Prestige beauty sales in the UK report double-digit growth during the first quarter of 2022, reports The NPD Group
As the retail landscape continues to change and consumers adapt to a hybrid mode of working, their beauty buying habits are changing too. The fragrance category remains the star performer of the prestige beauty market reporting sales of £263M in the first four months of 2022, an increase of 6% on the same time in 2019. Larger sizes, stronger concentrations and the growth of niche fragrances have all been contributing factors to the success of fragrances this year.
Changing lip trends
Lip Makeup sales declined 20% in April 2022 compared to the same period in 2019, however, the dynamics have changed with new sub-categories emerging. Consumers are switching to more hydrating, moisturising, and plumping alternatives such as lip gloss which increased sales by 20% in April 2022, compared to the same period in 2019. Sales of all other lip products (which includes lip balms) increased 61% in April 2022, compared to April 2019.
Skincare reports an uptick in unit sales
Unit sales of skincare increased 15% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2019 demonstrating that skincare as self care remains one of the key trends to emerge from the pandemic.
The sub-segments recording the highest percentage change in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2019 include face supplements which increased by 73% and face serum which increased by 80%. In the body category sales of body devices increased 512% in the first quarter of 2022 and body supplements increased 196% compared to the same period in 2019.
Emma Fishwick, Account Manager, NPD UK Beauty explains: “Consumers continue their love affair with fragrance, and this remains the key driver of the prestige beauty market. It is interesting to see the new stars emerging as consumers opt for lip products with benefits to hydrate and protect their lips. More broadly, skincare continues to be a popular part of consumer’s beauty regimes, especially with the growth of face and body supplements.”
