Small-sized beauty products pique French consumer interest

A recent study by US-based market research firm the NDP Group revealed increasing interest among French consumers in small-sized beauty products, including fragrances, makeup kits and skin care items. This rise in popularity can be attributed to these items' portability and affordability, allowing consumers to try new products with little investment.

The study also indicated that many perfume brands are being marketed in smaller packaging. In 2014, for instance, sales of women's fragrances in 21 to 30mL bottles increased 1 percent, even though the overall market fell by 2 percent. Similarly, men's perfume in small bottles enjoyed a 2 percent revenue growth despite the overall segment dropping 5 percent.

Mathilde Lion, NDP Group Europe's Beauty Expert said that in 1Q15 sales of women’s fragrances in bottles of 30mL and smaller grew by 8 percent, while the 31 to 44mL men's versions generated a 10 percent surplus of units sold compared to last year.

Sales of anti-aging products in 30mL formats and smaller likewise jumped 9 percent in value and volume in 2014. A growing number of consumers are also purchasing 2-in-1 makeup kits that allow them to sample different products, with revenue from such products surging 59 percent.

View a comparison table of selected perfume suppliers on GlobalSources.com