Shop My Shelf - The Creative Duo
Written By Porus Vimadalal And Prayag Menon
In this edition, we feature photographer & creative director Porus Vimadalal and fashion stylist & consultant Prayag Menon — partners in life and collaborators in craft as they share their skincare secrets and the practices they genuinely swear by, shaping modern fashion imagery from Mumbai to Toronto.
READ TIME: 5 minutes

When establishing the tone for your day, what is the first non-negotiable step you both reach for: Inner Balance, Caffeine, or your skincare routine?
For both of us, it always begins with inner balance. I wake up and sit with myself for 20 to 30 minutes just watching the trees and birds outside my window. It is a moment where I don’t let my mind run into the day, and I don’t touch my phone. Prayag does the same. We also prefer to remain silent during that time. We give each other space to arrive fully and ground ourselves before anything else. We believe nothing comes before taking Care of the mind first.
On a busy morning, whose shelf is secretly raided more often, and what product is the target?
Well, there is no raiding happening in our home because we follow pretty much the same skin routine! Our skincare is simple and consistent. A few serums like salicylic acid, niacinamide, copper peptides, and always sunscreen, whether we are indoors or heading out. It keeps things easy, and our skin responds well to that simplicity.
What is the one non-negotiable step—skincare or grooming—that anchors your routine, even on the most demanding travel or shoot days?
Sunscreen every single time. Even on days when everything else falls away, I will moisturise, hydrate and apply sunscreen. It is the one step that never changes no matter where I am.
Prayag, as a celebrated stylist, you understand the necessity of foundational layering—the perfect base before the final silhouette. How does your philosophy of 'dressing the body' mirror or influence your approach to the 'dressing of the skin' with a precise, bespoke routine?
My styling philosophy has always been about supporting and enhancing one’s natural form. Skincare feels very similar. It is about paying attention to what my skin needs and building a routine that strengthens and supports it. I don’t believe in excess, whether in layers or in products. And the right foundation, whether in fabric or in care, always creates effortless presence.
Porus, you hold an innate understanding of light — how it shifts, softens, and unveils depth. Much like skin, it narrates a story of texture and tone. How does this intimate relationship with light influence the way you nurture and perceive your own skin?
Light teaches me to see skin as something alive rather than something to fix. It shifts and softens and changes tone through the day, the way skin does as it moves through different conditions. I have learnt to embrace that. I love how light wraps around our skin and reveals the beauty in its texture. That has shaped the way I see my own skin, with more curiosity and acceptance.
How would you articulate the fundamental philosophy that guides your joint approach to skin health?
We keep it simple. We believe in consistency over perfection, and we want our skin to feel comfortable, never masked. Less is more. And for both of us, skin health begins long before products. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping the mind free of stress make the biggest difference.
In a world fuelled by creative energy, what ritual allows you both to genuinely switch off and recharge when the noise becomes too much?
We reconnect with each other through small grounding rituals. Afternoon tea when we are home, meals at the table, and date nights on Sundays. These little pockets of presence help us reset and remind us of what really matters.
How do you intentionally signal to your body and mind that the day is over? What defines your personal "me-time" ritual?
I like to write about my day, even if it is just a short note or a small observation. After dinner, we wind down together and often watch space videos or food videos, depending on our mood! Something is comforting about gasping at space facts or drooling over beautiful cooking clips. Sometimes it is as simple as sitting together and talking about the little things that make us happy. That is my favourite way to end the day.
Beyond the immediate results, how would you describe the feeling or sensory experience of a KOSA Superfacial?
The KOSA Superfacial really felt like being guided into a deep, quiet space within ourselves. There was this gentle, comforting warmth throughout the treatment that made it so easy for both of us to relax and slow down. The technique felt incredibly intentional, almost grounding, and the whole experience felt thoughtful in a way that went beyond just skincare.
SHOP MY SHELF

1/5
A breakout-control serum that regulates sebum and soothes inflammation.
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE
Serum Complexe Iribiol

2/5
A skin-strengthening serum that enhances glow and prevents visible aging.
AMINU
Copper Peptide Serum

3/5
A powerful formula that brightens, strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum, and leaves your skin clear, even-toned, and smooth.
ONE THING
Niacinamide 10%

4/5
A water-light daily sunscreen that delivers SPF 50+ protection with zero greasiness.
ISDIN
Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

5/5
This powder is a crimson skin-healing formula to combat inflammation, acne, and promote total skin wellness.
COSMIX

