India is booming, as more and more international brands are coming to the nation than ever before. This means, gone are the days where you need to plead to your relatives and friends abroad to get you products that gain popularity in your circles but were not available to shop from in the country.
From cosmetic giants like NARS and Laura Mercier setting up their first brick and mortar stores in Delhi and Mumbai respectively, to niche European brands like Maison Margiela and Gaston Luga now catering to the Indian audience, here are five international brands to come to India this month, that should be on your radar.
5 International Brands To Have Launched In India This Month
1. Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier cosmetics finally ventured into the Indian market this month and even opened their first standalone store at the Phoenix Palladium mall. This iconic brand is credited with introducing the concept of the “flawless face”, better known as the “clean girl aesthetic” these days. From their foundations that are light-weight yet provide full-coverage without looking cakey to their ultra-blurring translucent powders and even their creamy eyeshadow sticks, every product from Laura Mercier is trusted by celebrities and top makeup artists around the world. To put it simply, this brand is worth the hype.
2. NARS
While NARS cosmetics became available in India towards the end of 2023 via department stores and through e-commerce channels, the brand opened its first brick and mortar store in Delhi earlier this month at the Select Citywalk in Saket. With a large shade range and a massive selection of products suited for Indian skin, their new location should be on your radar for the next time you need to upgrade your make-up kit.
3. Dr. Irena Eris
When it comes to skincare, what works for one person may not always have the same result for someone else. Dr Irena Eris, the founder of her eponymous brand, advocates for this philosophy. The Polish brand, which strongly believes that skincare should not be complicated, arrived in India earlier this month and is available to shop online and in select stores. Based on thorough research, this cruelty-free and vegan brand has product lines that cater to specific skin concerns. And each line only features four or less-products — a serum, a day cream, a night cream and an under-eye cream. Read our exclusive interview with the founder, Dr Irena, herself to know more about her brand and how she only trusts science and formulas to create her products.
4. Maison Margiela
Perfume enthusiasts will be pumped to know that the niche French brand, Maison Margiela, the creators of the Replica Fragrances have set up a pop-up show for about six months at the new Jio World Drive mall in Bandra Kurla Complex. What’s more, patrons can indulge in some personalisation services at the booth. When we asked Mr. Biju Kassim, CEO of Beauty at Shoppers Stop, what inspired the conglomerate to bring the niche French brand to India, he said, “More and more consumers are gravitating towards niche brands as they want to look, feel and smell different than the rest. The unique appeal of these brands and their fragrance lines serves as a strong selling point. Surprisingly, we have noticed that even without significant marketing, the brands gained traction immediately upon launch. Moreover, our fragrance category outshines both color cosmetics and skincare. Perfumes often serve as a gateway to luxury fashion for those who may not be able to invest in an accessory or clothing item to start with.”
5. Gaston Luga
Another European label to make its debut in the growing Indian market is the Swedish lifestyle brand, Gaston Luga. From utility backpacks to handy and stylish accessories, the Scandinavian brand is perfect for individuals that like functionality to go hand-in-hand with fashion. Their products are now available to shop through leading e-commerce platforms.
