UK women biggest consumers of prestige beauty

UK women are bigger consumers of prestige beauty than the French, purchasing on average 2.6 products per person last year compared to just 1.6 in France, according to new research by global information company the NPD Group.

Skin cleansers and make-up removers were sought after products accounting for 10% of skincare sales in the UK in the rolling year to April 2016, which was double that of France, the report found.

Make-up has also been a key driving force making up 29% of prestige value sales (compared to just 15% in France), with Brits splurging on 1.2 products on average – which is more than twice the 0.5 bought by French women.

In the UK the total face make-up category is eight points larger than across the channel, making up 50% of make-up sales compared to just 42% in France, and it’s due to Brits having a strong appetite for foundation, concealers and face applicators.

However, French women invest more in other make-up segments such as mascara (14% of sales) and lip colour (18% of sales), and invest more in anti-ageing creams which account for 44% of skincare value sales (12 points higher than in the UK), the report found.  

“Our analysis reveals that French women appear to focus on lines and wrinkles which is contrasted by the British who focus on the pure, flawless skin complexion, including products focusing on radiance, anti-pollution and energy booster,” said Teresa Fisher, senior account manager for NPD UK Beauty.

Category value weight – Britain, rolling year to end of April 16:
Skincare – 21%              
Fragrance – 50%                         
Make-up – 29%

Category value weight – France, rolling year to end of April 16:
Skincare – 18%
Fragrance – 67%           
Make-up – 15%

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