The quest for the perfect lipstick is real. In one corner, we have Nykaa Cosmetics, the homegrown beauty giant. In the other, Sugar Cosmetics, the bold and edgy cult favorite. Both promise pigmented color, long-lasting wear, and shades made for us.
But when your makeup bag has limited space, which one truly delivers? We’re settling the Nykaa vs Sugar lipsticks debate once and for all in 2025.
💕 The Contenders: A Quick Brand Lowdown
Nykaa Cosmetics: The Accessible Icon
Born from India’s favorite beauty e-tailer, Nykaa’s in-house line is all about affordable luxury. Think of them as your reliable best friend—they offer an incredible range of shades and finishes that work for everything from a day at the office to a night out. Their strength lies in versatility and skin-tone inclusivity.
Must-Try Ranges: So Matte! Lipsticks, Matte to Last Liquid Lipsticks, Ultra Matte Lipsticks.
Sugar Cosmetics: The Bold Performer
Co-founded by the inspiring Vineeta Singh, Sugar has built a loyal army with its high-impact, vegan formulas. If Nykaa is your reliable best friend, Sugar is the cool, confident one who isn’t afraid to make a statement. They specialize in intense pigmentation and transfer-proof formulas that won’t budge.
Must-Try Ranges: Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipsticks, Matte Attack Lipsticks, Nothing Else Matter Lipsticks.
⚔️ The Lipstick Battle: Nykaa vs Sugar Face-Off
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how these two beauty giants stack up.
| Feature | Nykaa Lipsticks | Sugar Lipsticks |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹299 – ₹899 | ₹499 – ₹999 |
| Finish Options | Matte, Creamy, Satin, Tint | Matte, Satin, Liquid |
| Pigmentation | Buildable to High | Intense in One Swipe |
| Staying Power | 5–7 hours | 7–10 hours |
| Shade Range | 40+ shades | 35+ shades |
| Best For | Everyday wear, subtle looks | Bold, long-wearing finish |
| Vegan & Cruelty-Free | Yes | 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free |
🏆 Bestselling Lipsticks You Need to Try in 2025
Top 3 Nykaa Lipsticks
- Nykaa So Matte! Lipstick in ‘Devious Pink’ (₹399)
- Why you’ll love it: A soft matte finish that feels comfortable all day. This pinky-nude is the perfect everyday lipstick for Indian skin.
- Nykaa Matte To Last Liquid Lipstick in ‘Bombae’ (₹599)
- Why you’ll love it: This transfer-proof liquid lipstick in a stunning berry hue lasts through meals and is a flattering pick for medium to wheatish complexions.
- Nykaa Ultra Matte Lipstick in ‘Jane’ (₹699)
- Why you’ll love it: A velvety, non-drying matte with a smooth glide. It’s the perfect bridge between a creamy and a matte finish.
Top 3 Sugar Lipsticks
- Sugar Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick in ‘Drop Dead Red’ (₹499)
- Why you’ll love it: The name says it all. This is one of the best long-lasting matte lipsticks in India. It dries down completely and won’t transfer onto your coffee cup.
- Sugar Matte Attack Transferproof Lipstick in ‘Peachwood Mac’ (₹749)
- Why you’ll love it: A gorgeous terracotta-peach that provides full, opaque coverage in a single swipe. The pigment is unreal.
- Sugar Nothing Else Matter Longwear Lipstick in ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ (₹699)
- Why you’ll love it: A comfortable, satin-matte bullet that feels lightweight but delivers a powerful, bold red.
💁 Which Brand is BEST for Your Indian Skin Tone?
- Fair to Wheatish Skin: You can’t go wrong with either! Try Nykaa’s ‘Bombae’ for a pop of color or Sugar’s ‘Peachwood Mac’ for a trendy nude.
- Medium to Dusky Skin: Sugar often takes the lead here. Their pigments are richer and formulated with warmer undertones that make deeper skin glow. ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ is a must-try.
- Deep Skin Tones: Nykaa’s Ultra Matte line offers beautiful deep browns and berries like ‘Grace’ and ‘Monalisa’ that are incredibly flattering.
💰 The Final Verdict: So, Which One Should You Buy?
The choice isn’t about which brand is “better,” but which is better for you.
- Choose NYKAA if…
- You love variety and wear lipstick daily.
- You prefer buildable color and comfortable, soft-matte textures.
- Your budget is a key consideration.
- Choose SUGAR if…
- You need your lipstick to last all day without touch-ups.
- You love bold, opaque color that makes a statement.
- You prioritize 100% vegan and cruelty-free makeup.
🏅 Our Editor’s Pick for 2025: The Sugar Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick for its unbeatable longevity and vivid payoff. It’s a game-changer for busy Indian women.
✨ The Final Swatch
Both Nykaa and Sugar lipsticks have earned their top spots in the Indian beauty market. Nykaa is your go-to for effortless, everyday chic, while Sugar is the undisputed queen of bold, all-day glamour.
Why not start with one bestselling pick from each? Your perfect lipstick match is waiting
Read The Ultimate Lipstick Guide for Dusky Skin Tones: Shades That Make You Glow
