11.10.15
Helped along by a double digit gain in makeup sales, the US prestige beauty market reached $3.2 billion in third quarter retail sales, a 7% increase from a year ago, according to global information company The NPD Group.
Overall, makeup sales reached $1.5 billion in Q3, as face (+14%), lip (+13%) and eye (+12%), all posted double-digit gains. According to NPD, the All Other Face segment soared 49%, largely driven by specific trends including contouring and strobing.
Eye brow makeup sales surged 29% during these three months. Lip color and liner drove gains for the lip makeup segment, offsetting declines in lip gloss and other lip products.
Skin care sales rose a more modest 2% to $1.0 billion. Skin care got a lift from summer demand for sun care products, which rose 9%. NPD noted that while facial skin care sales were nearly flat, gains were made in skin care masks (+23%), facial cleansers (+6%) and acne treatment (+3%).
Fragrance sales increased 2% to just over $683 million. NPD said juices sales increased 5% in Q3, but the overall fragrance category was subdued due to an 11% decline in gift sets—a trend that may continue even in the holiday season.
“The US prestige beauty market is in a state of renewal and flux,” said Karen Grant, global beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group. “What this performance means heading into Q4 and the holidays is that while high-end skin care and gift sets have been the drivers of performance in the past, what’s driving the industry today has changed. Fragrance sales are dynamic in core components like juices, while gift sets are becoming less prominent. The lines continue to blur between makeup and skin care as consumers look for immediate results through makeup and rediscover smaller primary care categories in skin care. Coming off the robust growth we’ve had throughout the year, all indications are that we can be optimistic in expecting a positive quarter and holiday season.”
Overall, makeup sales reached $1.5 billion in Q3, as face (+14%), lip (+13%) and eye (+12%), all posted double-digit gains. According to NPD, the All Other Face segment soared 49%, largely driven by specific trends including contouring and strobing.
Eye brow makeup sales surged 29% during these three months. Lip color and liner drove gains for the lip makeup segment, offsetting declines in lip gloss and other lip products.
Skin care sales rose a more modest 2% to $1.0 billion. Skin care got a lift from summer demand for sun care products, which rose 9%. NPD noted that while facial skin care sales were nearly flat, gains were made in skin care masks (+23%), facial cleansers (+6%) and acne treatment (+3%).
Fragrance sales increased 2% to just over $683 million. NPD said juices sales increased 5% in Q3, but the overall fragrance category was subdued due to an 11% decline in gift sets—a trend that may continue even in the holiday season.
“The US prestige beauty market is in a state of renewal and flux,” said Karen Grant, global beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group. “What this performance means heading into Q4 and the holidays is that while high-end skin care and gift sets have been the drivers of performance in the past, what’s driving the industry today has changed. Fragrance sales are dynamic in core components like juices, while gift sets are becoming less prominent. The lines continue to blur between makeup and skin care as consumers look for immediate results through makeup and rediscover smaller primary care categories in skin care. Coming off the robust growth we’ve had throughout the year, all indications are that we can be optimistic in expecting a positive quarter and holiday season.”