Lakmé is an Indian cosmetics brand owned by Hindustan Unilever.

It was started in 1952 as a 100% subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills, famously after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was concerned that Indian women were spending precious foreign exchange on beauty products and persuaded JRD Tata to manufacture them in India.

[1] Simone Tata joined the company as director and went on to become chairperson.

[2] In 1998, Tatas sold their stake in Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever[3] for ₹200 crore (US$48.46 million).

[4] Lakmé mainly sells coloured cosmetic products such as lipsticks, eyeliners and skincare cream.