Women buyers flock to Khulna markets for beauty products ahead of Eid. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 26, 2025 (BSS) - With only five days left, the Eid-ul-Fitr market is bustling with enthusiastic shoppers including women in Khulna city round the clock every day. 

Alongside clothing, the demand for women's cosmetics has surged as beauty-conscious shoppers seek skincare and personal grooming products to prepare for the festive occasion.

As Eid approaches, women of all ages are flocking to stores to purchase beauty products for skincare and personal grooming. 

This year, domestic cosmetic brands have seen a surge in sales alongside foreign brands specially of Pakistan. The city's cosmetic shops are experiencing a significant rush as Eid nears.

In major city markets like Borobazar, Esha Chamber, Shopping Complex, Malek Chamber, Boyra, Daulatpur, Khalishpur, KDA Avenue and KDA New Market, women of different ages are eagerly purchasing various beauty products, including lipstick, foundation, face powder, face wash, face packs, nail polish, Pakistani mehedi, perfume, hair product and eyeliner.

According to vendors, due to the warm weather, young women are leaning towards light and refreshing makeup looks in this Eid. Women are purchasing both local and foreign beauty products, such as face wash, toner, lipstick, eye cream, lip cream, hair packs, and scrubs. 

While visiting the Dawknamgla, Boyra and KDA New Market in the city today, the BSS reporter witnessed a huge crowd at these female accessories stores.

Sohely Sharmin Urmi, a teacher of Khulna Public School, visited city's Boyra market to buy cosmetics ahead of the Eid festival. 

She said to BSS, "I usually buy makeup items throughout the year, but Eid shopping feels special to me. Since I'm here, I'm making sure to pick up something for every woman in my family."

Saikat Talukdar, the owner of Saikat Cosmetics in Boyra, said, "Sales of beauty products, especially henna (Mehedi), lipstick and foundation, increase significantly during Eid. 

This year, I have stocked a large variety of local products along with international brands. Sales have risen since the 20th day of Ramadan and I expect even better business in the coming days of Eid."

Henna (Mehedi) remains a top priority for women during Eid and this year is no exception. Various local and international henna brands, such as Kaveri, Golecha, Prem Dulhan, Nupur Henna, Anmol Kali and Almas, are being sold at prices ranging from Tk 100 toTk 650.

Other products like nail polish price range from Tk 60 to 350, foundation price range from Tk 200 to TK 550, imitation rings at Tk 70 to Tk 150, bracelets at Tk 80 to Tk 300, silk bangles at Tk 120 to Tk 400, metal churi (bangles)at Tk 180 to Tk 250, payel (anklets) at Tk 100 to Tk 300, makeup boxes price range from Tk 350 to Tk 1500, eye shadow at Tk 20 to Tk 900, compact powder at Tk 150 to Tk 800, lipstick at Tk 100 to Tk 350 and necklace sets price between from Tk 400 to Tk 3000 are also available at various shopping centres in the city.

Radia Afroz, a student of City's Northern University, visited Dawkbangla with her younger sister to buy cosmetics. She said to BSS, "I bought my Eid clothes earlier, but I haven't purchased makeup items yet. This time, I brought my younger sister along so she can choose silk bangles, eyeliner, and lipstick of her choice."

Rafiq Hossain, a seller at New Market said, "The number of customers is increasing daily. 

In addition to young women, fashion-conscious men are also purchasing perfumes, hair gel, shaving kits, scrubs, body spray, shower gels, face packs, black masks, and whitening creams for Eid. 

Sanjida Islam, a shopper in the bangle section of Dawkbangla, said, "Henna is a must-have for me, but I also plan to buy some imitation jewelry. Since I don't shop for accessories often, I like to stock up during Eid. I came in the afternoon hoping to avoid the crowds, but it's still packed."

Another shopper, Afia Chowdhury from Gallamari residence area said, "I'm here to buy some imitation jewellery. Gold jewellery is usually reserved for family events, so I wear imitation pieces throughout the year."

To attract more customers, various shopping malls and stores are offering discounts and special promotions.

However, vendors advise buyers to be cautious and purchase beauty products from reputable stores to avoid counterfeit or low-quality items.