Prestige make-up shows strong growth in UK

Sales of make-up in the UK grew 11 per cent in 2012, more than twice the rate of the total UK beauty market whose sales rose five per cent compared to the previous year, according to NPD Group.

Make-up accounted for 18 per cent of all prestige beauty sales made before Christmas 2012, up two per cent from 2011's result, with December's year on year value sales growth at 13 per cent.

Make-up sets were the most popular segment, accounting for 21 per cent of value sales. This was more than double its average share of the segment for the full year. Best sellers included sets offered on a 'purchase by purchase' basis, as well as mascara sets, lip gloss sets, and multiproduct sets with trial sizes.

NPD suggested that one of the reasons for make-up's growth could be that it was the most affordable category of prestige beauty: the average sales price of a product in the make-up category in 2012 was £21, compared to £31.79 for fragrance and £27.23 for skin care.

"With the average price of a make-up product a good deal more affordable than other prestige beauty items, it really is an affordable indulgence," commented June Jensen, Director of NPD Group UK. "Continuing to buy prestige beauty products that provide a little bit of luxury is a trend we've seen throughout the current challenging economy."