15 Best Makeup (Cosmetics) Brands In India – 2024
Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
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Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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In This Article
Shopping for makeup can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options in front of you. With the arrival of a horde of new makeup brands in the Indian market, it has gotten a lot harder to pick out makeup (but we aren’t complaining!). So, we have compiled a list of 15 of the most popular makeup brands available in India that are having a hot moment right now, thanks to their exciting and innovative products. If you need help deciding what makeup to invest in, we’ve got you covered with brand new essentials down below. Keep reading to find out more.[table “526” not found /]
Importance Of Choosing The Right Makeup
Before we move on to our round-up, here’s something you need to know: choosing the right brand of makeup is a big decision you make for yourself. The skin on your face is especially delicate, and if you want to look after it well, you will have to invest in quality cosmetics. Also, if you are strongly against animal testing, you should steer clear of brands that test on animals.
These 15 brands have launched a whole range of makeup, from lipsticks and foundations to primers and bronzers. We hope to make choosing makeup easier for you as we have listed the best brands and the best makeup products they have to offer. Let’s have a look at the list now, shall we?
15 Of The Best Makeup Brands In India
1. M.A.C
M.A.C entered the makeup scene in 1984 in Toronto, and it has been a part of Estee-Lauder Companies since 1998. Initially, the company only made products for makeup artists and models, but it gradually transformed from a niche brand into one of the biggest global makeup brands to exist.
M.A.C is also one of the most socially conscious brands with initiatives like Cruelty-Free Beauty and Back to M.A.C Recycling. It has raised more than $86 million towards charity since 1994 with its sale of products under the ‘Viva Glam’ range.
Must-Try: M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
The most classic shade of red that magically suits everyone on the planet.
2. L’Oreal
L’Oreal happens to be one of the most esteemed drugstore brands in the world. This French cosmetic company founded in 1909 is the largest in the world with its headquarters in Clichy. It has also been named as one of the world’s most ethical companies more than once. Besides makeup, it specializes in skin care, hair care, and perfume.
Deepika Padukone is the global ambassador of L’Oreal, and she is the fifth Indian woman to join the list of spokespersons for this brand.
Easily, one of the best drugstore foundations out there that even makeup artists and vloggers swear by.
3. Lakmé
Lakmé is owned by Hindustan Unilever and is the top-ranking makeup brand in our nation. It was founded in 1952 because Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was concerned about women paying for foreign exchange on cosmetics. JRD Tata agreed to manufacture these products locally. Later, Tata sold off his stake to HUL, and the company rapidly grew from there.
This company is the title sponsor of the Lakmé Fashion Week. It offers a wide range of products, and its basic line is within reach of the average Indian woman. Since it keeps innovating, it now has new lines, such as Absolute and 9 to 5, which offer high-end, premium products.
Must-Try: Lakme 9 to 5 Matte Lip Color
These lipsticks are oh-so-good for daily wear, and they come in over 40 different shades.
4. Maybelline
Maybelline is one of the most popular makeup brands in the world and a subsidiary of L’Oreal. The interesting thing about it is that it was started back in 1915 by a 19-year-old entrepreneur, Thomas Lyle Williams, when he saw his sister using Vaseline, coal, and ash for her eyebrows. The century-old company’s headquarters is in New York, and it is recognized all around the world for its quality and innovative products.
Must-Try: Maybelline New York Colossal Volume Express Mascara
If you haven’t already tried it, you are seriously missing out.
5. NYX
NYX’s success story is pretty awesome. This makeup brand was founded by 25-year-old Toni Ko in a tiny 600 square feet apartment in California, all thanks to a loan she took from her parents. It had a pretty humble beginning and was named after Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night. In 2014, the company was taken over by L’Oreal when Toni decided to sell it for a whopping $500 million.
NYX has a whole bunch of interesting products that include lip creams, eyeliners, foundations, and other essentials.
Must-Try: NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
These lip creams smell like cookies and cream, or even better – freshly baked cupcakes. They are super comfortable to wear and available in over 40 shades.
6. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown is finally available in India, and we’re filled with awe! This prestigious global beauty brand was founded in 1991 by the makeup artist-turned-entrepreneur, Bobbi Brown. The company was taken over by Estee Lauder in 1995 due to its massive success.
This luxury brand offers the best quality when it comes to makeup. An interesting fact about it is that its Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner sells more units globally than any other Bobbi Brown product, with two sold every minute!
Must-Try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
This eyeliner, with that big a cult-following, deserves a shot. It’s top-notch stuff.
7. Colorbar
Colorbar is one of India’s leading makeup brands. Launched in 2005, its facilities are spread across India, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East. It has an extensive collection of makeup for lips, eyes, nails, and skin. This brand has won several awards for its innovative products, such as Retailer of the Year Award, 2017 and the Femina Beauty Award for its primer and nail polish.
Must-Try: Colorbar Perfect Match Primer
This is, undoubtedly, one of the best drugstore primers on the market. Want a flawless base without spending too much? This is your answer.
8. L.A. Girl
L.A. Girl was founded in 1985, and their ethos – premium quality, on-trend, and innovative beauty products – stands strong! The brand is trending hard out here, especially because of its fantastic concealer range and makeup setting spray. This is one brand that caters to the needs of everyone. Whether you are a makeup pro or an inspired novice – there’s something for everyone.
Must-Try: L.A Girl Pro Conceal HD
One of the best concealers out there. It is sold in so many shades that it is impossible not to find the right one!
9. Avon
Avon is available in over 100 countries. It offers a variety of makeup products and a whole bunch of fragrances, skin care, and hair care products. This innovative brand was founded in 1886 and has led the industry with its award-winning breakthrough products for a while now.
Must-Try: Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick
Great texture and an amazing finish. The shade Mauve Matters is a bestseller!
10. The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid
The Body Shop swears by one dictum: beauty inspired by nature. This England-based brand was founded in 1976. It currently has a range of over 1000 products, and it sells across 3,000 franchised stores around the world in over 66 countries. Its products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
Must-try: The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid
This lip liquid effortlessly makes your lips soft, looks glossy, and is long-lasting. The rich creamy texture helps in easy application.
11. Swiss Beauty MakeUp Fixer Natural
Swiss Beauty started in 2008. This growing beauty brand is known for innovative beauty products with top quality. It offers an extensive range of eyes, face, lip, and nail makeup products. Their products are exclusively being imported from Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and Germany.
Must-Try: Swiss Beauty Makeup Fixer Natural
This lightweight and non-sticky formula makes the makeup last longer. In addition, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, infused in the fixer, protect the skin.
12. Revlon
If you are into makeup, I’m sure you own at least one or two products from Revlon – one of the most popular makeup brands in India. It has a versatile range of makeup products, personal care products, and fragrances. This US-based company was founded in 1932 and has held a reputation of being the trendsetters in the world of makeup.
Must-Try: Revlon Colorstay Foundation
Do you have normal to dry skin? Then, this is a foundation that will work for you. It provides hydration and gives long-lasting coverage.
13. PAC
If you want professional makeup at a super affordable price, you need to try out PAC! PAC focuses on makeup professionals and their unique needs. It has some really unique products that are hard to find in other brands. It was started in 2002, and its products are not tested on animals and free of any heavy metals.
Must-Try: PAC Lip Liner
The creamy lip liner is one of the best I’ve ever used. It stays on for long and makes your lipstick look on-point.
14. Makeup Revolution
Makeup Revolution aims at offering professional makeup at an affordable price, so it can be accessible to everyone. It also happens to be cruelty-free, and none of its products are tested on animals. It has got a wide range of eye and lip palettes, contour kits, and concealer palettes. Launched in 2014, its products have taken the world by storm, and despite their low prices, the brand does not cut down on quality in any manner.
Must-Try: Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette
This palette is a perfect combination of shimmer, pearl, and matte shades. There’s so much you can do with it. It is a total rockstar!
15. theBalm Cosmetics
theBalm Cosmetics is famous for its innovative products and quirky packaging. The brand was started in 2004 and has rapidly grown to become a huge success. It offers a range of makeup products, such as bronzers, highlighters, and powders that feel very exclusive and premium to use. All its products are paraben-free and cruelty-free.
Must-Try: theBalm – Bahama Mama
You’ve gotta try this bronzer for the perfect sun-kissed glow.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,253 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
That was our round-up of 15 of the best makeup brands available in India. We hope this list comes in handy for all you makeup enthusiasts and junkies the next time you go makeup shopping. Remember, inner beauty is great, but a little mascara never hurt anybody!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the oldest Indian makeup brand?
The oldest Indian brand is Lakme that was founded in 1952 by J.R.D and Simone Tata of the TATA company. It is currently run by Hindustan Unilever.
Is MAC an Indian brand?
No, M.A.C Cosmetics is a Canadian brand, established in 1984, with stores open all over the world.
Is Colorbar an Indian brand?
Yes, Colorbar is a leading beauty and cosmetic Indian brand that was launched in 2004.
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Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
