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17 Best Makeup & Cosmetics Brands in India (Updated 2026)

Aug 3, 2026

Rupesh

Buying makeup products in India is easy, but choosing the right one can be challenging. One lipstick can look stunning in daylight and patchy under office lights. A foundation that claims “all-day” can melt by lunchtime in Indian humidity.

With popular brands like Maybelline, Lakme, Nykaa, and MAC everywhere, it’s easy to overspend and still end up with products that don’t suit your skin or routine. That’s why we’ve compared 17 of the best makeup brands in India, from budget to premium, based on real performance, shade range, wear time, finish, and value for money. Use this guide to confidently pick the right brand and the right price for you.

Top Makeup & Cosmetic Brands Compared

Best Makeup Cosmetic Brands in India Reviewed 

Here’s a closer look at each of the 17 brands making our list, from budget staples to skincare-grade formulas. Every brand is reviewed on price, product range, and everyday performance so you can match a name to what your skin and budget actually need. 

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is one of India’s most recommended dermatologist-backed brands for makeup and skincare you can trust without a second thought. Started in 1930 to supply Hollywood film studios, the American label is now sold in over 70 countries and remains known for rigorously tested, skin-first formulas. Its lineup balances gentle skincare with a non-shiny, matte finish that suits Indian humidity, and the range works across oily, dry, and normal skin types. For anyone prioritising ingredient safety and consistent quality over trend-chasing launches, Neutrogena delivers dependable everyday makeup and skincare without compromise

Features of the brand:

• Dermatologically tested, gentle formulas suited to sensitive skin
• Non-shiny, matte finish ideal for humid Indian weather
• Works across oily, dry, and normal skin types
• Backed by decades of skincare research and testing

How To Save on Your Neutrogena Orders

Neutrogena is available across Nykaa, Amazon, and Flipkart, with prices varying by platform. Compare listings before buying, and check verified Neutrogena coupon codes for verified discounts and cashback offers on your order.

Lakme

Lakme, established in 1952 and owned by Hindustan Unilever, is India’s first cosmetics brand created for Indian skin tones. Its range includes lipsticks, foundations, eyeliners, skincare, and other beauty essentials for everyday use. The brand also operates a nationwide network of Lakme Salons, strengthening its presence across the country. With most products being vegan and cruelty-free, and prices starting from just ₹75, Lakme remains a trusted and affordable choice for daily makeup.

Features of the brand:

• Country’s first cosmetic brand to formulate for Indian skin tones
• Air-tight, travel-friendly packaging across the range
• Extensive presence in both cosmetics and salon services
• Semi-matte finish on most makeup products

How To Save on Your Lakme Orders

Lakme regularly runs seasonal and festive promotions across its own site and major platforms. Subscribe to updates and check Lakme coupon codes to stack extra savings on your order.

Maybelline 

Maybelline began in Chicago in 1914 and has been part of L’Oréal since 1996, entering India in 1998 with a product line tailored to Indian pricing and skin tones. It’s best known for sheer scale, with over 1,000 shades across its range and the Fit Me line leading in matte foundations. Coverage spans face, eyes, and lips, making it a genuine one-stop makeup brand. For shoppers who want variety without hunting across multiple labels, Maybelline’s breadth is hard to match.

Features of the brand:

• Over 1,000 shades across the full product range
• Fit Me line specialises in matte foundation finishes
• Full coverage across face, eye, and lip categories
• Formulated and tested for Indian skin tones since 1998

How To Save on Your Maybelline Orders

Maybelline’s biggest price drops usually land around festive sales. Time your purchase around these windows and pair it with Maybelline promo codes and deals for the best combined discount.

L’Oreal Paris

L’Oréal Paris has operated from Paris since 1909 and now stands as the world’s largest cosmetics company, leading globally across hair colour, skincare, sun protection, makeup, and fragrance. Its salon network spans roughly 130 countries, and the brand blends accessible pricing with a premium feel across its India range. Formulas are non-clumping, smudge-resistant, and flake-proof, holding up well through long days. For makeup that performs like a luxury label without the luxury price tag, L’Oréal Paris remains a dependable, globally trusted choice. 

Insight

Insight Cosmetics is a Mumbai-based makeup brand founded by Dinesh Jain, now present across more than 35,000 retail stores nationwide. Reliance Retail acquired a majority stake in the company in September 2022, and Insight went on to earn official PETA cruelty-free certification in January 2025. The brand’s core range covers foundation, concealer, lipstick, and eyeshadow, all formulated to be alcohol-free, paraben-free, and dermatologically tested. For budget shoppers who still want vegan, FDA-compliant formulas, Insight delivers without the premium markup.

Features of the brand:

• 100% vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free (certified January 2025)
• Alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and dye-free formulas
• FDA-compliant and dermatologically tested across the range
• Backed by Reliance Retail since its 2022 acquisition

How To Save on Your Insight Orders

Insight frequently bundles multi-product kits at a lower combined price than buying separately. Browse GrabOn’s Insight Cosmetics coupon codes and offers to catch these bundles before they sell out.

SUGAR Cosmetics

SUGAR Cosmetics launched in 2015 under Vellvette Lifestyle and has grown from a niche online label into a brand with real reach across India and beyond. It’s built its name on bold, unconventional shades and waterproof, humidity-resistant formulas that hold up through long Indian summers. The range spans lips, eyes, face, and nails, with pricing designed to stay inclusive across budgets. For anyone who wants makeup that survives heat and sweat without fading by noon, SUGAR is a genuinely strong pick.

Features of the brand:

• Waterproof, long-lasting formulas built for humid climates
• Bold, unconventional shade ranges not common elsewhere
• Vegan and cruelty-free across the full product line
• Covers lips, eyes, face, and nails in one brand

How To Save on Your SUGAR Cosmetics Orders

New users get a flat discount on their very first SUGAR order. Layer that with the latest SUGAR Cosmetics promo codes and cashback deals for savings on top of the welcome offer.

MyGlamm  

MyGlamm is a Mumbai-based brand and India’s first beauty-and-personal-care unicorn, founded in 2015. It’s built its identity around collaborations with designer Manish Malhotra and a network of over 20,000 offline stores and salons across 70 Indian cities. Products are PETA-approved, cruelty-free, paraben- and silicone-free, and formulated to stay lightweight while blending easily for even coverage. With shades designed for a wide range of Indian skin tones, MyGlamm balances affordability with a genuinely glam finish.

Features of the brand:

• PETA-approved, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly formulas
• Paraben- and silicone-free across the product range
• Lightweight, easy-blend textures for smooth everyday wear
• Shade ranges built for diverse Indian skin tones

How To Save on Your MyGlamm Orders

MyGlamm’s app-exclusive drops often carry pricing you won’t find on other platforms. Check MyGlamm promo codes before you install it, so you know what’s worth waiting for.

SÉRY  

SÉRY launched in 2019 under House of Vega, built specifically for millennial women who want makeup that keeps pace with a fast-moving day. Its signature format is the stick-based application, designed to speed up routines without sacrificing precision, across lip, eye, and face products. Formulas lean on natural ingredients like red raspberry extract, vitamin E, and castor oil, and the brand ships internationally as well as across India. For anyone who wants a compact, grab-and-go routine, SÉRY is built exactly for that.

Plum

Plum is a 100% vegan, cruelty-free brand that has built its India presence on active, science-backed ingredients rather than trend-driven launches. Its range spans makeup, skincare, haircare, and body care, all free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and formulated for long-term skin benefit rather than quick fixes. The brand also runs a product recycling programme and uses eco-friendly packaging across its lineup. For shoppers who want makeup that doubles as a genuinely clean, sustainable choice, Plum delivers on both fronts.

Features of the brand:

• 100% vegan and cruelty-free across every product
• Free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
• Backed by a packaging recycling programme
• Formulated for long-term skin benefit, not just coverage

How To Save on Your Plum Orders

Plum regularly runs bulk-purchase discounts of up to 35% when you buy multiple items together. Pair this with Plum voucher codes for even deeper savings on your cart.

Colorbar  

Colorbar has built its identity around inclusivity, positioning itself as a brand for every skin tone and personal style rather than following one narrow beauty standard. It holds the largest colour portfolio in the Indian market, backed by two Guinness World Records and a retail footprint spanning over 100 exclusive stores and 1,200 multi-brand outlets. Products are cruelty-free and certified to both EU and FDA standards. For anyone who wants serious shade variety without compromising on ethical sourcing, Colorbar delivers real range.

Features of the brand:

• Largest colour portfolio among Indian cosmetics brands
• Two Guinness World Records held by the brand
• Cruelty-free, EU and FDA certified formulations
• Over 1,300 stores and outlets across India

How To Save on Your Colorbar Orders

Colorbar offers free shipping once your cart crosses ₹499, so it’s worth adding one more item to hit that mark. Combine it with GrabOn’s Colorbar discount codes for extra savings.

Lotus Herbals   

Lotus Herbals built its name on plant-based formulations, positioning itself as a “skin-first” alternative for shoppers who want makeup that doesn’t fight against daily skincare. Its range spans sunscreens, face washes, compact powders, foundations, and lip colours, all designed to feel gentle enough for everyday Indian weather. The brand is one of the most widely available names in the country, sold across pharmacies, online platforms, and local cosmetic stores alike. For practical daily wear with a skincare-led approach, Lotus Herbals is a dependable, budget-friendly pick.

Features of the brand:

• Formulations centred on plant-based, skin-first ingredients
• Especially known for its wide sunscreen range
• Affordable pricing across both skincare and makeup
• Available across pharmacies, e-commerce, and local stores

How To Save on Your Lotus Herbals Orders

Lotus Herbals occasionally runs flash sales with steep, short-window discounts on bestsellers. Turn on notifications and check the latest Lotus Herbals promo codes regularly so you don’t miss one.

Biotique    

Biotique was founded in 1992 by Vinita Jain and has built its identity around Ayurvedic principles, blending traditional formulations with modern skincare science. Its range spans cleansers, moisturisers, toners, hair oils, and shampoos, all crafted from botanical extracts rather than synthetic actives. The brand follows eco-friendly practices and cruelty-free testing throughout, with gender-neutral positioning across its product lines. For shoppers who want Ayurveda-rooted formulas backed by genuine research rather than marketing alone, Biotique remains one of India’s most trusted natural beauty names.

Features of the brand:

• Non-toxic formulations suited to all skin types
• Built on traditional Ayurvedic recipes and ingredients
• Gender-neutral product ranges across the board
• Eco-friendly, cruelty-free practices since founding

How To Save on Your Biotique Orders

Paying with a prepaid method on Biotique’s own site typically unlocks an extra 5% off. Stack that with active Biotique voucher codes to lower your total further.

Nykaa Cosmetics     

Nykaa Cosmetics is Nykaa’s in-house makeup label, launched in 2015 to translate the platform’s deep read on Indian consumer preferences into its own product line. It expanded quickly across lipsticks, foundations, and eye makeup, built specifically around Indian skin tones and undertones. The brand is known for frequent new launches and accessible pricing, making it equally suited to beginners and seasoned makeup users. Backed by Nykaa’s scale and trend data, Nykaa Cosmetics stays consistently current without pushing prices out of reach.

Features of the brand:

• Makeup formulated specifically for Indian skin tones and undertones
• Frequent new launches keep the range trend-current
• Wide catalogue spanning both beginner and advanced products
• Backed by Nykaa’s own consumer insight and scale

How To Save on Your Nykaa Cosmetics Orders

Nykaa’s Pink Day Sale is when its steepest markdowns typically land. Track exclusive Nykaa Cosmetics discount codes in the lead-up so you’re ready when it goes live.

Typsy Beauty      

Typsy Beauty has carved out a distinct niche with pH-adaptive, skincare-grade makeup, blending peptides, collagen, and natural oils into products that care for skin while worn. The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, formulated specifically for Indian skin tones and climate. Standout products include its Shade Shifter Lip & Cheek Oil, which adjusts to individual skin chemistry rather than sitting as one fixed shade. For shoppers who want makeup that doubles as skincare, without animal-derived ingredients anywhere in the formula, Typsy Beauty stands apart from most drugstore names. 

Features of the brand:

• pH-adaptive formulas that personalise shade to individual skin
• Infused with peptides, collagen, and natural oils
• 100% vegan and cruelty-free across the range
• Formulated specifically for Indian skin tones and climate

How To Save on Your Typsy Beauty Orders

Typsy Beauty’s mini and travel-size formats cost less upfront and let you trial shades before committing. Check GrabOn’s Typsy Beauty discount codes to see current pricing on these smaller sizes.

Kay Beauty       

Kay Beauty was founded by actress Katrina Kaif to bring a celebrity-backed, high-performance range to Indian shoppers without stepping into ultra-premium pricing. The brand is fully cruelty-free, with a face range built around hydrating foundations, concealers, and long-wear bases designed for both day and night looks. Its formulas lean toward buildable, skin-like coverage rather than heavy, cakey finishes. For shoppers who want a recognisable, trusted name backed by real product performance rather than just a famous face on the packaging, Kay Beauty delivers. 

Features of the brand:

• Cruelty-free formulas across the entire product range
• Hydrating, buildable foundations for a natural finish
• Face range designed for both day and night wear
• Founded and personally backed by Katrina Kaif

How To Save on Your Kay Beauty Orders

Kay Beauty’s shade-matching sets bundle a foundation with a complementary concealer at a lower combined price. Check the latest Kay Beauty deals to see which sets are currently discounted.

Swiss Beauty        

Swiss Beauty was founded in 2013 by Amit and Mohit Goyal and has grown into one of India’s fastest-growing colour cosmetics brands, built around bold, trend-forward products at pocket-friendly prices. The range covers face, eyes, lips, and nails, alongside a growing skincare and fragrance line. Formulas are cruelty-free and designed for diverse Indian skin tones and styles, with more than 2,000 SKUs now available. For shoppers chasing viral, trend-led looks without the premium price tag, Swiss Beauty keeps pace with what’s current. 

Features of the brand:

• Cruelty-free formulas across face, eye, lip, and nail ranges
• Trend-forward launches that track viral and seasonal looks
• Over 2,000 SKUs spanning makeup, skincare, and fragrance
• Designed specifically for diverse Indian skin tones

How To Save on Your Swiss Beauty Orders

Swiss Beauty’s festive kits often carry up to 35% off compared to buying items individually. Check verified Swiss Beauty promo codes to catch these kits while they’re live.

Faces Canada         

Faces Canada entered the Indian market in 2009, bringing over 40 years of global heritage since its 1974 founding to a local audience. Products are manufactured in Germany, Italy, and Turkey, and the brand is cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free across its face, lip, eye, and nail ranges. It’s sold through more than 1,500 physical outlets across 140+ Indian cities, alongside all major online platforms. For shoppers who want international manufacturing standards at a genuinely accessible price point, Faces Canada closes out the list with real global credibility. 

Features of the brand:

• Cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free across the range
• Manufactured in Germany, Italy, and Turkey
• Over 40 years of global brand heritage
• Wide availability across 1,500+ physical outlets in India

How To Save on Your Faces Canada Orders

Faces Canada often includes a free gift with purchase during festive campaigns. Explore Faces Canada coupon codes to see which bonus items are currently attached to orders.

How We Ranked These Cosmetics Brands

Every brand on this list went through the same verification process before it made the cut. Here’s what we checked:

• Active in India: We confirmed each brand is currently trading and available to Indian shoppers through official or major retail platforms, not just brands with old reviews still floating around online.
• Genuinely makeup-focused: We excluded hair-care and skin-care-only brands, even well-known ones, to keep this list relevant to searchers specifically comparing makeup brands.
• Price accuracy: Every price range listed was checked against real product listings, not brand marketing copy.
• Ethical claims verified: Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically-tested claims are pulled directly from each brand’s own stated policies, not assumed.
• Everyday performance: We weighed shade range, finish, and suitability for the Indian climate and skin tones, since a brand that performs well in cooler climates doesn’t always hold up here.

How to Choose the Right Makeup Brand for You

With 17 solid options on this list, picking the right one comes down to a few practical checks rather than guesswork. Here’s how to narrow it down to a brand and product that actually works for your skin.

Know Your Skin Type

Skin type is the single biggest factor in whether a product performs well or not. Oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin all respond differently to the same formula, so identify yours first, then match it against the “Best For” notes in the comparison table above rather than picking on price alone.

Check the Ingredients

Every brand on this list lists its full ingredient set on the packaging or product page. Cross-check this against anything that has caused irritation or allergies for you previously. This single step rules out most bad purchases before they happen, and it takes less time than reading a full review.

Do a Patch Test

Before committing to a full-size product, test a small amount on your inner wrist or jawline and wait 24 to 48 hours. This catches reactions before they reach your face, and it costs nothing beyond a little patience. Skipping this step is the most common reason for returns.

Check Online Reviews

Reviews reveal how a product performs in real conditions, not just under studio lighting. Look specifically for reviewers with your skin type or tone, since their experience will predict yours more accurately than a brand’s own marketing claims. A pattern of complaints about one issue is worth taking seriously.

Match Brand to Budget

Use the price ranges in the comparison table as your starting filter. A ₹1,999 Nykaa Cosmetics foundation and a ₹75 Lakme one can both perform well, so budget shouldn’t be treated as a proxy for quality. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for one of the year’s biggest sales in India can bring premium picks down to a price that’s much easier to justify. 

Wrapping Up

The right makeup brand comes down to matching your skin type, budget, and daily routine, not chasing whichever name is trending. Use the comparison table above as your starting filter, then check the individual reviews for the two or three brands that fit your price range and skin needs. Whichever you land on, check current deals before you buy; even reliable everyday picks like Lakme or Maybelline often have live discounts worth grabbing. 

FAQs

Which is the No.1 makeup brand in India? 

No single brand holds an official “No. 1” ranking in India. Lakme, Maybelline, and Nykaa Cosmetics are consistently the most searched and purchased, largely due to wide availability, Indian skin-tone formulations, and strong price accessibility across budgets.

Which makeup brand is best for beginners in India? 

Lakme and Insight are the easiest starting points for beginners. Both offer simple, budget-friendly product lines with beginner-friendly pigmentation and application, so new users can build a routine without committing to expensive, advanced formulas early on.

Which makeup brand is best for oily or acne-prone skin? 

SUGAR Cosmetics is best suited for oily skin, thanks to its waterproof, long-wear formulas built for humidity. Neutrogena is a strong alternative for acne-prone skin, given its dermatologically tested, non-shiny matte finish.

Are Indian makeup brands cruelty-free and vegan? 

Yes, most are. Of the 17 brands on this list, 7 are confirmed 100% vegan and cruelty-free, including SUGAR, Plum, and Nykaa Cosmetics, while several others are cruelty-free without an explicit vegan claim.

What is a good budget for quality makeup in India? 

A reliable everyday makeup routine can start under ₹500 with brands like Lakme, Insight, or Faces Canada. Premium picks from Maybelline, L’Oréal Paris, or Nykaa Cosmetics typically range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,800.

Which makeup brand suits Indian skin tones best? 

Nykaa Cosmetics and Lakme are formulated specifically for Indian skin tones and undertones. Both were built with Indian consumer data at their core, unlike several international brands that adapt existing global shade ranges.

Is Nykaa Cosmetics good for everyday wear? 

Yes, Nykaa Cosmetics is well suited for daily wear. It’s priced accessibly, updated frequently with trend-led launches, and formulated specifically for Indian skin tones, making it reliable for both beginners and regular users.

Do budget makeup brands perform as well as premium ones? 

Often, yes. Brands like Insight, Lakme, and Swiss Beauty deliver dermatologically tested, long-wear formulas at a fraction of premium pricing. The main trade-off is usually shade range and packaging, not core performance.

Which makeup brand has the widest shade range? 

Maybelline leads with over 1,000 shades across its range, making it one of the most inclusive options available in India. Colorbar follows closely with the largest colour portfolio among Indian-focused cosmetics brands.