Total prestige skincare and makeup dollar sales in U.S. department stores for the period January through June 2011 surpassed sales for the first half 2008, which is pre-recession, according to market research company The NPD Group, Inc.

In first half of 2011, prestige women’s and men’s skincare dollar sales increased 14 and nine percent, respectively, compared to first half 2008. Prestige makeup sales increased as well, nearly four percent, compared to pre-recessionary levels. NPD attributes the growth in the category to consumers’ rediscovery of color cosmetics, such as eye and lip products, as well as the resurgence of the nail and other color segments. Prestige skincare sets and kits had 56 percent growth compared to first half 2008.

While not yet reaching pre-recessionary levels, prestige fragrance continues to build momentum. In first half 2011, women’s and men’s prestige fragrances, generated four and two percent less dollar sales, versus first half 2008. However, when compared to first half 2010, women’s and men’s prestige fragrance sales increased 14 and eight percent, respectively, a healthy 10 percent dollar growth in total prestige fragrance overall, according to Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst, The NPD Group.