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Russians fall for Indian cosmetics
By agencies
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Tuesday, 31 May 2005, 19:30 IST
NEW DELHI: After movies, it's now the turn of Indian beauty products to woo the Russians. From moisturizers to nourishing creams, skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing products, herbal hair tonics and henna, the Russian women want to have them all, says beauty expert Shahnaz Hussain, who is in St Petersburg to participate in the famous Nice Ideal Beauty Exhibition, showcasing perfumery, cosmetics and beauty equipment from all over the world.
"Due to the Russian cold climate as well as their exposure to artificial heating, Indian moisturizing and nourishing products are in demand. Skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing products too have universal demand, whether in the west or Russia," says Shahnaz.
"Sun block creams, herbal hair tonics, hair cleansers and our henna too were very well received by the Russians," says Shahnaz.
The demand for Ayurvedic beauty care is growing steadily in Russia, she says noting there were plans to start an Ayurvedic college in Russia, because of their immense interest in our herbal knowledge."
Shahnaz recalls that they had long time back come as a part of an Indian trade exhibition to erstwhile USSR. "Even then, the response to Indian products was very good."
"Women in Russia are very much aware about the cosmetics and the ingredients they contain. There is more demand for products containing natural ingredients, herbal and ayurvedic preparations," she says.
"The aromatherapy products too are in demand, since it is an ancient science and has existed all over the world since ages," she says.
"The Indian cosmetics industry is very well organized and it combines a beautiful blend of traditional and modern beauty products," she says adding India today manufactures a wide range of quality cosmetics products, which have gained acceptance all over the world.
According to industry figures, exports of cosmetics, toiletries and incense sticks from India are more than $260 million annually.