Lip gloss loses out to lipstick in UK

Published: 13-Jun-2011

Make-up sales reflect fashion trends in summer 2011


The latest figures from consumer research company The NPD Group show sales of make-up echoing fashion trends for block colour with a surge of sales of lipstick and a fall in sales of lip gloss. A long-term favourite among UK consumers for several years, lip gloss sales have been in decline since the peak of its popularity in April 2009, when it accounted for 41% of lip colour and gloss sales. In March 2011 lip gloss accounted for just 30% of the lip make-up market, while lipstick sales made up 70%, a growth of 13% compared to March 2010 and 29% compared to the same time in 2009. This resurgence has been supported by new lines from prestige brands such as Chanel’s Rouge Coco Shine and Rouge Dior and, according to NPD, reflects a wider trend for colours in fashion at the moment.

There has also been a steady growth in the UK colour cosmetics market as a whole, which has increased from just over £90m in 2010 to nearly £96m, an increase of 6%.

“Sales of lip gloss have been strong since the early noughties, including Lancome’s Juicy Tubes, which became firm favourites. However colour really is the dominant theme in both the fashion and beauty market at the moment and it is definitely driving sales of cosmetics,” commented June Jensen, manager for NPD Beauty, UK. “It is also interesting that lipstick, especially premium brand lipstick, is making a comeback at a time of austerity and that the beauty market as a whole continues to grow. Proof, perhaps, that women view cosmetics as an ‘affordable’ luxury at a time when they may be forced to cut back on other non-essential purchases.”

The region’s best selling lipstick, according to NPD data, was Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick, while Bobbi Brown proved the best selling eye shadow brand.
Table 1: Top five lipsticks
1. Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick
2. Lancome L’Absolu RougeSPF12
3. Chanel Rouge Coco de Chanel
4. Estee Lauder Pure Color Rouge
5. Dior Rouge Dior New
Sales by value (£). Year to date to March 2011. Source: The NPD Group

Table 2: Top five eye shadows
1. Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow New
2. Estee Lauder Pure Color OAP New
3. Clinique Colour Surge OAP Duo
4. Chanel Les Quatre Ombres de Chanel
5. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner
Sales by value (£). Year to date to March 2011. Source: The NPD Group

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