When you think about how much can be achieved in just one year, Mila Beauté stands as a shining example. Founded by Saahil Nayar with a vision to create makeup that is made in India, for India, the brand has gone from an idea to a household name in record time. In just twelve months, Mila has built a community of over 90,000 customers, scaled its presence across digital platforms, retail stores, and marketplaces, and crossed an impressive ₹60 crore in revenue.

Speaking to me about the brand’s first anniversary, Saahil’s tone is a mix of pride and gratitude. Pride for the milestones, the innovations, and the trust Mila has built; gratitude for the people  from his dedicated team to loyal customers who made the journey possible.

The spark behind Mila Beauté

Saahil’s inspiration for Mila was deeply personal. He had long noticed how international beauty products often missed the mark for Indian consumers — the shades didn’t match, the formulations felt heavy, and the experience never felt truly tailored to Indian needs.

“I wanted to build a beauty brand that felt relatable and real,” he recalls. “A brand that celebrates our skin tones, our climate, and our lifestyle. And I wanted it to be made here in India — not imported from somewhere else and sold to us as an afterthought.”

This vision gave birth to Mila Beauté, a skincare-infused makeup brand rooted in authenticity. The focus from day one has been on high-performance products that are safe, versatile, and proudly made in the brand’s own 36,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility.

Building momentum in the first year

The first year was nothing short of a whirlwind. Mila Beauté’s journey was dotted with wins that any startup would envy:A loyal social media community of 90,000+ followers, Five Amazon bestsellers with an average rating of 4.5 ,A doubling of consumer revenue in twelve months,160% growth in online business in just six months.But numbers only tell part of the story. “The biggest win has been hearing customers say they finally have a makeup brand that works for their skin tone and skin type,” Saahil says with a smile.

What makes Mila Beauté stand out

In an increasingly crowded beauty market, Saahil believes Mila’s success comes from its clarity of purpose. Every product is designed with Indian skin in mind, blending skincare benefits with makeup performance. The formulas are enriched with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Mango Seed Butter, Peptides, and Ceramides, powerful yet gentle on the skin.

Moreover, Mila’s products are free from harmful chemicals and certified cruelty-free by PETA. “We’ve built trust by being transparent, safe, and genuinely invested in our customer’s well-being,” Saahil explains.

Listening before launching

Product launches at Mila are not dictated purely by trends. Instead, the brand listens — to customer reviews, direct messages, and community conversations. Global trends are adapted to fit Indian preferences, and rigorous R&D ensures products perform across diverse climates and skin types.

This consumer-first approach extends to testing, with stability control, temperature checks, and surveys forming a key part of product development. “If it doesn’t feel authentic to Mila, we don’t pursue it,” Saahil says.

Sustainability at the core

While innovation drives Mila, sustainability shapes its practices. Local manufacturing reduces transportation emissions, and a waste-reduction policy ensures resources are used responsibly. Mila’s formulations are clean, free of microplastics and lead, and the brand is working towards being plastic neutral.

“Mila is here for change,” Saahil says firmly. “Beauty should never come at the cost of our planet.”

The role of social media and community

From day one, Mila Beauté has treated social media not just as a marketing tool but as a bridge to its audience. Through the Mila Beauté Ambassadors (MBA) program, the brand has created a vibrant network of influencers, content creators, and customers who share the same passion for authentic, skin-friendly beauty.

“Social media gives us a way to connect, educate, and inspire,” Saahil says. “It’s where we build trust, and it’s where our community comes to life.”

Looking ahead to year two

As Mila enters its second year, expansion is on the horizon. The brand plans to strengthen its presence across both online and offline channels, introduce new partners, and deepen its footprint in new markets. Innovation will remain at the core, with a focus on lips, face, and eyes shall always infused with skincare benefits and tailored for Indian skin.

The anniversary is being marked with the “One Love with Mila” celebration — exclusive offers for customers, the launch of a new Go Girl Lip Palette, and special surprises for the brand’s loyal “Pookie Squad.”

A journey just beginning

Reflecting on the past year, Saahil admits to only one regret — not starting sooner. “From day one, we’ve looked forward, not back. And thanks to our team, our partners, and our community, that’s exactly how we’ll keep building Mila.”

As our conversation wraps up, one thing is clear — Mila Beauté’s story is not just about makeup. It’s about representation, trust, and a brand that speaks the language of the Indian consumer. And if year one is any indication, the best chapters are still ahead.

By- Priyanka Chatterjee