It was a good half year for the prestige beauty market, according to The NPD Group, Inc., whose market research shows that from January through May 2011, total prestige makeup sales increased by 9% to $1.4 billion in U.S. department stores. For the month of May alone, makeup posted its strongest dollar performance (+11%) in the last three years.  Prestige makeup segments (Face, Eye, Lip, Sets, Other Color, and Nail) all posted healthy sales gains in the first five months. The trends in dramatic eyes, soft lip shades, and bold and bright nail colors all contributed to the growth.

The eye segment gained nearly 10% dollar growth during January through May 2011 versus the same time period in 2010.
In the first five months, lip color posted double-digit dollar growth of 13%, compared to the same time last year, while lipgloss increased only 1% in dollar sales. Pink was the dominant color, garnering most of the lip color growth.

The biggest growth in the prestige makeup category came from the smallest segment (representing only 1% of prestige makeup dollar share). The total nail category, consisting of base coats/top coats, color enamel, and nail care, grew a dramatic 57% in dollar sales. Popular shades ranged from ladylike pink to gothic-like shades such as black.