Nov 7 (Reuters) - Indian beauty retailer Nykaa's

quarterly profit more than trebled on Friday, boosted by steady

demand for makeup and skincare products as well as new tie-ups

with global brands.

The company, formally known as FSN E-Commerce Ventures,

posted a profit of 344.4 million rupees ($3.9 million)for the

quarter ended September 30, up from 100.4 million rupees a year

ago.

The quarterly results show Nykaa is sharpening its focus on

profitability by doubling down on its core beauty business.

That has meant scaling up strategic partnerships - including

the global rollout of Katrina Kaif's Kay Beauty, and Rihanna's

Fenty Beauty - and expanding its offline presence, enabling it

to become a full-stack beauty and lifestyle platform.

The additions have helped Nykaa cater to India's $28-billion

beauty and personal care market - which has remained resilient

despite a broader consumption slowdown.

Revenue from the beauty business rose 25% to 21.32 billion

rupees, buoyed by the inclusion of premium brands such as

Chanel, Korean skincare label Aesura, and sunscreen maker

Supergoop.

Sales for its fashion vertical, which includes apparel and

accessories from labels like Victoria's Secret and Titan's

Mia, grew 21%, lifting overall revenue by 25% to 23.56

billion rupees.

Nykaa added 19 beauty stores during the quarter, taking its

total count to 265.

Gross margins expanded to 44.9% from 43.8% a year earlier,

supported by a greater focus on premium offerings.

($1 = 87.8950 Indian rupees)