Lip gloss sales up 3% thanks to ’90s make-up nostalgia

Brits are embracing ’90s make-up nostalgia, particularly super-pigmented glossy lips, with UK sales of lip gloss soaring 3% this year, according to new data from market analyst The NPD Group.

Sales of prestige lip gloss rose dramatically during the three-month period July to September 2019, reaching a value of £4.5 million, as customers experimented with iconic make-up looks from the ’90s. 

Products that provided a sleek and shiny effect were the most popular and the average sale price of a gloss product during this time was £19.06, the report found. Light pink, rose and dark pink were the most sought-after colours. 

This is in stark contrast to Instagram’s latest data which showed that red lips is still the most hashtagged make-up look on the social media platform.

“The growth of lip gloss sales this year demonstrates that today’s consumer is looking for products that enhance the lips with a glossy sheen while producing a natural look in wearable shades,” said Emma Fishwick, account manager at NPD UK beauty. 

“This return to ’90s nostalgia is interesting, and we believe that other popular make-up looks from the ’90s could make a comeback soon too. Will the on-trend beauty consumer embrace super thin eyebrows and blue eyeshadow? Only time will tell.” 

Have you seen an increase in lip gloss sales in your salon or spa? Comment below. 

With Christmas just around the corner, find out to master festive make-up looks on mature clients.