Sales of luxury beauty products in the UK reported an increase of 4% in 2017, hitting the £3 billion mark (EUR 3.4 billion), unveiled The NPD Group. According to the market research firm, the growth was largely driven by strong performance in fragrance, make-up and skincare and by the interest from overseas shoppers.
“The growth we have seen in the UK prestige beauty market is impressive, given the uncertainty with Brexit and the weak pound. 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 skincare and fragrance,” commented Helen Duxbury, Senior Account Manager, NPD UK Beauty.
Healthy fragrance sales
The prestige fragrance market was valued at £1 billion in 2017. Fragrance ended the year with a solid performance, increasing 3%, with both classic and new launches contributing to this growth. Consumers continue to choose juices over gift sets with the sale of gift sets remaining flat in 2017, with juices growing 4%.
Skincare and makeup
Skincare grew 6% in 2017 and this growth has been driven by classic and super premium brands. Although small at present, natural and vegan brands are demonstrating their importance to the skincare market’s growth.
As far as make-up are concerned, sales increased by 6% compared to last year, but this slowed from the double-digit growth of 10% reported in 2016. Within the make-up sector, foundation and lip colour remain the star performing categories reporting healthy growth throughout 2017.
“From the figures we have seen in 2017 there is a definite boom in the prestige beauty market. Make-up and super premium skincare 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. Whilst 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,” concluded Helen Duxbury.
