Recently, I’ve been overwhelmed. No, I’m not talking about work (for once) or life, but instead, the content showing up on my FYP that ends up sucking me in for hours together. And at the same time, it influences me to invest my money in things I don’t need – like expensive skincare and makeup from international brands.
The number of brands and products in the market today is overwhelming. And it’s not just the influx of international brands. The number of homegrown brands has also increased multifold, which can not only be misleading but also overwhelming. From breakouts to allergies, there are common side effects from using brands that don’t have too much backing.
Luckily, I’ve been the guinea pig and have tried and tested everything from skincare to makeup. And I’m letting you in on the best in the business right now!
Tried & Tested Homegrown Brands And Their Products
Simply Nam
Founded by makeup maestro Namrata Soni, the blushes are super pigmented and blend into the skin seamlessly. Their lip products too are designed keeping the Indian skin tones in mind so you can expect some gorgeous brown-girl friendly shades.
IndieWild
The Champi Hair Oil is one for the books – it is non-greasy, rejuvenates the hair, and brings it back to life. Plus, the packaging is so cute! If hair oils are not your thing, they have a wonderful scalp serum too!
POPxo
My list isn’t complete without the mention of my all-time favourite brand. The pocket-sized products make them travel-friendly, pleasing to look at, and fun to use!
KIRO
One of the best lip & cheek oils in the industry today, Kiro’s pH Lip & Cheek Oil is an easy choice and a great product from an indie brand. Their newly launched cream blushes and lip and cheek tints are just as good too!
D’You
Probably one of the best-known brands, D’You also has an ORGANIC celebrity endorsement – and we know those come by very rarely! Alia Bhatt swears by the IMD Defence Barrier ceramide moisturiser, and I stan! The new Unkissed sunscreen is also one of the best formulations on the market right now.
Tinge Cosmetics
A brand that customises your makeup for you? Sign me up! My mixology sessions of mixing multiple shades of foundation to match my skin tone are over, thanks to this brand!
Sommer Beauty
A hidden gem in the Indian beauty industry, Sommer’s Huesicles are worth investing in. They work as a lip, cheek, and eye tint that feels light on the skin and lasts for hours. It gives the skin that perfect wash of colour, perfect for aceing the no-makeup makeup look.
Soulflower
One of the pioneers of natural beauty in India, Soulflower is a result-oriented brand that boasts of its products going from farm to face. Everything from the brand’s essential oils to soaps is worth trying out. But my favourite has to be the hair conditioners—they’re efficient and smell so good!
Gush Beauty
Apart from the adorable and fantastic range of makeup products, the Gush press-on nails are a great investment for when you want your nails to look like you stepped straight out of the salon (but have no time to do so!)
Aminu
The copper peptide serum from this homegrown brand deserves a spot in your vanity, no matter what your age or skin type is. It’s multi-faceted and does everything from target signs of ageing, even out the skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, and makes the skin feel and look its healthiest.
As someone with acne-prone skin who needs a reason to react, I’ll tell you that none of these products have reacted badly. Instead, they’re all nourishing and created with skin-loving ingredients, and they even meet international standards!
Featured Image: IndieWild
