Colour Cosmetics in the United Kingdom

PROSPECTS

Premium colour cosmetics achieves strong growth despite a slight slowdown

The best performance in colour cosmetics in 2017 was achieved by the premium segment as consumers are willing to spend more for premium products in this category. With the devaluation of the pound, tourists and non-UK consumers are helping boost sales of premium beauty products, although the increase in prices for British consumers contributed to a small slowdown in value sales.

Product innovations stimulated by healthy lifestyles

While previous colour cosmetics trends have emphasised contouring and selfie-ready faces, 2017 saw product innovations encompass healthy glows and “no make-up” make-up looks. Moreover, thanks to the health trend, a holistic approach to make-up is growing amongst British consumers boosting sales of facial and eye products.

Savvier consumers seek greater transparency and inclusive beauty

Fostered by social media as well as growing consumer awareness, British consumers have always been pioneers when it comes to make-up trends. The rise of Indie brands and the perception that large companies and their brands are opaque in their business dealings have fostered the need for transparency among make-up brands.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Indie brands challenge large players and disrupt the beauty industry

Small fast-growing brands performed well in 2017 and are increasingly challenging the larger players. Brands referred to as “Indie” or “diva” brands are shaking up industry norms.

Despite growth of small brands, L’Oréal Luxury division and Estée Lauder continue driving category sales

Despite a slight slowdown, premium colour cosmetics is set to maintain a good performance over the forecast period. L’Oréal’s Luxury division particularly witnessed very good results boosted by its top-sellers Kiehl’s and Lancôme brands as well as the acquisition of fast-growing brands such as IT Cosmetics.

New consumer experience: reinventing store experiences with the UK set to dominate sales via online platforms

The UK retail environment is embracing evolutions in consumer needs, seeing a diversification in the types of actors distributing colour cosmetics. Non-health and beauty online grocery retailers such as Ocado are tapping into online sales of colour cosmetics.

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