Booming beauty industry in India

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By CGTN’s Ravinder Bawa

The beauty industry is unmistakably one of the hottest businesses in India, and many global brands are moving fast to break into its vast retail market.

From beauty tips to product reviews, beauty bloggers on social media are increasingly popular in India – a signal that the beauty industry is booming in the country. The bloggers wield immense power, influencing young Indian consumers.

For student Itisha Adukiya, make-up has become part of her every day life. She told CGTN, “Sure you might have natural beauty but for me putting make-up is like looking more confident. The touch of make-up makes me more confident and that’s how it changes my life.”

CGTN Photo

India’s vast youth market is attracting more and more brands to set up shop. The wide range of products available, from local to international brands, is adding to the rate of consumption.

Sephora, the international chain of cosmetics stores, has a strong foothold in India. According to Sephora India's Chief Operating Officer, Vivek Bali, business is booming as “all categories are growing very fast.”

“The fastest is make-up. That is growing at the pace of 29 percent and the industry is also growing at the same pace. Consumers, ladies in the workforce are graduating very fast from value to mass, and mass to premium [products],” said Bali.

A festive look. /Itisha Adukiya's YouTube Channel

In addition to the success seen in brick and mortar stores, online sales are also at an all-time high.

While American brands dominate the retail shelves, it is the Chinese products creating buzz in the online world. Make-up artists like Parul Garg say they’ve never before had access to such variety.

"There are certain outlets in India that have these international brands. As far as my eyelashes, hair accessories, hair extensions... we source them from China. Because China has very, very good products when it comes to hair extensions and lashes.” Garg said.

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