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the guide

top Indian cosmetic brands.

A plain guide to the best Indian cosmetic brands: how to judge good quality, which labels are worth knowing, and which new and upcoming makeup brands to watch.

Metabu is one of the brands in this guide, so it is not an independent ranking. We list the other brands alphabetically, not by merit, and keep what we say about them to things that are easy to check. The aim is to help you choose well, including when the answer is not us.

how to tell a good-quality cosmetic brand

Whatever brand you are looking at, big or small, old or new, the same checks apply:

  • Shades for Indian undertones. Warm, olive and deep, not just light and medium. A range that stops at medium is not made for most Indian skin.
  • A full ingredient list on the pack or the product page, not only a promise on the front.
  • Batch number, expiry date and the manufacturer’s address printed on the pack.
  • Claims you can check. “Cruelty-free” is stronger with a certification such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. “Dermatologist-tested” means little without the test report behind it.
  • Reviews from real buyers, with photos on skin like yours, not just a star average.
  • A clear replacement policy for products that arrive damaged or faulty.
  • Staying power in Indian weather. Heat and humidity are the real test. Look for reviews from people in your city.

Indian cosmetic brands worth knowing

These are widely known brands that sell colour cosmetics in India. They are in alphabetical order, not ranked. The descriptions are general and ranges change, so check each brand’s own site.

  • Colorbar: a long-established Indian colour-cosmetics label with a broad retail presence.
  • Kay Beauty: launched in 2019 by actor Katrina Kaif together with Nykaa.
  • Lakmé: one of India’s oldest cosmetics brands, with an everyday range from lipstick to kajal.
  • Maybelline New York: an international brand with a large presence in India; not Indian-owned.
  • Nykaa Cosmetics: the retailer Nykaa’s own colour-cosmetics label.
  • Renee Cosmetics: a newer Indian colour-cosmetics brand sold online and in stores.
  • SUGAR Cosmetics: an Indian brand known for bold, long-wear lipsticks.
  • Swiss Beauty: an Indian brand known for affordable colour cosmetics.

new and upcoming Indian makeup brands

More new makeup brands are launching in India than ever, and most start online. Newer names include Kay Beauty, Renee Cosmetics, SUGAR Cosmetics and Metabu.

A young brand has not had time to build a long review history, so do not judge it on age. Use the checklist above. A small brand with honest labels and a wide shade range is a better buy than a big one with vague claims.

choosing a makeup brand for Indian skin tones

Start with your undertone, then compare shade ranges. These guides walk through it:

where Metabu fits

Metabu is an Indian colour-cosmetics brand by NHD Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., founded in December 2022 and based in Vadodara, Gujarat. We make lips, face, eyes and nails, with every shade chosen for Indian skin tones. The free shade finder and AI virtual try-on let you preview a colour on your own face before you buy. Prices run ₹190 to ₹1,099.

We are a young brand, so the best evidence is what our buyers say. Read the reviews on each product page, and see our brand facts for the details we stand behind.

Indian cosmetic brands: quick answers

What are the top Indian cosmetic brands?

There is no single official ranking. Widely known brands that sell colour cosmetics in India include Colorbar, Kay Beauty, Lakmé, Nykaa Cosmetics, Renee Cosmetics, SUGAR Cosmetics and Swiss Beauty, alongside newer brands such as Metabu. Which is best for you depends on your shade, your budget and what you check on the label, so use the checklist on this page rather than a rank.

Which is the best Indian cosmetic brand?

The best Indian cosmetic brand is the one whose shades match your undertone and whose labels you can verify: a full ingredient list, batch number, expiry date and manufacturer address, plus reviews from real buyers. For Indian skin tones, check the shade range first, because many ranges stop at medium.

What are the upcoming Indian cosmetic brands?

New Indian makeup brands launch every year, most of them online first. Kay Beauty, Renee Cosmetics, SUGAR Cosmetics and Metabu are among the newer names; Metabu was founded in December 2022. A young brand has had less time to build a review history, so judge it on the same checklist as an old one.

How do I know a cosmetic brand is good quality?

Look for shades that cover Indian undertones, a full ingredient list, a batch number, expiry date and manufacturer address on the pack, claims you can check (for example a cruelty-free certification), reviews with photos on skin like yours, and a clear replacement policy for damaged products.

Is Metabu a good cosmetic brand?

Metabu is a young Indian colour-cosmetics brand, founded in December 2022 and made for Indian skin tones. We would rather you judge us by the same checklist: use the free shade finder and AI virtual try-on to preview shades, read the customer reviews on each product page, and see our brand facts. Prices run ₹190 to ₹1,099.

Which makeup brand is best for Indian skin tones?

Choose a brand with shades in warm, olive and deep undertones, not just light and medium. Work out your undertone first with a two-minute test, then compare shade ranges. Metabu makes every shade for Indian skin tones, and the shade finder matches them for you.

Top Indian Cosmetic Brands: Best, New & Upcoming Makeup · Metabu