Results from the NPD Group for Q1 2022 indicate prestige beauty is on a post-pandemic rebound, with sales revenue reaching $5.3 billion, a 19% increase versus Q1 2021.

"Makeup and hair products are the categories that have risen to the occasion in the first quarter, signaling that consumers are ready to get dressed up again," said Larissa Jensen, beauty industry advisor, The NPD Group. "Valentine's Day provided an additional lift to fragrance sales, which have enjoyed strong growth throughout the pandemic. Fragrance has become a mood-boosting luxury that people are buying not only as a gift for others, but also as a treat for themselves."

MAKEUP

• $1.8 billion in Q1, representing a 22% change over 2021 during the same period 
• Lipstick sales posted a 44% gain
• Blush and bronzer also increased by 45% and 38% respectively

"The artistry brands are performing the best, and they're the largest piece of the business," Jensen told WWD. "That also includes influencer brands. They are the largest, in size, of makeup, so they represent the majority, and they're growing, and bringing the most volumes."

SKINCARE

• Skincare experienced an 11% change vs Q1 with revenue of $1.6 billion
• Sunscreen was up almost 60%
• Body skincare grew 26%, more than double the growth of facial skincare

"Body was the only category in skincare that posted growth in 2020, and we're seeing that continue as people are going out more," Jensen said. "With sun, it's similar, especially as there is a lot more awareness around sun damage."

FRAGRANCE

• Fragrance increased 18% with revenue of $1.1 billion 
• Fragrance juice sales, including perfumes and colognes, grew by 23%
• The category got a boost from Valentine's Day, and consumers are still attracted to higher concentrations and luxury price points

HAIRCARE

• Overall, the haircare category grew 32% to $744.7 million
• Styling products increased 35%
• Hair color sales grew in the double digits, even as salons have reopened
• 21% of hair product consumers have partaken in DIY haircare in lieu of salon visits, according to the NPD Future of Hair report