Swedish fashion powerhouse H&M has launched its beauty line in India, marking 10 years in the country with a ₹799 starting price for makeup and a bold entry into the ₹34 billion personal care market. Targeting Gen Z, millennials, and mass-affluent shoppers, H&M now directly competes with homegrown and premium beauty brands like Nykaa, Lakmé, and L’Oréal.
Key Highlights: H&M Beauty’s Indian Foray
Trend-Driven, Affordable: H&M Beauty brings over 200 head-to-toe products—including makeup, perfumes, and accessories—priced at ₹799 for makeup and ₹1,299 for fragrances, positioning itself in the accessible-premium bracket for urban Indian shoppers.
Direct Competition: Its private-label collection is targeted to challenge omnichannel beauty leaders and legacy brands such as Nykaa, Lakmé, L’Oréal, and Reliance-backed Tira, all of which dominate the Indian BPC (beauty and personal care) market.
Local Manufacturing: A significant portion of the range is produced in India, with select global hero products sourced internationally for best quality and innovation. This “local for local” model ensures quick supply and pricing discipline.
Sales Channels: Beauty products are available through H&M’s fashion stores and official website, leveraging strong brand recall in fashion and maximizing retail synergy. No collaborations with Nykaa or Tira are confirmed yet, but expansion is likely as demand grows.
Millennial and Gen Z Focus: H&M’s new category leans on its popularity among young, style-conscious consumers, banking on trend-led colors, vegan perfume formulas, and inclusive beauty tools. Signature launches include “Satin Icon Lipstick” and the “Mad for Matte Liquid Lipstick,” plus a new vegan Eau de Parfum line.
Market Impact: India’s beauty sector is forecasted to hit $34 billion by 2028. H&M’s bold debut signals a new wave of competitive pricing, trend-driven launches, and international standards for local customers.
Sources: Economic Times, Times of India