According to beauty market research conducted by The NPD Group, Inc., total U.S. prestige beauty generated $8.4 billion in 2010, an increase of 4%, compared to $8.19 billion in 2009.
 
Prestige fragrances posted their first annual gain since 2006, with sales growth of 1%, versus 2009. Juices grew 4% for both men and women, which helped drive the overall performance. Fragrance launches were up 3%, driven by men’s, which grew 10%.
 
Prestige skin care proved once again to be the strongest performer among the three prestige beauty categories. Skin care not only gained back what it had lost during the recession, but the category also surpassed pre-recession levels. Launches, which grew 30% were a major contributor to the total prestige skin care increases, as well as anti-aging products, which grew 12%. Premium face products ($75 and above) showed a 7% dollar increase from 2009.
 
For the first time in two years, prestige makeup experienced category growth. Boosted by the double-digit growth of offerings from primers to anti-aging face products, to color options in lip and nail, five of the six segments within makeup posted growth. Three segments—face, lip and nail—either met or outpaced category growth.