Princess Gauravi Kumari On Purpose, Luxury & Skincare

She’s more than meets the eye and disarming enough to not let her royal stature get in the way.

Princess Gauravi Kumari might be to the manor born, but she’s more than made up for it with everything she’s done since. There are the glamourous front-row appearances at fashion shows and photoshoots styled to perfection, yes, but there’s also her untiring work for women empowerment and the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF). Beauty with a purpose, she epitomises it and how.

Take, for instance, the cultural collaboration between PDKF and Kama Ayurveda, the second initiative under Kama Cares, the brand’s platform pillared on its sustainability and social impact commitments. Through this collaboration, and the capsule collection of handmade treasures it’s launched, Princess Gauravi Kumari along with Kama Ayurveda is aiming to further accelerate their work towards the empowerment of young women.

We caught up with her to talk about this new endeavour, skincare, luxury and what it takes for a man to truly be his best. Edited excerpts:

Talk to us about the launch of Kama Cares by Kama Ayurveda and the collaboration with Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF).

Kama Cares, launched by Kama Ayurveda, is a platform for their social & environmental initiatives. This collaboration with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation is fundamentally about shifting the narrative from preservation to empowerment. For too long, crafts have been viewed as endangered heritage - something to be saved or documented - without enough focus on the women who are the living custodians of this knowledge. Through this collaboration, we’re placing these artisans at the centre, not as beneficiaries of charity, but as skilled professionals whose work deserves recognition, fair compensation, and a place in the contemporary luxury market. The foundation has already impacted over 50,000 women and girls across rural Rajasthan through training and livelihood initiatives, and this partnership with Kama Ayurveda ensures a sustainable economic model for these crafts. Heritage isn’t just history - it’s alive, vibrant, and thriving when given the right platform. It’s about dignity, economic independence, and inspiring the next generation to see these crafts as respected professions worth pursuing.

What’s your take on ‘beauty with a purpose’?

Beauty with a purpose’ isn’t a marketing tagline - it has to be integral to every choice a brand makes, from sourcing to production to community impact. Kama Ayurveda exemplifies this by aligning luxury skincare with social and environmental responsibility. With the launch of Kama Cares in collaboration with PDKF, they are not just supporting women artisans - they are creating a model where empowerment and excellence coexist. This initiative, along with certifications like the Butterfly Mark for Positive Luxury and LEED, shows that a brand can deliver exceptional products while genuinely improving lives and protecting the planet. When beauty brands prioritize tradition, biodiversity, and community impact, they redefine luxury for the modern era.

Ayurveda is truly having a moment across the globe, why is that?

Ayurveda resonates because it offers balance, personalization, and holistic wellness. In a world of quick fixes, it reminds us that our bodies are unique and that healing takes time and mindfulness. For those feeling overwhelmed by life’s pace, Ayurveda offers preventative care, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Its ancient knowledge is relevant today - covering diet, lifestyle, mental health, and seasonal rhythms. People are seeking rituals that honour their bodies and the environment; Ayurveda delivers exactly that.

Could you tell us a few Ayurvedic rituals you believe in & follow religiously?

I’m deeply committed to Abhyanga, self-massage with oil, and I love using the Ashwaras Body Massage Oil from Kama Ayurveda. I do this 2-3 times a week, ideally in the morning, as it grounds me, improves circulation, and has transformed my skin’s texture and resilience. I also practise oil pulling each morning to remove overnight toxins and feel refreshed. 

I drink warm water throughout the day and eat my largest meal at lunch, keeping dinners lighter. These simple, consistent rituals have taught me that wellness isn’t about perfection, but about practices that respect your body’s natural rhythms.

What are some of your favourite Kama Ayurveda products and why? 

I’m devoted to several Kama Ayurveda favourites that I use consistently, each chosen for its effectiveness and authentic Ayurvedic principles. For hair care, I rely on the Bringaras Scalp and Hair Oil to strengthen and nourish naturally. For skincare, I turn to the Kumkumadi collection. It has Kashmiri saffron and 14 Ayurvedic botanicals that keep my skin radiant & lastly the Vanasara Ashwagandha Essence to keep my skin hydrated and energised. What I love is how these products turn self-care into a mindful ritual, respecting the body’s rhythms, working holistically, and delivering a luxurious, sensorial experience. With Kama Ayurveda, wellness isn’t just about looking good - it’s about feeling nourished, grounded, and connected to a heritage that celebrates balance and mindfulness.

What would you say are the key tenets of a good skincare routine?

The key to a good skincare routine is simplicity and consistency. Start with proper cleansing to remove impurities without stripping your skin, followed by hydration through serums and moisturizers suited to your skin type. Daily sun protection is a non-negotiable - it’s the single most effective anti-aging step. Beyond topical care, pay attention to diet, sleep, and stress levels, as they all impact your skin. Ayurveda teaches us to adapt to seasonal changes and listen to your body, ensuring your routine supports balance and overall wellbeing rather than being overly complicated.

A skincare rule you’ll never break? And one that you don’t believe in?

I will never sleep with makeup on - it’s non-negotiable. Your skin repairs itself overnight, so I always do a thorough cleanse.

I don’t believe in aggressive or frequent exfoliation. Harsh scrubs or daily chemical exfoliants can damage the skin barrier, especially for sensitive skin. I stick to gentle, enzymatic exfoliation once or twice a week. Balance and moderation are key.

Any advice for men starting their skincare journey?

Start simple and build gradually - don’t be intimidated by too many products. Begin with three basics: a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and daily SPF. Skincare isn’t about gender; it’s maintenance, like exercise or a healthy diet. Your skin faces daily environmental stress, so caring for it is health, not vanity. Most importantly, be consistent - results take six to eight weeks of regular routine.

How do you define luxury?

Luxury, to me, has evolved from excess to intention and impact. True luxury isn’t just about materials or price - it’s about provenance, craftsmanship, and conscience, knowing the people who made it were treated with dignity and the environmental cost considered.

Modern luxury is about genuine rarity - rare skills, time-honoured techniques, and responsibly sourced ingredients, not fast consumption. When I use a product from Kama Ayurveda or something made by PDKF artisans, I feel the luxury in the story, the hands, and the tradition it honours. Mindful living and luxury aren’t contradictory; in fact, true luxury demands mindfulness.

What would you say a man must do to ensure he’s truly his best at all times?

Being your best isn’t about perfection - it’s about intentionality and integrity. Take care of yourself holistically: physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional intelligence all matter. A man at his best understands that strength includes vulnerability and asking for help. Stay curious and keep learning, treat everyone with respect, and recognize the dignity of every individual. Find purpose beyond yourself, take pride in details, and show up consistently with integrity and intention - excellence is a habit, not an accident.