Lip color trend helps boost lipstick sales

It may account for the smallest percentage of total color cosmetics, but don’t let that fool you. Lip color is currently the darling of the cosmetics category.

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According to the most recent data from IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm, sales of lipstick are up nearly 4% during the 52 weeks ended Oct. 5 at U.S. multi-outlets. During the same period, lip treatments declined a hefty 51.9% and lip gloss dropped 18%.



Meanwhile, new research from Mintel states that, after experiencing a 2% decline from 2011 to 2013, the lip cosmetics segment posted gains of nearly 9% between 2012 and 2014, with sales expected to reach nearly $1.4 billion this year.



Mintel noted that, while lip cosmetics account for the smallest percentage of total color cosmetics sales, it is currently the strongest performing segment in terms of growth. To further illustrate, facial cosmetics experienced 6.4% growth and eye makeup saw 4.2% growth during the same period.



The rise in sales can be attributed to the bold lip color trend, and is benefiting from the fact that manufacturers are increasingly adding to the formulas with such functional benefits as moisturizing and longer wear.



Beauty mavens ages 18 years to 24 years seem to have the greatest interest in intense lip colors, according to Mintel. Nearly one-third of lip product users in this age group seek out intense lip colors, compared with less than 20% of respondents older than 25 years old.



“Lip cosmetics have the highest overall reported use among color cosmetics. Lip balm, lipstick and lip gloss all have similar rates of penetration, suggesting that many women rely on a suite of lip products depending on the occasion or desired look,” said Shannon Romanowski, beauty and personal care analyst at Mintel, when unveiling the research. “The addition of skin care benefits, including moisturizing and softening, also provides added functional benefits. Sales of lip products are on the rise, as more women may be returning to the segment,” she added.



Beauty retailer Ulta Beauty recently highlighted the lip trend, making “cherry stain” lips among the top fall 2014 beauty trends on its website.