NPD Group: U.S. prestige lip color sees double-digit gains

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige lip color sales in the United States experienced a 24% increase in dollar sales during the month of November as the bold lip trend shows little signs of fading, according to global information company, The NPD Group.



“The trend of women seeking to make a bold makeup statement continues as marketers showcase lips more prominently than seen in prior years,” stated Karen Grant, VP and global beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group. “A red lip is both ‘on trend’ and classic at the same time. For the holiday celebrations, it is not only bold, but also fun, festive and can’t be missed.”



With total lip makeup sales being up for the 12 months ended Nov. 2014, growth in lip makeup is not limited to lip color or a single month. Lip products are among the primary drivers of total prestige makeup growth, which is the overall prestige beauty leader.



The use of lip color has risen with younger women in particular, and the appeal is based on both fashion and function. Sales gains in this category are driven primarily by increases in unit sales, as the average price spent on lip color has remained relatively flat over the past year, pointing back to spending behavior of a younger consumer. In November 2014 alone, almost 1.8 million prestige lip color products were sold in the United States, a 22% increase over Nov. 2013. According to NPD’s 2014 Makeup In-Depth Consumer Report, lip color is currently the preferred lip product among consumers, and 33% of women use it more than once a day.



“Lip color can totally transform a woman’s look, and even affect their mood; that’s a lot of benefit for something that costs around $20,” Grant said. “The value proposition of lip color is very emotional, as well as practical, even for women on a budget. Messaging that taps into the consumers’ desires can capture them, regardless of the season.”