Beauty at its Best

From international cosmetic companies, to high-end hair-care and even global salon chains, Mumbai beauties have never had it so good. India Today's Kimi Dangor takes a good look.

Beauty is definitely skin deep, believe the city's stylish set. And when it comes to their skin secrets, Mumbaikars are calling on the best of international products to keep their visages glowing, their hair lustrous and their make-up marvellous. The latest in skincare and beauty now have the beauty boomers canceling their dutyfree shopping trips abroad and heading to the nearest shopping mall.

The best in brands are combining with the best in trend statements to give city folks not just a beautiful new complexion but also a different edge.
>From international cosmetic companies, to high-end hair-care and even
global salon chains, Mumbai beauties have never had it so good. So whether it's an ultra glam hair-cut at Christiaan Georgio, the latest in springsummer colours from MAC, Red Earth and Lancome or a training session at L'oreal Professional hair academy- the beauty business in Mumbai is poised to get more gorgeous as international brands, schools and salons make a beeline for desi shores. From Toni & Guy to System Professional and Vidal Sassoon for your hair, you have the chance to pamper your tresses in complete international style.

When Estee Lauder's 'Makeup, Art, Cosmetics' (MAC) launched in India in 2005 with a signature store at Juhu, duty-free divas and the celebrity chic set were expectedly excited with the possibility of buying their favourite Smolder Eye Kohl pencils and Hug Me lipsticks right here in Mumbai. It was MAC-over time for the city's swish senoritas. And pretty-young-things like Anandita Ansal, a marketing manager, are only too pleased. "I used to buy MAC on frequent trips to Dubai or ask travelling friends to bring my favourite lip colour. Now I just hope across to Dynamix Mall whenever I need a make-over to lift my mood," she says.

And today Ansal has a lot more to choose from. Now, MAX Factor, Lancome, Chanel, Givenchy, Versace, Red Earth, Body Shop, Christian Breton and MAX Factor are some of the brands dictating lip hues, gloss shades and eye shadow colour trends to the city's stylish set.

Latest entrant Lancome is enjoying its recent success spell. "We have loyalists who already knew of and have used our offerings before and today are pleased to have access to Lancome in their own country. We have also found a host of women who are open to exploring the wide range of products Lancome has to offer," says Binita Cooper, director, Lancome. No wonder the company is looking at more retail counters across Mumbai.

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