Representing 14% of dollar sales during Q1, and a 2% increase over Q1 2015, online continues to capture share from brick-and-mortar.
“Online is beauty’s primary growth engine, not just for the future, but now. It’s the arena where consumers are most free to investigate and discover products as well as emergent brands. As user generated content continues to grow more prominent and influential, it’s also building a reputation as the trusted voice consumers turn to when contemplating a purchase. Online, consumers are increasingly more comfortable to buy when they trust the voice,” said Karen Grant, global beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group. “Brands and retailers adapting by increasing communication in both traditional and newer formats like user generated content to tell the brand story and consumer journey, are gaining consumer trust, involvement, and advocacy.”
Makeup sales rose 9% over Q1 to $1.7 billion; skin care rose 1% to $1.3 billion; and fragrance sales jumped 1% to $686.9 million.
U.S. Prestige Beauty Category Sales Performance
Dollar Sales, January-March 2016 versus 2015
Category |
Q1 2016 Dollar Sales |
Percent Change vs. Q1 2015 (TMM) |
Percent Change vs. Q1 2015 (Online Only) |
Makeup |
$1.7 billion |
+9 percent |
+30 percent |
Skincare |
$1.3 billion |
+1 percent |
+21 percent |
Fragrance |
$686.9 million |
+1 percent |
+25 percent |