Which makeup is trending for Indian festivals: Drugstore or High-End brands?

Introduction: Festival Glam in India

When the festive season arrives in India, there is an undeniable buzz in the air. Festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Eid are not just about rituals—they are grand celebrations that bring families and friends together, often marked by vibrant outfits and striking makeup looks. In my experience, makeup trends reach their peak during these times, with everyone wanting to look their absolute best for social gatherings, family functions, and endless photo sessions. For Indian festivals, people tend to seek makeup that is bold yet elegant—think luminous skin, dramatic eyes, and pops of colour that complement traditional attire. What really stands out is the desire for long-lasting formulas that can withstand hours of festivities and dancing, as well as products that enhance natural features while adding a touch of glam. Whether it’s affordable drugstore brands or luxurious high-end options, Indians are on the lookout for products that deliver both performance and festival-worthy flair.

2. Understanding Drugstore vs High-End Brands in the Indian Market

When it comes to choosing makeup for Indian festivals, understanding the difference between drugstore and high-end brands is crucial—especially considering the unique demands of our climate, skin tones, and regional styles. Here’s a breakdown based on my own experience and what I’ve seen trending among friends and influencers.

Breaking Down Popular Choices

Let’s talk about the big players: Lakmé and Maybelline are household names in India, found everywhere from your local kirana store to big malls. On the high-end side, Huda Beauty and MAC are aspirational brands you’ll spot at weddings or on social media feeds. Each has its own vibe and loyal following.

Brand Comparison Table

Accessibility & Pricing in the Indian Context

The biggest draw of drugstore brands like Lakmé and Maybelline is their affordability and widespread availability—even if you’re prepping last minute for Diwali or Navratri. High-end brands like Huda Beauty and MAC come with a premium price tag but promise longer wear time and more vibrant pigments—something that matters during long festive celebrations under the hot sun or humid nights.

Cultural Nuances & Regional Picks

I’ve noticed that preferences shift depending on where you are. In cities like Mumbai or Delhi, there’s a clear tilt towards experimenting with high-end brands for statement looks. But in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, practicality rules—Lakmé remains undefeated because it’s reliable, budget-friendly, and blends well with traditional attire. Ultimately, what’s trending is a mix: many blend Lakmé kajal with a MAC lipstick or pair Maybelline mascara with Huda’s palettes to balance cost with performance during festival season.

3. Trending Festival Makeup Looks: What’s Hot This Year?

Festival season in India is nothing short of spectacular, and this year’s trending makeup looks are all about standing out in the crowd. Vibrant eye makeup is leading the charge—think electric blues, deep purples, and metallic golds smudged or winged out for maximum drama. Inspired by Bollywood divas like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, many Indian influencers on Instagram and YouTube are showcasing bold eyeshadows from both drugstore brands like Lakmé and Maybelline as well as high-end palettes from MAC and Huda Beauty. The focus is on intense pigment and playful shimmer that can hold up under the festive lights.

Another major trend is long-wear foundations. With endless dancing, prayers, and gatherings, Indian skin demands a base that won’t budge. Both affordable options such as LOréal Infallible and more luxe picks like Estée Lauder Double Wear are getting shout-outs for their sweat-proof staying power and natural finish. Influencers like Shreya Jain often demo these products during Navratri or Diwali tutorials, proving that you don’t need to splurge to get festival-ready coverage.

No Indian festival look is complete without classic bold lips. Rich reds, deep maroons, and statement pinks never go out of style—just check any recent Bollywood red carpet for proof. Brands ranging from Colorbar to MAC Ruby Woo are popular choices among makeup lovers looking for that perfect pout. Whether you’re team drugstore or high-end, the key is finding shades that complement traditional outfits and last through laddoo feasts and family selfies alike.

4. Performance: Real-Life Testing & Longevity

When it comes to Indian festivals, the real test for any makeup—whether drugstore or high-end—is how well it survives the chaos of desi celebrations. Let’s be honest, our festive days are not just about looking good at the start; it’s about staying fresh through hours of rituals, endless dancing, sweaty baraats, and sometimes, that spicy biryani sweat. So, I decided to put both drugstore and high-end products through a solid field test during Diwali and my cousin’s wedding sangeet.

Personal Experience: For my base, I used Maybelline Fit Me foundation on one side and MAC Studio Fix on the other. Both looked flawless at first but after four hours of dancing and running around with my cousins, here’s what I noticed:

Peer Feedback: My sister swears by LOréal Paris lipstick for day events because “it doesn’t budge even after munching samosas,” but for night functions she prefers Huda Beauty because the pigmentation pops in photos. My friends from Mumbai pointed out that while Lakmé Iconic Kajal is great for everyday wear, only Bobbi Brown gel liner survived their Navratri garba nights without smudging.

The Verdict: High-end products generally lasted longer under desi festival conditions—think long pujas, sweat from dancing, and humid evenings—but some drugstore heroes like Maybelline’s setting spray and Colorbar’s primers held up surprisingly well. However, if you’re on a budget and ready for quick touch-ups, drugstore brands can definitely see you through most events. For once-in-a-lifetime occasions or when you want zero worries about your look melting away before the final aarti, investing in high-end might be worth it.

5. Budget Matters: Value for Money or Luxe Investment?

When it comes to festival makeup shopping in India, every rupee counts—especially with the endless family gatherings and celebrations lined up. I’ve noticed that Indian shoppers have a sharp eye for value, often weighing whether to go all-in on a luxury product or fill their carts with budget-friendly picks from the drugstore aisle. Let’s be honest, high-end brands like MAC or Huda Beauty offer some serious statement products that can elevate your Diwali or Eid look instantly, but they also come with a hefty price tag. On the other hand, popular drugstore brands like Maybelline, Lakmé, and Colorbar are constantly rolling out combos and discounts during festival seasons—tempting us with “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” deals or exclusive festive kits.

From my experience testing both, there’s always a trade-off between splurging for that one showstopper lipstick versus picking up an entire haul of essentials without breaking the bank. The average Indian shopper seems to prefer stretching their budget, especially when gifting is involved or when creating multiple looks over several days of festivities. But there’s also a growing tribe willing to invest in one or two luxe items—a signature highlighter or foundation—that deliver superior finish and lasting power under the lights and heat of Indian celebrations.

So, what’s really trending? It’s a mix: savvy buyers hunt for value but don’t shy away from a luxe investment if it promises standout results. Festival season is when everyone wants to feel special, so whether you’re grabbing the latest NYX palette on sale or finally investing in that Fenty Beauty highlighter, it’s all about balancing cost with payoff—and making every purchase count towards looking your best for the next puja or sangeet night.

6. Cultural Preferences and Skin Tone Inclusivity

As someone who’s tried both drugstore and high-end makeup for Indian festivals, I can say that shade range is a major deal-breaker. Many Indian skin tones are on the deeper side, and not every brand truly understands this. High-end brands like MAC and Fenty Beauty have built their reputation on inclusivity, offering foundations and concealers that match everything from wheatish to dusky complexions. But honestly, I’ve noticed drugstore brands in India are catching up—Maybelline, Lakmé, and LOréal Paris now offer more shades tailored for our undertones. Still, finding an exact match for deeper or olive skin sometimes means mixing two products—a hack many of us swear by during Diwali or Eid prep.

Cultural considerations go beyond just color. Fragrance matters a lot here; traditional Indian celebrations often involve strong floral scents, so makeup with subtle jasmine or sandalwood notes feels familiar and festive. Texture is equally important. With the heat and humidity during Navratri garba nights or outdoor pujas, lightweight formulas that won’t melt off your face are essential. High-end brands might give a luxe satin finish perfect for saree selfies, but I find certain drugstore powders and mattifying primers work better when you’re dancing for hours.

Suitability for traditional attire also plays a role in what’s trending. Bold kajal, deep maroon lipsticks, and gold-flecked highlighters complement lehengas and kurtas beautifully. Both price ranges offer these festival must-haves, but high-end brands sometimes edge ahead with more pigmented shadows or longer-lasting blushes. However, don’t underestimate local favorites—brands like Colorbar or Faces Canada deliver festival-ready glam at half the price.

In summary, while global brands bring inclusivity to the forefront, Indian drugstore lines are stepping up their game to meet our diverse cultural needs—making both options popular during festival season.

7. Festive Verdict: Which Side Wins?

When it comes to Indian festivals, the debate between drugstore and high-end makeup brands becomes more than just a beauty conversation—it’s about practicality, tradition, and the real needs of desi celebrations. Having personally put both categories to the test during Diwali parties, shaadi season, and Holi hangouts, here’s the lowdown on what actually works for our unique festive requirements.

Performance in the Heat & Humidity

Indian festivals often mean long hours, outdoor rituals, and some serious dancing—think baraat or garba night. Drugstore brands like Maybelline Fit Me and Lakmé 9to5 prove surprisingly sweat-resistant and easy to touch up. However, high-end labels such as MAC Studio Fix and Huda Beauty offer superior staying power and a flawless finish that lasts through late-night festivities without caking or fading. If your goal is that “fresh at midnight” look for Insta reels, high-end definitely takes the lead.

Price Factor: Value vs Splurge

Let’s be honest—festive shopping already burns a hole in our pockets (outfits, jewellery, gifts). Drugstore products shine here, delivering good pigmentation and blendability without breaking the bank. Nykaa’s own brand lipsticks or Colorbar blushes can easily match up to some luxury formulas at half the price. For those who want to try multiple looks across different events, stocking up on drugstore essentials is a smart move.

Desi Needs: Shades & Tradition

The Indian skin tone spectrum is vast. Drugstore brands are getting better with their shade ranges (thanks to demand), but high-end brands have stepped up with more undertone-specific options. Fenty Beauty and Bobbi Brown now cater beautifully to wheatish, dusky, and olive complexions—perfect for traditional looks or that bold Navratri glam. Also, for vegan/halal preferences during religious festivals, check ingredient lists carefully—drugstore options like Lotus Herbals are reliable here.

The Practical Recommendation

If you’re after one show-stopping look for a big occasion (say your cousin’s sangeet), investing in a hero high-end foundation or lipstick is worth it. But for everyday pujas or hopping between relatives’ houses during Eid or Diwali, a mix-and-match approach works best—drugstore basics paired with one or two luxury statement pieces. Ultimately, it’s not about picking sides but playing smart: know your skin type, budget, and how much time you’ll spend under those fairy lights.

So, which side wins? For most Indians this festival season, drugstore brands take the crown for accessibility and value—but don’t underestimate the confidence boost of a luxe product when you want to truly stand out in those family photos!