There were days when building that perfect makeup kit for yourself seemed like a hassle. All of us women would go from one shop to another in order to find the right products that matched our skin and our requirements, only to realize that they either didn’t fit our budget or ticked all the boxes. But those days are long gone, and now, thanks to social media and influencer culture, we know exactly where to look and what to look for when it comes to buying the most apt makeup! While a lot of Indian brands are now in the picture, conquering the ‘Made In India’ scene, there are some that defy all competition to emerge as the best makeup brands in India.
Here, we uncover the top cosmetic brands in India in detail and give you yet another list to choose from, so your next makeup binge is nothing but fun & fabulous!
MAC
Wondering which is the No. 1 makeup brand in India? For those of you who don’t know the full form of this makeup giant, MAC is short for Makeup Artist Cosmetics. Trusted by professionals the world over, the brand specializes in super stay products that are far from the ones you find on the regular. Their catalog is unique and highly user-driven, making it easy for women of all colors and tastes to find the right match.
MAC launched its first lipstick collection of only 6 shades in the year 1984 in Toronto. Today, it’s a part of the Estee Lauder group of makeup brands in India too. Synonymous with glamour and a favorite among women of all ages, the brand’s huge fan following can be credited to the quality of its products. But not just that; its penchant to embrace individuality is what puts it at the forefront of the Indian beauty industry, considering the diversity of our culture and communities. A truly peculiar palette and reds that are highly experimental can be called the company’s USP.
Lakme
If you’re living in India, there is no way you haven’t heard of Hindustan Unilever owned Lakme. The brand is a part of almost every woman’s makeup and skincare kit ranks among the best makeup brands in India and has A-List celebrities like Shraddha Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and also Chamma posing as brand ambassadors and taking it to new heights. Not just this, but it also has a highly-prominent fashion week that happens annually and attracts socialites as well as fashion enthusiasts from India and the neighboring nations as well.
Lakme is the best cosmetic brand in India that blissfully understands Indian skin tones, Indian weather changes, and the occasion-specific needs of every woman. Its different types of lipsticks are budget-friendly, and its diverse catalog ranging from eye makeup to foundations, concealers to nail polishes, and many more products ensures there is something for everyone. The lower and mid-range price points don’t indicate low-quality items, but quite the opposite. Known for being value-for-money, Lakme has carved a niche for itself in the Indian beauty space over the years.
L’Oreal
A pioneering name in body care and beauty, L’Oreal was founded as early as 1909 by Eugène Schueller. With its headquarters in Paris, France, and multiple operational countries & cities, L’Oreal is a leading name in the industry, globally.
The brand launched in India in the year 1995 and is headquartered in New Delhi. One of the most popular brands in our country, it is associated with the likes of Aditi Rao Hydari, Sobhita Dhulipala, Shakti Mohan, and Mithali Raj acting as brand ambassadors, the brand keeps growing at a striking pace, maintaining the trust and the promise of quality among its consumers.
Ranking among the best makeup brands in India, L’Oreal’s innovative approach to skincare and beauty is its shining grace. Leading the way with some of the most problem-solving products that promise lasting attributes, L’Oreal continues to win every woman’s heart. Find something that fits your budget and also does what you want it to do from the brand’s diverse product range! We’ve already bagged our favorites and are staying true to them.
Maybelline
Which brand of makeup is best? Well, famous for its inclusive and non one-size-fits-all strategy, Maybelline takes the cake for affordable yet high-quality products! Launched with just a single product back in 1915, now, the brand has over 600 products up its sleeve. From skincare to beauty enhancers, Maybelline is best known for mascaras and lip products, and also its Fit Me range, which boasts of catering to every skin type and shade.
Maybelline has earned its spot as one of the most popular and widely used brands in the world. Fun fact – the name was coined after ‘eyeliner’ and the founder, Thomas Lyle Williams’ sister Mabel. Couldn’t have guessed this one, right?
The brand hasn’t just made it to the regular woman’s makeup closet, but also to the kit of budding artists. The fact that it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket and has launched some iconic products over the years is what sets it apart from the rest. Now, Maybelline has also ventured into the industry with its range formulated specifically for men.
Colorbar
As quirky and youthful as its name, Colorbar is one of the best makeup brands in India. The brand’s philosophy of gender-neutral makeup and diversity is highly celebrated. Staying true to the actual idea of makeup – which is empowering and individualistic – Colorbar has carved a niche for itself in the global beauty market.
Falling under the premium segment, its products showcase a new-age vibe, attracting both millennials and Gen-Z and even some selective Baby Boomers. Driven by its urge to compete with international brands like L’Oreal and Revlon, Colorbar’s journey has been noteworthy.
Since Indian skin is so diverse and the climate in each region varies largely, we need products that are made keeping in mind these factors. While a lot of brands are now doing this, Colorbar comes in with first dibs on the idea and strives to be a company that caters to all.
NYX
Birthed in L.A., an American city famous for its glamorous vibe, NYX aims at creating a product range for everyone who loves themselves a makeover! Inspired by the land where everything is possible and you can be whoever you want to be, NYX provides a medium of self-expression through its thought-after creations.
With pro-level makeup and highly pigmented items, one might think that the brand isn’t an accessible entity, but you’re mistaken! With really attractive price points that are centered around the idea of meaningful expression, NYX has made a special spot for itself in India as well as other major countries.
Empowering artists all over the world, NYX’s ideology is perfect for innovators looking to venture on their own journey with makeup and beauty. Today, NYX is sought-after and is easily one of the best makeup brands in India.
LA Girl
Looking for a trend-focused beauty brand that also offers the most on-point products? Your search stops at LA Girl, one of the top makeup brands in India, which has been true to its original ethos since its launch in 1995. It is a sought-after brand in the premium beauty space, and in India, it’s a huge hit. A lot of its fame can be credited to its amazing range of concealers and makeup setting spray, along with its diverse correctors that are not just accurate to skin tones but also come in an amazing tube. Yes, it has a brush and all – AND a creamy texture that gets blended quickly!
LA Girl has also paved the way for affordable, artistry products that go beyond the ordinary and offer great fits for all complexions. The range will enhance your beauty like no other, and to see what we’re talking about, you just have to give it a shot. It is easily available on online store sites.
AVON
Is there anything better than a beauty brand that is not just in touch with global issues but also makes an effort to create impact? AVON is among the best makeup brands in India and is known for its high-quality makeup, yes, but also for its several attempts at driving change and advocating equality for women. It is an empowering company that makes one feel lucky to be associated with, as it brings a new dawn to the beauty sector.
The brand believes in beauty as a motivating tool, and not just one that makes us aware of our perfect imperfections. It also believes in bringing out the best version of its consumers, further in line with its ethos of change, innovation, and empowerment.
From following the hottest trends to offering essentials that are sure to become an integral part of one’s beauty kit, AVON breaks the barriers around makeup being a go-to only for special occasions. It needs to be seen as something that enhances are ever-present natural beauty and provides a medium for the world to witness what we wish them to.
The Body Shop
Creating waves in the beauty and body care genres, The Body Shop is one of the best makeup brands in India, is a cruelty-free brand & specializes in vegan products. Its premium range is perfect for owning as well as gifting to your near and dear ones, and their gift sets ensure your presents always look the cutest! Make it a part of your skincare routine.
Launched by Anita Roddick in England, her motto has always been, “My passionate belief is that business can be fun, it can be conducted with love and a powerful force for good.”
In the year 1987, The Body Shop launched Community Trade, therefore becoming a pioneer of fair trade in the beauty industry. Now, the company has suppliers in more than 20 countries around the world, and sources the best raw ingredients and traditional skills from the world over, benefiting local communities in the process.
Bobbi Brown
Named after, and founded by makeup artist turned entrepreneur Bobbi Brown, this luxury beauty brand has been advocating true beauty and enhancing a woman’s true self since its inception in 1992. The brand debuted with a range of foundations for an array of skin tones.
It continues to stay true to its original mission and to revolutionize beauty by following a set of guiding principles that can be reflected in its product range. Bobbi Brown believes that there is no better start to a makeup look than a smooth, even canvas. No matter what your skin concerns are, the brand makes sure you find something that suits you perfectly.
Revlon
Revlon, which is one of the best makeup brands in India, is known to be the first international color cosmetics brand to have been launched in India. It was introduced to our market in 1995 by means of an exclusive distribution strategy.
Revlon has a peculiar assortment of products that range from cosmetics, hair colors, haircare, skincare, beauty care, etc.
Revlon products have been shaping and adding value to the lives of modern, sophisticated, and contemporary Indian women. Retailing in more than 100 countries and across 6 continents, Revlon today is a global leader with a vision to establish it as the quintessential and most innovative beauty brand.
Swiss Beauty
Swiss Beauty, one of the best makeup brands in India, products comprise high-quality ingredients, luxurious textures, innovative formulas, and also functional and sensible packaging. The brand’s attractive price points enable consumers to experiment with their choices and needs, further paving the way to an individual sense of discovery in terms of the perfect makeup look.
All Swiss Beauty products are registered with CDSCO, short for Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Hence, they are safe for all kinds of users. The highest standard of manufacturing is maintained, owing to technology and ingredients imported from countries like Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and also Germany.
Swiss Beauty celebrates diversity in color palettes, with each shade curated for skin tones dominating our geographical expanse, and complimenting your beauty while highlighting your unique features.
Lovers of all things colorful, now are your cue to go ahead and explore these best makeup brands in India to the fullest to find what you’re looking for!
