beauty continue to evolve with me and where I’m at in my life.
What was your earliest beauty memory?
I remember sneaking into my mom’s bathroom and taking a tweezer to pluck one hair from my unibrow. I was acutely aware of my unibrow not being trendy or cool and we had just switched schools so I wanted a chance to be a new person at the new school.
What are your favorite fragrances?
Anything with jasmine, really.
Walk me through your go-to wellness routine.
I’ve found an intentional slow morning to myself that includes some coffee and a book grounds me the most. Carving time out for a good workout as well as a home-cooked meal in between chaotic work days keeps me sane. I’ve been trying to get more into meditation but it’s been difficult to incorporate into my daily practice. Before the pandemic, I got really into fitness and my physical health. Throughout the pandemic, I confronted what it means to also take care of my mental and spiritual health.
What was the biggest beauty risk you’ve ever taken?
The biggest beauty risk I’ve ever taken was when I cut my hair into a high-top fade. It was definitely a big middle finger to South Asian beauty standards that are often very patriarchal.
What beauty industry narrative would you like to see rewritten and why?
I’d like to see us as a society unlearn Eurocentric beauty standards and truly celebrate beauty across diverse communities. That includes diverse casting for beauty campaigns, hiring diverse talent within beauty brands and working with diverse influencers who are marketing products. It also means authentically embracing big noses, darker skin tones, acne, curvy body shapes, 4C hair textures and everything in between.
How do you define beauty?
I truly believe beauty within shapes your outward beauty. Beauty to me looks like someone who works on themselves every day to be the best version of themself. Someone that takes care of their mental, physical and spiritual health because it brings them joy. Someone who values uplifting community and not just themselves. Someone who centers joy.
If you follow singer, Raveena, or beauty brand, Kulfi Beauty, you’ve probably seen Reva Bhatt’s vibrant styling work. When the bicoastal creative isn’t working, she’s providing colorful style inspiration on Instagram and making time for self-care with a good book and home-cooked meals.
Wisteria
Coral pink
Besotted
Beige pink
Count the Ways
Beige pink
Satin Copper
Rich red copper
White Gold Shimmer
Light gold with pearl