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Caring for yourself in India — A complete guide to fashion and beauty shopping, from online apps to saris and Ayurvedic cosmetics

By ARAZIA India Desk9 min read
Colorful fabrics stacked on the shelves of Indian sari shops — India Fashion Shopping Guide
screaming_monkey (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

When living in India, questions like “Where do I buy my clothes?” and “Do I have to get my cosmetics from Korea?” inevitably come up. In conclusion, there is no need for that. India is a country where huge fashion platforms such as Myntra and Ajio and beauty select shops such as Nykaa and Tira compete fiercely, and recently, even K-beauty specialty stores are opening one after another in Delhi and Gurgaon.

Plus, there are fun things to do that can only be enjoyed in India. Sarees, which are worn with over 5 meters of fabric wrapped elegantly, traditional clothing such as comfortable yet stylish kurtas, and Ayurvedic cosmetics, which are said to contain the secrets of the Indian royal family, become special collections for expatriates and the best gifts upon returning home.

Based on the experiences of Koreans living in India, this article organizes 5 online fashion platforms, traditional clothing stores, 6 beauty select shops, and 6 local Indian beauty brands that are perfect as gifts. Solve all your shopping needs in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida in one place.

01For online fashion shopping in India, these 5 apps are enough

Online fashion shopping in India is the norm. The characteristics of each app are distinctly different, so if you choose to use them according to their purpose, the probability of failure is greatly reduced. Let’s compare the five platforms that Koreans living in India actually use the most.

platformone line featureRecommended in this casewebsite
MyntraThe standard for Indian shopping apps, a national fashion platform without failure.It has the largest lineup of global sports and casual brands, making it the first choice when you want to shop comfortably.www.myntra.com
AjioA combination of trendy style and reasonable priceWe officially handle global SPA such as GAP and Superdry, and our own PB has great cost-effectiveness, so it is perfect when looking for unique going-out clothes.www.ajio.com
Tata CLiQCarefully selected shopping with the reliability of Tata, a large companyWe only handle verified genuine products. Strength in miscellaneous goods where quality is important, such as branded loafers, belts, and wristwatcheswww.tatacliq.com
tata clip luxuryIndia's safest premium luxury shoppingWhen you want to purchase overseas luxury and contemporary brands such as Tory Burch, Coach, Kenzo, etc. with confidence.www.luxury.tatacliq.com
Nykaa FashionA sophisticated curation platform with an Instagram-like feelFocusing on new designer brands and sensuous accessories. Highest satisfaction when looking for resort dresses, unique jewelry, and party wearwww.nykaafashion.com

If you organize itMintra for daily wear, Ajio for trendy cost-effectiveness, Tata Clip for miscellaneous goods that are important to be authentic, Tata Clip Luxury for luxury goods, and Nike Fashion for special occasion clothes.90% of online fashion shopping in India can be solved just by remembering the formula.

02Sarees and kurtas — let’s try traditional Indian clothing

One of the best things about living in India is the traditional clothing.Sareeis the most beautiful and elegant traditional costume that symbolizes India, and is made by elegantly wrapping a long piece of cloth measuring about 5 to 9 meters around the body. It serves as a formal attire like the Korean hanbok at formal occasions or parties, and there is a wide range of choices depending on the TPO, from light cotton for daily use to fancy embroidery and silk for parties.

burialcharacteristicWeb/SNS
Deepmala — GurgaonThe most accessible and diverse specialty store in Gurgaon. A wide range of designs, from reasonable prices suitable for beginners to fancy designs, perfect for those who are new to saris.instagram deepmalasarees
Nalli Silk Sarees — DelhiThe most trusted premium silk saree brand across India since 1928. We handle the highest quality materials, including authentic South Indian Kanchipuram silk. The price is a bit high, but it is well worth owning.www.nalli.com

If a sari is too burdensome, start with a kurta.

kurtais a modern traditional outfit that consists of a long top that goes down to the knees, paired with comfortable pants or leggings. It's much easier to wear than a sari, but still gives off an Indian vibe. An Indian scarf can be worn long over the top.DupattaMatch them together to create an even more elegant traditional look.

  • Fabindia— The most popular and trusted national brand found everywhere in India. From kurtas and sarees to natural home care products. (www.fabindia.com)
  • Anokhi— Started in Jaipur, famous for the ‘block printing’ technique of stamping wood directly. With its sophisticated and cute patterns, it is so popular that it is called ‘Madame Brand’ among residents of Korea and Japan. Small items such as cotton eco bags and pouches are also highly collectible. (www.anokhi.com)
  • The Shop— A stylish block print product at a reasonable price. In addition to kurtas, this is a great souvenir shopping spot with excellent interior design items such as tablecloths, aprons, and cushion covers. (www.theshopindia.com)
Traditional South Asian gold jewelery paired with sarees — Indian fashion accessories
Adding gold jewelry to a sari or kurta completes a formal Indian formal look. · Syed Sajidul Islam (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03Mecca of beauty shopping — 6 online and offline select shops (including K-Beauty)

The Indian beauty market is a favorable environment for consumers due to fierce platform competition. In particular, with the opening of stores specializing in Korean cosmetics (K-beauty) in Delhi and Gurgaon, the need to airlift cosmetics from Korea has greatly reduced.

Edit shopcharacteristicwebsite
NykaaThe overwhelming number one in the Indian beauty market. The widest range of products from low-priced local brands to high-end such as Chanel and Dior.www.nykaa.com (with app)
TiraA rival to Nike launched by Reliance, India's largest company. As a latecomer, the discount coupons and promotions are unconventional, and there is a well-equipped section dedicated to K-beauty (Joseon Beauty, Laneige, COSRX, etc.)www.tirabeauty.com (app available)
PurpleSpecializing in cost-effective local brands and daily items. It's great for finding hidden items in India and there are frequent 1+1 promotions.www.purplle.com (has app)
SephoraYou can directly test everything from global luxury brands such as Dior, Make Up Forever, and Benefit to your own PB. Good to get color recommendations from a resident professional makeup artistwww.sephora.in (has app)
MaccaronThe most specialized Korean cosmetics company in India. It reflects the latest trends quickly and even carries brands that cannot be found in regular stores. Flagship store in operation at JMD Empire Squire Mall, Gurgaonwww.maccaron.in (app available)
BeautyTalkA curation shop that focuses on ‘quality’ and ‘authenticity’ rather than quantity. Strength in discovering gem-like Korean brands that are not well known in India. Operating offline stores including South Point Mall in Gurgaon and Safdarjung in Delhibeautytalk.in (Insta @beautytalk_india)

Nike offline store, look at the name and choose before entering.

  • Nykaa Luxe— Focused on global high-end brands such as Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, and Sulwhasoo.
  • Nykaa On Trend— It's good for casual browsing as it focuses on trending mid- to low-priced local brands and cost-effective items that have just gone viral.

046 local Indian beauty brands that are perfect as gifts — from Ayurveda to derma

When you think of Indian cosmetics, it's easy to only think of Himalayan lip balm, but in reality, the spectrum is wide, from luxury Ayurveda with royal secrets to derma cosmetics that the MZ generation is crazy about. Introducing 6 brands that are great as a luxury item for yourself or as a gift to send to Korea.

brandpositionrepresentative item
Forest EssentialsPremium luxury Ayurveda containing the secrets of the Indian royal familyNaturally scented body mist, rose water toner, anti-aging cream with gold ingredients — the best choice for a classy gift
Kama AyurvedaA high-quality brand that emphasizes 100% natural plant-based ingredientsGlobally popular ‘Kumkumadi’ facial oil and ‘Bringadi’ hair oil
Just HerbsClean beauty based on the principle of disclosure of all ingredients, ‘Smart Ayurveda’Lip and cheek tint that provides moisture and natural coloring at the same time. More reasonable price than Forest Essentials
BiotiqueSwiss technology + Ayurveda, reasonable price rangeKoreans' 'Indian shopping essentials' Bio Vitamin Berry lip balm, soap and shampoo. It's easy to find at the supermarket and is good to stock up on.
Himalaya HerbalsIndia's national brand that needs no explanation, the most recognized in the worldNourishing Skin Cream, protein shampoo, best cost-effective lip balm — a more diverse lineup is available locally at low prices.
The Derma CoThe hottest derma cosmetic (functional) for the MZ generation in IndiaHighly functional skin care that is faithful to modern ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid, including sunscreen and vitamin C serum.

The selection criteria are simple.For gifts and self-reward, use Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda., If you are a practical type who cares about ingredients, try Just Herb and The Derma Co., Biotique and Himalaya are cost-effective items to stock up on as daily necessities.no see. Most of them can also be purchased through select shop apps such as Nike and Tyra.

Henna (Mehendi) painting on hand — Indian traditional beauty culture and Ayurveda
Henna (Mehendi) and Ayurveda are symbols of India's traditional beauty culture that has been around for thousands of years. · Goutam1962 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Summary by situation - In this case, buy it here

The stores and brands introduced so far have been summarized in one table by applying them to actual shopping situations. Indian style and pop culture did not arise overnight but were refined over a long history, so now is the best time to shop, as traditional brands and the latest platforms coexist.

situationRecommended stores/brands
Decent daily wear and sportswearMyntra
Trendy and cost-effective going out clothesAjio
Accessories such as watches, belts, loafers, etc., where authenticity is importantTata CLiQ
Overseas luxury/premium brandstata clip luxury
Party wear, resort dresses, unique jewelryNykaa Fashion
My first sari (Gurgaon)Deepmala
High-quality, collectible silk sarees (Delhi)Nalli Silk Saree
Comfortable traditional clothing, kurta, household goodsFab India, Anokhi, The Shop
Korean cosmetics (K-Beauty)Tira, Maccaron, BeautyTalk
Classy cosmetics giftForest Essentials, Kama Ayurveda
Cost-effective hot items (lip balm, cream, shampoo)Biotique, Himalaya
Functional skin care (sunscreen, serum)The Derma Co

‘Taking care of myself’ in Indian life is not as difficult as you might think. With just a few apps and a few favorite stores, you can create a shopping environment comparable to that of Korea, and special experiences that can only be found in India, such as saris and Ayurveda, are a bonus. If you live in Delhi, Gurgaon, or Noida, pick a place from the list above and stop by this weekend.

Cover of the 1930s Indian magazine ‘Indian Listener’ — History of Indian fashion and popular culture
Indian magazine cover from the 1930s. Indian style and popular culture stand on a long history. · The Indian Listener: The Indian State Broadcasting Service (Public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

Useful tips

Divide apps by purpose

Mintra for everyday wear, Ajio for trendy cost-effectiveness, Tata Clip for genuine miscellaneous goods, Tata Clip Luxury for luxury goods, and Naika Fashion for party wear and jewelry. Just remember this formula and most of your online fashion shopping in India will be solved.

Korean cosmetics are available on K-beauty channels.

Tira has a well-equipped section dedicated to K-beauty, including Chosun Beauty, Laneige, and COSRX, and since it is a latecomer, its coupons and promotions are unconventional. Offline, please use the Macaron flagship store at JMD Empire Squire Mall in Gurgaon and the Beauty Talk store at South Point Mall and Safdarjung in Delhi.

Introduction to traditional clothing starts with kurta

If a saree is too much for you, start by matching a knee-length top kurta with leggings. Pav India is the most popular, and adding a dupatta (Indian scarf) greatly enhances the look. Anokhi·The Shop's block print props make great souvenirs.

The gift for returning home is Ayurveda.

For classy gifts, Forest Essentials (gold-based cream and rose water) or Kama Ayurveda (Kumkumadhi oil) are the best. For light, multi-purpose gifts, Biotique Vitamin Berry Lip Balm and Himalaya Lip Balm, easily available at the supermarket, are the best value for money.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

!
I am anxious about whether the luxury or premium products I buy online are genuine.
→
When purchasing luxury and contemporary brands from Tata Clip Luxury, which only sells verified genuine products, you can significantly lessen your worries about authenticity by purchasing quality important accessories such as watches and belts from Tata Clip.
!
I want to buy a sari, but I don’t know how to wear it and I have no idea what the price range is.
→
Start with a beginner-friendly specialty store like Deepmala in Gurgaon. They offer a wide range of products, from affordable prices to gorgeous designs, making them ideal for first viewing and purchasing. For the finest silk, look no further than Nalli, a 1928 tradition in Delhi.
!
It is difficult to find Korean cosmetics brands in regular Indian stores.
→
Use a store specializing in Korean cosmetics instead of a general select shop. Maccaron specializes in K-beauty in India and reflects trends quickly, while BeautyTalk discovers and introduces even little-known Korean brands.
!
I am concerned about the quality and ingredients of low-priced local cosmetics.
→
There is a low chance of failure if you choose a brand with strong ingredient transparency, such as Just Herb, a clean beauty brand that discloses all ingredients, or The Derma Co., which is faithful to modern ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid.

Latest updates

  • Beauty platform competition intensifies with Reliance's 'Tira' launchReliance, India's largest company, is competing with number one Naika by launching beauty platform Tira. Consumer benefits are increasing thanks to aggressive coupons and promotions from latecomers.
  • K-beauty popularity spreads in IndiaDistribution channels specializing in Korean cosmetics are rapidly increasing, especially in Delhi NCR, including Tira's dedicated K-beauty section, Gurgaon macaron flagship store, and Beauty Talk's offline expansion.
  • Derma cosmetics, a new trend for the MZ generation in IndiaIn the Indian skin care market, which has traditionally focused on Ayurveda, ingredient-focused functional cosmetics brands like The Derma Co are growing with support from young people.

FAQ

Can I buy Korean cosmetics in India?
yes. Online, you can buy Joseon Beauty, Laneige, and COSRX at Tira's dedicated K-beauty section, while offline, the Maccaron flagship store at JMD Empire Squire Mall in Gurgaon and the BeautyTalk store at South Point Mall in Gurgaon and Safdarjung in Delhi specialize in Korean cosmetics.
If you had to choose just one Indian fashion shopping app, which would it be?
Myntra, which is the most popular and has a wide lineup, is ranked first. It offers a wide range of items from global sports brands to casual clothes, making it easy to shop, and you can then add trendy Ajio or curated Nike fashion depending on your taste.
Where is the best place to buy saris?
If it's your first time, Deepmala in Gurgaon is the best in terms of accessibility and assortment and is reasonably priced to start with. If you want the finest collectible silk sarees, we recommend South Indian Kanchipuram silk from Delhi's Nalli, which has been around since 1928.
What are good Indian cosmetics gifts to bring to Korea?
A classy gift would be Forest Essentials (rose water, gold-based cream), a luxury Ayurvedic brand with royal secrets from India, or Kumkumadi facial oil from Kama Ayurveda. As practical gifts for multiple people, Biotique Vitamin Berry Lip Balm and Himalaya Lip Balm/Moisturizing Cream are famous for their cost-effectiveness.
I am worried about the ingredients of local cosmetics in India. Are they trustworthy?
It varies depending on the brand, but many brands promote ingredient transparency. Just Herb is a clean beauty brand that discloses all ingredients, and Kama Ayurveda emphasizes 100% natural plant-based ingredients. If you want modern functionality, you can choose The Derma Co., which focuses on vitamin C serum and sunscreen.

References & links

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in IndiaKOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)Indian Government Portal (india.gov.in)Myntra FormulaNykaa OfficialFabindia Official
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