Padma Lakshmi, TV Host and Food Expert, Shares Her 20 Daily Essentials

Beauty and fashion were Lakshmi's bread and butter when she was a model in the 1990s, a career she embarked on to pay off her college loans. But food—real food—was her first love. A native of Chennai, India, who moved to the U.S. at age 4, she started collecting cookbooks in her teens, and spent her free time in the kitchen during her modeling days.

She's since served as producer and host of Bravo's Top Chef, now in its 19th season, written five books, and created Taste the Nation, her documentary series for Hulu that explores America's rich culinary culture (she's 14 episodes in, with a new season due out this fall). With all that, as well as raising her 12-year-old daughter, Krishna, who is also her trusty TikTok collaborator, Lakshmi doesn't have a lot of time for primping. "My style mantra these days is, 'Hurry up, it doesn't matter,'" she says.

Fittingly, the accessory she's most known for is her aviator frames, which have brought comparisons to Gloria Steinem's style in the 1970s—a high compliment. "I remind myself that it doesn't matter what you wear, but what you do, say, and write," she says. "At this point in my life, I'm more concerned about being productive than achieving a look."

Shop Padma Lakshmi's Everyday Essentials:

• Neal's Yard Remedies Neroli Essential Oil
• Rue32 Spicy Za'atar Oil
• Madewell Denim Tie-Waist Jumpsuit
• Saint Christopher Medal in 14k Gold
• Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks
• Tomatoes for Neela
• Ray-Ban Classic Aviators
• Humboldt Fog Cheese
• ″The Gastronomical Me″ by M.F.K. Fisher
• Casablanca Lilies
• OPI Nail Polish in Kyoto Pearl
• Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
• Cuyana Leather Travel-Case Set
• Wagh Bakri Masala Chai
• Caress Daily Silk Beauty Bar
• Supreme Paw Supply Security Dog Hoodie
• Microplane 12-Inch Zester
• ″Brown Sugar″ by D'Angelo
• Christine Chin Hydrating Toner
• Christine Chin Cell Gold Face Brightening Serum