Best-Selling Lipsticks of 2011: MAC, Lancôme, and More
Photos: Dillards.com, Nordstrom.com, Esteelauder.com,
Left to right: MAC Lipstick (shown in Growing Trend), Lancôme 'L'Absolu Rouge (shown in Absolute Rouge), Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick (shown in Chianti), Estée Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick (shown in Tiger Eye), and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine (shown in Boy)
We're not quite halfway into 2011, but a few standout lipsticks have wasted no time in licking the competition.
New market research from The NPD Group, Inc. reveals that lip color sales from January to April of this year jumped an impressive 11 percent compared to the same period in 2010, amounting to a total take of $92.1 million.
The report also names the top five best-selling lipsticks from the first quarter, determined by the total amount of dollars sold. And while it's too early to determine the most popular colors of 2011, the top five formulas will certainly have you running for the virtual makeup counter.
No doubt enjoying a boost from its Viva Glam partnership with Lady Gaga, MAC lipstick, $14.50, took the number-one spot. Meanwhile, Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge, $29, (fronted by none other than Kate Winslet) was ranked second.
Clinique's Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick, $14.50; Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick, $24; and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine, $32 (which boasts spokeswoman Vanessa Paradis), rounded out the top five.
“What is particularly noteworthy of the trend in lip color is that we are seeing these significant increases in sales at a time when overall usage of lip color appeared to be dropping off," Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst for The NPD Group, says in a release. "Coming out of the recession, it seems that the consumers thirst for color and play was reawakened. In 2010, we saw the preference for rich as well as retro colors and in 2011 we are seeing new neutrals come to the fore. As the fashion industry increasingly features bold as well as understated lip statements on the runway and in advertisements, lip color appears to be getting its groove back."
Aw. Who's going to break the news to lip gloss?
In related news, MAC has just announced a collaboration with designer Gareth Pugh.
