Indian Cricketer Tilak Varma Gives Us The Deets On Looking Good

TILAK VARMA’S GOT GAME. ON THE FIELD, he plays with timing, nerve and a kind of unfussy swagger. Off it, he’s smooth, suave and impossible to ignore. Talent may win matches, but charisma wins the internet, and Varma seems to have cracked the formula. Maybe it’s the confidence. Maybe it’s the skin. He sure knows a lot about that. We caught up with Varma, the face of Foxtale’s ‘Play On Till The Sun’s Gone’ campaign, to talk sunscreen, sweat and surviving long days under the glare—both on and off the pitch.

What do you love the most about Foxtale’s Glow Sunscreen?

It doesn’t feel heavy or leave a white cast, which is a big deal when you’re playing under the sun for hours. It sits well on the skin and actually does its job.

Is there a sunscreen myth you’d like to bust?

That sunscreen is greasy and uncomfortable. I used to avoid applying it too often because of that, but Foxtale feels light, and I don’t mind putting it on.

As a cricketer constantly exposed to the sun and sweat, what are the three skincare essentials you never skip?

Sunscreen, a good face wash, and moisturiser.

Do you have a match-day skincare ritual before stepping onto the field?

Face wash, moisturiser and then sunscreen — in that order. Only takes five minutes.

With helmets, sweat and practice sessions, how do you keep your hair healthy?

Just regular washing, keeping it clean and not using too many products. The helmet makes it tough, which is why it is important to keep your scalp clean.

Fitness, diet, sleep—how much do these factors actually affect skin and hair health for athletes?

A LOT. When I’m eating well and sleeping properly, my skin is better and my hair feels healthier.

As someone who travels quite a lot, what’s a quick grooming hack when you have just a few minutes to get ready?

Face wash and sunscreen. If I can do those two things, I feel good.