Known for her standout performances in HBO’s Succession and the Disney+ Original Series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, actress and professional dancer Sway Bhatia currently stars in Disney’s highly anticipated Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, a fun and spirited adventure that continues the hit music-driven Zombies franchise. When she's not partaking in some "warring of the worlds," Bhatia can be found dabbling in her detailed self-care routine and making beauty products with her mother.
What are you most excited for for summer, both personally and professionally?
"Zombies 4 has officially been released, and even though it’s out in the world now, I’m still holding onto the excitement and gratitude. Being part of a franchise, I once watched as a fan has been so surreal, and seeing the response from viewers has made it even more special.
Right now, I’m also getting ready to head off to college, which is a huge new chapter. I’m focusing a lot more on my music, writing, experimenting with new sounds, and working on projects that feel really personal. At the same time, I’m continuing to develop and produce films through my own company. I’m learning so much as I go, and it feels like the perfect next step to grow creatively and take more ownership of the stories I want to tell."
I hear you are a bit of a DIY beauty fan—can you break down your favorite products to make?
"Absolutely. Skin care has always been a big part of my home life. My parents are total skin-care enthusiasts, so I’ve been lucky—they’ve done all the legwork and made it really easy for me to stick to simple, non-chemical routines that actually work.
My go-to DIY is a mask made with turmeric, honey and yogurt. It’s something we’ve always made at home, and it’s incredibly effective. You can use it just on the face or all over the body if needed. I let it dry for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off, and the result is always the same: an instant glow. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of rosewater to the mix. It doesn’t change the core benefits, but it adds a calming, spa-like scent that makes the whole experience feel a little more special.
Another quick ritual I love is rolling ice over my face and then applying fresh aloe. My mom buys whole aloe stems, slices them into cubes, and keeps them in the fridge so I can grab one anytime. It’s definitely sticky, but it’s one of the most soothing and refreshing things you can do for your skin.
I’ve also been taking neem vitamins for years. There are so many great brands out there, but we use the Himalaya brand at home. I’ve taken them all throughout my teen years, and it’s one of those very natural remedies that supports clean, healthy skin from the inside out.
For me, it’s all about simple, effective routines that are cost-friendly, rooted in tradition, and easy to stick with. I guess it feels like second nature now because these practices have always been part of my everyday life."
Are there any bottled products you swear by after wrapping a day on set?
"Absolutely. After a long shoot day, my skin just wants to breathe again, so gentle cleansing and hydration are a must. I always start with the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($18), it’s super calming and removes every trace of makeup without leaving my skin tight or stripped.
For moisture, I love Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream ($72). It’s rich but never heavy, and it feels incredibly soothing, especially after hours in makeup. If I want to elevate the routine, I’ll mix in a few drops of The Ordinary’s Niacinamide ($6) or Caffeine Solution ($9) for that extra glow.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer ($11) is a staple in my routine, on set and off. It keeps my skin balanced without clogging pores, and I follow up with Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Lotion ($15) on my body. It’s simple, nourishing and perfect for tired, dry skin.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. I use Dermalogica’s Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF ($79) daily, it layers well under makeup and never irritates my skin.
And no matter how tired I am, I never skip Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask ($24). It’s the final touch before bed and keeps my lips soft and hydrated after long days of reapplying lip products on set.
Are there any products you learned about from being on set that you now consider holy grails?
"Absolutely. Being on set introduced me to so many incredible products that have become true staples in my routine. For eyes, I always reach for the R.E.M beauty eyeshadow palettes and the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom palette ($49). Both offer the perfect mix of neutrals and shimmers with amazing pigment payoff, whether I’m going for something soft and natural or more glam.
Rare Beauty’s liquid eyeshadow is another favorite I picked up from a makeup artist, it’s effortless to apply, lasts all day and gives just the right amount of shimmer or color with minimal effort. The Tinted HUESTICK All-over Color Corrector ($26) has also become a go-to for me, especially for brightening under the eyes. And when I’m in a rush, I’ll dab a little on my lips, eyelids and cheeks. It blends beautifully and adds just the right pop of warmth.
Curling my lashes has become a non-negotiable step, and I swear by YSL mascara. It gives incredible volume, and it’s extra meaningful to me because my mom always dots a little behind my ear with it for good luck. In Indian culture, we believe that placing a small black dot on the body can help ward off negative energy. It’s a way of turning away evil, helping you feel confident and grounded, especially during big moments.
And for a quick refresh throughout the day, I always have Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24) in my bag. It’s simple, hydrating and instantly pulls everything together."
How does your mom influence your own beauty philosophy?
"My mom has influenced my beauty routine in such a meaningful way. In Indian culture, oiling your hair is a weekly ritual and it was a big part of my upbringing. I didn’t always love it as a kid, but I definitely loved the head massage that came with it. Back then, she would mix coconut and almond oils, and while I wasn’t a huge fan of the scent, I’ve come to appreciate the tradition and the results so much more as I’ve gotten older.
Now, she’s refined her recipe with a blend of Parachute’s Coconut Oil, PURA D’OR Organic Sweet Almond Oil ($16), Cliganic’s Argan and Jojoba Oils ($10 each) and Handcraft’s Organic Castor Oil ($10). Sometimes we’ll even add a bit of Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil ($9) for extra nourishment. To make the scent more pleasant and calming, she finishes it off with a few drops of Asna Organic Amla Berry Hair Oil ($29).
She warms up the mixture and applies it to my scalp and hair, giving me the most relaxing head massage. Sometimes I leave it on for an hour, and other times I’ll sleep with it in overnight under a shower cap. It always leaves my hair feeling soft, healthy and naturally shiny. And I’m not going to lie, I need all the help I can get. I already found my first gray hair!"
