Standing out in the category
Whilst the market researcher notes general makeup as being the largest of the four sectors - accounting for 38 per cent of total market value at £526 (€656) million, nail cosmetics still stole the limelight, with 15 per cent of the market share.
According to Vivenne Rudd, Head of Beauty and Personal Care Insight at Mintel, Britain isn’t the only country to have seen a rise in interest in nail colour cosmetics.
“In 2008, nail colour cosmetics accounted for 10 per cent of all colour cosmetic launches. By 2012, this had risen to 26 per cent of all new launches in the sector across Europe as a whole,” she reveals.
Trends
In terms of trends, Rudd says that while the prim, ladylike look of French manicured nails is unlikely to ever go out of style, recent trends have covered less subtle looks ranging from two-tone manicures and classic red polish to ombre and metallic shades.
“Nail make-up has also witnessed one of the biggest increases of all core beauty sectors in its consumer base in recent years,” she adds.
In terms of launch activity by region, the UK is reported as being the most active, accounting for 29 per cent of all new product activity in the colour cosmetics market during 2012. Germany follows in second place, accounting for 22 per cent of all activity while France accounted for 20 per cent.
Growth drivers
Overall, the expert says the colour cosmetics market turned in a dynamic performance compared to other beauty categories like hair and body care and is expected to continue to grow into 2012, to reach as high as £1.44 (€1.79) billion.
“Continued new product development and an expanding consumer base were the main growth drivers while prestige brands outperformed mass market ones due to many women favouring premium-positioned products at the expense of the mid-priced segment,” she reveals.
Finally, Rudd notes make-up as becoming the recession’s war paint that women are in effect, using it to put on a brave face.
“Sales in the market have continued to grow and will continue to do so for as long as the market delivers the feel-good factor even if the economy cannot," she concludes.