Not So Blue…

The mask-, er mass market color cosmetics sector is showing signs of recovery. According to recent data from IRI, eye makeup and nail color sales remain growth engines, but even hard-hit lipcolor and face makeup sales are showing signs of life. Overall, skin care remains resilient in the face of a pandemic…and of course, hand sanitizer sales are still surging. Here are some IRI stats, from first to worst, through September 22:

Hand sanitizer: +418.6% to +412.2%
Liquid hand soap: +72.3% to +50.3%
Moisturizers: +18.0% to +20.1%
Heavy-duty hand cleaner: +7.5% to +13.9%
Nail polish: +17.5% to +12.7%
False Eyelashes and adhesives: +3.9% to +9.7%
Cleanser: +3.9% to +2.9%
Face Antiaging: -1.5% to +1.4%
Lip Gloss: -8.4% to -1.9%
Acne: -1.3% to -2.6%
Concealer: -12.7% to -7.6%
Eyebrow: -12.8% to -7.6%
Mascara: -11.1% to -8.0%
Eye shadow: -19.9% to -13.2%
Foundation: -20.9% to -17.4%
Lipstick: -28.1% to -21.9%

Source: IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm.

First set of numbers: 52-week period ending July 17, 2020.
Second set of numbers: 52-week period ending Sept. 22, 2020.