Indian beauty enthusiasts had long-awaited the arrival of Rare Beauty in the country, and their wishes were partially granted with the recent launch of Rare Beauty. The news of Rare Beauty’s availability in the Indian market spread like wildfire after Selena Gomez herself announced it on her Instagram a week ago. The launch was set for June 15, 2023, both in Sephora stores and online.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding Rare Beauty’s arrival were palpable, and it reached a fever pitch the day before the launch when the Sephora website crashed due to the overwhelming traffic. Indian beauty fanatics were eager to get their hands on the highly coveted products from the brand.
On the day of the launch, customers rushed to Sephora stores and flooded the online platform to purchase their favorite Rare Beauty items. However, not everyone was thrilled with the release. Some individuals expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction due to the high prices of the products, which did not align with the pricing standards in the Indian market.
Social media platforms were inundated with complaints from customers voicing their concerns about the exorbitant prices. For instance, the 7.5 ml Soft Pinch Liquid Blush was priced at Rs 2,900, while the 3.8 ml Glossy Lip Balm was listed at Rs 2,400. These prices left many customers feeling dissatisfied and reluctant to make a purchase.
A comparison with the prices of the same Rare Beauty products in the United States revealed a significant disparity. In the US, the 7.5 ml Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is sold for USD 23 (approximately Rs 1,900), while the 3.8 ml Glossy Lip Balm is priced at USD 20 (approximately Rs 1,600). This stark contrast in pricing further fueled the frustration of Indian consumers.
Here is a list of Rare Beauty products available in India along with their prices in rupees:
- Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation – Rs 3,600
- Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer – Rs 3,100
- Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (7.5 ml) – Rs 2,900
- Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight – Rs 2,800
- Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel – Rs 2,600
- Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner – Rs 2,500
- Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist – Rs 2,400
- With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm (3.8 g) – Rs 2,400
- Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick – Rs 2,300
- Magnetic Spirit Eyeshadow Palette – Rs 4,200
Rare Beauty, founded by Selena Gomez on February 22, 2019, quickly gained popularity for its mission to challenge the conventional ideals of beauty and celebrate individuality. Gomez’s passion for beauty and her desire to promote self-acceptance played a pivotal role in the brand’s success.
While the availability of Rare Beauty in India was undoubtedly exciting news for many, the pricing controversy has overshadowed the initial enthusiasm. It remains to be seen how Rare Beauty and Sephora will address these concerns and whether adjustments will be made to make the products more accessible to Indian consumers.
As beauty lovers continue to navigate the Indian beauty market, they will keep a close eye on any developments regarding the pricing and accessibility of Rare Beauty products. Ultimately, the success of the brand in India may hinge on its ability to strike a balance between high-quality offerings and affordability in a market that values both uniqueness and value for money.
