The UK luxury beauty market increased by 4% in 2017, reaching a total of £3bn.
According to The NPD Group, the prestige beauty sector has maintained this level of growth for a second year in a row.
Skin care and make-up were the main drivers with both categories reporting growth of 6%.
Classic, super premium, vegan and natural brands were noted for their importance in the skin care category in 2017.
However, make-up sales slowed down last year and dropped from the 10% growth in 2016.
In-store increase
“From the figures we have seen in 2017 there is a definite boom in the prestige beauty market,” said Helen Duxbury, Senior Account Manager at NPD UK Beauty.
“Make-up and super premium skin care are a real attraction for overseas visitors as they include many designer brands.
“Retailers confirm they have seen an increase in global shoppers in-store.
"While the weak pound confirms our thoughts that the global shopper is boosting the prestige beauty market, UK shoppers continue their love affair with prestige beauty in all categories.”
In fragrance, both classic products and new launches helped drive the category from 1% in 2016 to 3% in 2017, with a value of £1bn.
Consumers are favouring individual products over gift sets; the former saw a 4% rise while the latter remained flat.
“British customers continue to purchase prestige beauty with great passion, and we also believe that an increase in global shoppers is a contributing factor to this growth, especially in super premium skin care and fragrance,” added Duxbury.
