UK Luxury spend on beauty products grows 4% in 2017
The market for the sale of prestige beauty products in the UK reported an increase of 4% in 2017, the report says.
The total prestige beauty market was valued at £3 billion in 2017, largely driven by strong performance in fragrance, make-up and skincare.
Helen Duxbury, Senior Account Manager, NPD UK Beauty, says of the findings that the segment is proving particularly remarkable given the current climate in the UK market as a result of the ongoing Brexit negotiations.
“The growth we have seen in the UK prestige beauty market is impressive, given the uncertainty with Brexit and the weak pound,” she explains.
“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.”
Fragrance and skin care were two key sub-segments driving the growth, says NPD Group.
Focus on fragrance
The prestige fragrance market was valued at £1 billion in 2017, says NPD.
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%.
Skin care: vegan driver
Skincare grew 6% in 2017 and this growth has been driven by classic and super premium brands, the research firm explains.
It notes that although small at present, natural and vegan brands are demonstrating their importance to the skincare market’s growth.
Make-up, valued at £9 billion in 2017, grew 6%, but this slowed from the double-digit growth of 10% reported in 2016. Finally, the firm notes that within the make-up sector, foundation and lip colour remain the star performing categories reporting healthy growth throughout 2017.
Duxbury explains: “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.”
