Lahore
With their array of delightful hues, Inglot make-up counters have always beckoned tantalizingly whenever we’re browsing through a mall abroad. Hence, it was with a sense of excitement that we paid a visit to the launch of the international cosmetic brand’s first studio in Lahore and to put it mildly, it felt like being in a candy-shop surrounded by delicious-looking goodies.
Karachiites may already be familiar with the brand, which opened its store in Ocean Mall a while ago but this is Lahore’s introduction to the Polish brand that has a strong global presence in as many as 70 countries. The make-up studio, located on the top floor of Nishat Linen next to the swanky Nishat hotel in Gulberg, may not be huge but the range of products on display is impressive.
Divided according to type, the counters are stacked with face, lip
The stylish duo behind Nishat’s growing empire: Naz and Iqra Mansha
Want to catch up on the latest trend of blue and teal eyes? The mascaras, eye pencil, pigmented eye-shades and false eyelashes in hues of blue, green and purple are a good place to start. Looking for the right shade of red or purple lipstick? You’re likely to find it among the 200 or so colours on display. The rainbow of nail colours is just as expansive and sure to make a beauty addict go weak in the knees.
Created by a Polish chemist, the brand is renowned for its cutting-edge research and consistent evolution. It took the make-up industry by storm when it came out with a range of breathable nail colours in 2013, a product that was an instant hit with Muslim women. Called 02M, the nail colour allows oxygen and water to penetrate the enamel and reach the nail, providing an easy solution to the conundrum many religiously-inclined women deal with daily: can one perform wuzu with painted nails? Inglot says the answer is yes if you opt for 02M.
Juggan Kazim (left), in a Shamaeel cape, turned red carpet host for the night. The elegant and reclusive Nilofar Shahid made an appearance at the launch.
The Nishat Group, the company responsible for bringing Inglot to Pakistan, is no stranger to international collaborations, having earlier introduced luxury brand Swarovski to the local market. Naz Mansha, CEO Nishat Linen, says that the group is aiming to give the local customer a taste of global quality and variety. “Given its excellent quality and amazing prices, there was no reason for me to say no when Inglot approached us to expand into the Pakistani market,” she added.
With most nail, eye and face products ranging from PKR 900 to PKR 1,500, the low prices are the brand’s strongest selling point. The foundations go up to PKR 5,000 but even that isn’t a lot for a quality product. With one new store each in Lahore and Karachi and another in Multan in the offing, Inglot is set to provide a welcome change from the drugstore make-up items we resort to buying for every day use. The experience will be made all the more enjoyable given the brand’s well-laid out stores with their eye-catching displays and trained make-up artists.