💄 Top 20 Makeup & Beauty News Stories

Monday, October 12, 2026 | India & World

Today’s beauty industry news features major developments in Indian beauty entrepreneurship, festive-season makeup, international cosmetics launches, skincare innovation, salon pricing and AI-powered beauty experiences.

🇮🇳 India Makeup & Beauty News

1. Estée Lauder, Nykaa and Startup India Announce 14 Beauty Entrepreneurs as Finalists

The Estée Lauder Companies, Nykaa and Startup India have announced 14 finalists for the 2026 BEAUTY&YOU India programme. The initiative supports emerging Indian beauty entrepreneurs developing products and businesses across skincare, makeup, haircare and fragrance. The programme aims to connect promising founders with industry expertise and opportunities to scale their businesses.

2. Indian Salons Double Festive Makeover Prices as Navratri Demand Surges

Beauty salons and service platforms in India are reporting significant increases in festive makeover prices as customers book elaborate Garba, Dandiya and Durga Puja-inspired looks. According to The Economic Times, some prices have doubled compared with last year’s festive season. Industry representatives cite increased demand, rising packaging and ingredient costs, and changes in tax treatment as contributing factors.

3. LOVETC Launches ‘Alter Ego’ Makeup Collection Featuring Tamannaah Bhatia

Indian colour cosmetics brand LOVETC, part of Birla Cosmetics, has introduced its new Alter Ego collection through a campaign featuring brand ambassador Tamannaah Bhatia. Inspired by 1990s beauty trends, the six-product collection incorporates bold colours, metallic finishes and expressive makeup styles. The launch combines digital storytelling with outdoor, airport and cinema advertising to reach consumers in major Indian cities.

4. KIKO Milano Plans to Double Its Retail Presence in India

Italian cosmetics brand KIKO Milano plans to double its Indian retail footprint by the end of 2026 through its partnership with Reliance Beauty and Personal Care. The expansion reflects the brand’s growing ambitions in India’s colour cosmetics market, where consumers are increasingly exploring international makeup brands. KIKO has also identified India as a potential major market over the longer term.

5. Beauty IV Drips Attract Attention Ahead of Navratri

Intravenous treatments marketed for hydration, radiance and a so-called festive glow are attracting attention among some consumers in Ahmedabad ahead of Navratri. However, dermatologists caution that evidence supporting cosmetic benefits remains limited. IV infusions can also cause complications, including infection and adverse reactions, particularly when used without a genuine medical indication or appropriate supervision.

6. Estée Lauder Identifies India as a Key Growth Market

India is receiving increasing strategic attention from the Estée Lauder Companies as the global beauty group looks for opportunities in emerging markets. Its Indian portfolio includes international brands across makeup, skincare and beauty. The country’s expanding consumer base, premium beauty demand and digital retail infrastructure are helping attract global cosmetics businesses.

7. Saniya Joshi Wins Silver at WorldSkills Shanghai

Indian beauty and skills training has received international recognition after Saniya Joshi won a silver medal at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The achievement highlights the importance of professional training in beauty-related skills and the growing role of technical education in preparing young people for careers across personal care and service industries.

8. India’s Beauty Industry Focuses on Products Designed for Local Needs

Indian beauty entrepreneurs are increasingly developing products around the country’s climate, consumer preferences and varied hair and skin needs. Areas of interest include sweat-resistant makeup, textured-hair care, odour-control products and formulations suitable for hot and humid conditions. The BEAUTY&YOU India programme is one platform supporting entrepreneurs working on these consumer-focused ideas.

9. NARS Expands Its Indian Retail Presence With a Gurugram Boutique

International cosmetics brand NARS is expanding its presence in India, with a boutique in Gurugram among the developments highlighted by professional beauty industry coverage. Dedicated retail locations allow consumers to explore complexion products, colour cosmetics and professional makeup services in person. The move reflects continuing investment in premium beauty retail in major Indian cities.

10. Indian Beauty Retailers Prepare for the Wedding and Festive Season

Beauty retailers and salons are promoting seasonal makeup kits, long-wearing lipsticks, smudge-resistant kajal, body lotions and styling products ahead of the busy festive and wedding period. Consumers are looking for products that can withstand long events while remaining comfortable to wear. Industry coverage also highlights increasing interest in affordable makeup options alongside premium products.

🌍 World Makeup & Beauty News

11. e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches Virtual Styling Experience on ZEPETO

American cosmetics brand e.l.f. Cosmetics has introduced Express your e.l.f., a virtual styling experience on avatar-based platform ZEPETO. The initiative allows users to explore digital looks and express their personal style through virtual characters. The launch illustrates how beauty brands are experimenting with digital communities and interactive experiences to engage younger consumers.

12. Beauty Industry Examines the Science Behind PDRN Skincare

PDRN, an ingredient associated with skin-repair treatments, remains a subject of growing interest in skincare research and product development. A report published by Cosmetics Business examines the science behind the ingredient and asks whether its popularity reflects meaningful benefits or is partly driven by marketing. Consumers should distinguish between laboratory findings, evidence from clinical studies and claims made for individual cosmetic products.

13. Lipoid Kosmetik Introduces a New Depigmentation Ingredient

Lipoid Kosmetik has announced a new ingredient designed for cosmetic formulations targeting uneven skin tone and pigmentation concerns. The development reflects continued investment in ingredients intended to address visible discolouration while supporting skin compatibility. As with other brightening products, the effectiveness of the finished formulation depends on its composition, concentration, testing and appropriate use.

14. Beauty Brands Reconsider How to Expand Beyond Their Hero Products

A new industry analysis from The Business of Fashion examines the challenges beauty companies face when expanding beyond their original product categories. A brand known for skincare, for example, may want to enter makeup, fragrance or haircare, but expansion requires more than simply adding products. Consumer trust, product quality, distribution and a clear brand identity can determine whether a new category succeeds.

15. AI-Powered Analytics Enter the Global Beauty Business

Beauty technology company VUSSENS has announced the establishment of its US headquarters in New Jersey alongside the launch of an AI-powered global beauty analytics platform. The company aims to support brands with data-driven insights into consumer behaviour and market opportunities. The development reflects a broader industry shift towards using artificial intelligence to inform product development, marketing and business decisions.

16. L’Oréal and Avolta Announce Sustainability Partnership

L’Oréal and travel-retail operator Avolta have announced a sustainability-focused business plan. The partnership highlights the beauty industry’s growing attention to environmental practices across travel retail, packaging and consumer engagement. Collaborations of this kind can help brands and retailers coordinate sustainability initiatives across international markets.

17. L’Oréal Partners With Paris Saint-Germain

L’Oréal has announced a partnership with French football club Paris Saint-Germain, bringing together a global beauty company and a major international sports brand. The collaboration creates opportunities to connect beauty products with sports culture, entertainment and international fan communities. It also reflects the continuing growth of partnerships between beauty brands and organisations with broad cultural reach.

18. Noon Announces Beauty Fest in Dubai

Online marketplace Noon has announced a Beauty Fest focused on skincare, scheduled for October 23–25 at Dubai Festival City Mall. The event is expected to bring together brands spanning dermatological skincare, pharmacy products and Korean beauty. By creating an in-person experience, the retailer aims to give consumers an opportunity to explore product textures, formulations and suitability before making purchasing decisions.

19. Beauty Brands Expand Into New Retail Markets

Beauty and wellness retailers continue to open stores, introduce new concepts and broaden their product ranges across international markets. A recent industry roundup from Women’s Wear Daily tracks retail expansion activity during 2026, reflecting how companies are combining physical stores, online sales and experiential shopping to attract customers. The strategy is particularly relevant to premium skincare, cosmetics and wellness services.

20. Neuropeptides and Bioactive Peptides Draw Interest in Skincare Research

Neuropeptides and bioactive peptides are attracting attention from cosmetic ingredient developers because of their potential applications in formulations targeting visible signs of ageing and skin texture. Market research published today highlights the commercial interest in these ingredients. However, market projections are not proof that a particular product works; consumers should look for reliable evidence supporting the specific formulation and claims.