From Simply Nam, Kiro to Kay Beauty, 7 inclusive brands that work across Indian skin tones

Sad, but true. The big, bad world of beauty is only now acknowledging the broad spectrum of skin tones that exist beyond Western shores. The motto? Colours that complement, not compromise. No more concoctions of foundation until you find “the one”. It’s the era of beauty that blends in beyond beige. In India, it’s also about longevity to combat the tropics easily. Here are the ones we’re betting on.

Simply Nam

When celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni launched her beauty brand Simply Nam, she was adamant on one thing: makeup should enhance, not mask. Created specifically for the Indian woman, the brand prides itself on products that cater to the country’s unique climate and a diverse range of skin tones. The peach-hued Hydrafit Colour Corrector, for instance, is versatile and perfect for most Indian complexions. Also available in a Brick shade for deep skin tones and an Apricot shade for lighter undertones, it’s lightweight, crease-proof and won’t melt away during Indian summers.

Diam Beauty

Championing the beauty of diversity, this Indian brand is vocal for variety, with its inclusive formulae, rooted in self-expression and clean ingredients. Embracing our largely tropical climate, they’ve developed sweat-proof and humidity-resistant products, too. Take the Hydratint Beaded Blushes, for instance, which include unique encapsulated pigment beads that burst upon application. Offering a dewy, flush look to the skin, they also come with customisable intensity. Opt for the brick red shade, Addicting, which is suitable for all skin tones.

FAE Beauty

Unrealistic beauty standards are so passè and Fae gets it. Just browse through their unedited images online for context. Pioneers of cosmetic inclusion, they boast an impressive product range that offers shades adaptable to every Indian skin tone while remaining compatible with the warm climate. In fact, they introduced a pathbreaking 30-shade range for their Face Card Serum Foundation, with something for everyone, a first for Indian skintones. The convenience extends beyond colour, with a blendable formula that applies easily with or without a brush or sponge. 

Kiro

Bringing the best of beauty and skincare together, Kiro is not your regular brand. Unperturbed by the conventional norms of the cosmetic industry, their products are made with clean ingredients, infused with all the right oils, and paraben-free. The colour palette is a selling point in itself, including the non-sticky Wonder Wand Multi-Stick - Celestial Glow Highlighter, which comes in ten different hues. With its ultra-light creamy formulation and sheer touch, it glides effortlessly across all skin tones.

Chambor

Contrary to popular belief, this premium beauty brand is Indian, and though rooted in Swiss technology, it caters to varying Indian skintones. The Tres Shine Plump++ lipsticks come in over 15 shades, infused with the goodness of shea butter, castor oil, and Vitamin E, which nourish, heal, and moisturise the lips. Don’t miss the colour intensity, courtesy of the high pigmentation and lasting gloss for a finished look!

Typsy

Bold expression is their mantra, and they excel at it. Toxin-free and vegan, Typsy takes fun seriously with its range of on-the-go beauty solutions. Take the ph-antastic colour-adjusting blush, for instance, a revolutionary step for Indian cosmetics, as the country’s first powder tint blush! In a refreshing change, here the product adjusts to you, not the other way round. The name says it all: the powder adjusts to the wearer’s skin pH upon application, offering a truly exclusive glow. The ones matter, sans the shine, and will last the entire workday. 

Kay Beauty

Barely a decade since its launch in 2019, Katrina Kaif’s beauty brand has quickly made its own mark in the cosmetic world with its unique formulations. Rooted in Indian tradition and complexion-friendly, the brand reiterates that it’s #KayToBeYou, empowering women via authentic self-expression. The Hydra Cloud Cushion Foundation, which comes in 12 varying shades, is a standout product, offering full coverage in a few dabs. Lightweight with a matte finish, we get the “cloud” reference. 

Image credits: brands

Lead Image credit: Official Instagram handles of the celebrities

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