The new ColorBar is here, heralding an era of hyper-inclusive beauty

“If I can't break the mould, I have no business being in the beauty business,” retorts Samir K. Modi, Founder and Managing Director, ColorBar, when I enquire about the recent brand refresh. “Why is no beauty brand from India a globally renowned name? We (ColorBar) don't want to be a Mac or a Bobbi Brown, we just want to be us,” he adds.

ColorBar’s brand overhaul yearns to redefine bespoke beauty as we know it. Configured for Indian skin, the upgraded formulations are set to surpass global standards, transforming the landscape of beauty in India. More experiential. More fun. More magic—all at a better price point. 

Cosmopolitan India spoke with Mr Samir K Modi about his vision for ColorBar 2.0, spearheading an affordable luxury brand in today’s cluttered beauty space, and breaking away from the norm.  

Cosmopolitan India: How is ColorBar redefining luxury for the modern beauty consumer, especially one who seeks quality without clutter?

Samir K Modi: We don't compromise. We don't cut corners. ColorBar products deliver on their promise at a far better price point. For instance, our Miracle Glow Moisturiser is at par with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, and our eye pencil used to be similar to the Urban Decay counterpart. We were also the first to enter the beauty universe with our Sinful Matte Lipcolor—a customer favourite today. We’re very clear that our products have to perform, which is why we’ve onboarded manufacturers that make for the luxury brands of the world. Our consumers deserve the best; we don’t want to sell you a dozen products, but only the ones you actually need. 

C: And what makes ColorBar 2.0 different from its predecessor?    

SKM: We are extremely conscious of skin damage, nail damage, and are clear that we need to deliver what we stand for, more so now than ever. ColorBar is also one of the few brands that prints a satisfaction guarantee on all its products—a development that came about just six months ago, promising product credit, same-value exchange, or a full refund in case of grievance. We have upgraded our formulations, our packaging, and the entire consumer experience.

C: Is the brand taking certain steps in the bid to become more sustainable? 

SKM: ColorBar is cruelty-free, 100 per cent clean and vegan, and deep diving into refillables. While all our lipsticks are already refillable, our blushes, eyeshadows, and powders will soon be too. The lipstick industry adds over a trillion lipstick cases a year into the landfill; one lipstick case equals five bottles of mineral water…that's the amount of plastic waste that goes out. ColorBar Cosmetics pledges to be a lot more responsible, eco-conscious, and anti-plastic positive.

C: How does ColorBar’s new identity encourage more inclusive, interactive beauty?

SKM: You can now walk into a ColorBar store and engrave your name on products,  print your own packaging ribbons, customise your lipstick, foundation and nail polish, and press your own powders. There’s also a slot machine at the store for some fun! Meanwhile, we have shrunk our skincare line from 40 to 20 odd SKUs, and have segregated makeup based on skin tone. So, the new ColorBar is a lot more consumer-centric and experience-focused to demystify makeup.

C: Did any aspect of your own journey influence this transformation?

SKM: We do not launch a product until I have tried and tested it on myself. I’m fully invested in product development, from end-to-end. Being a man, I approach beauty from a different lens—hopefully bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

C: Do you see ColorBar 2.0 evolving into a cultural movement, beyond just a brand?

SKM: The sad part about our industry is that when you say your product boasts vitamin E, it could mean that there’s a drop of the ingredient in a thousand litres of the formulation. Why must you always use a bazooka to shoot a fly? ColorBar’s brand ethos is different. We take pride in being loyal and honest to our customers. I don’t sell makeup solely for money, but for the love of beauty—that’s what sets us apart, beyond being just a brand.

C: How is ColorBar working to resonate with consumers across age groups? 

SKM: We’ll soon be coming out with a teen product line, a capsule collection for women over 60, and a high-end range for men. Since men tend to opt for a simpler skincare routine, we’re curating an eight SKU range with ultra-luxe marble packaging. A luxury perfume line is also in the works, one which is potent and long-lasting. So, there’s something for everyone.

C: Lastly, tell us about some exciting creative collaborations and projects that you have lined up.

SKM: There’s a lot in the works! We have a bridal product line coming up featuring lace,  an erotica range, a wedding collection with jadau work, and much more.

All images: The brand 

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