Prestige beauty sales grew 3% to $2.3 billion in the third quarter of 2013 versus the prior year. Growth was driven by sales of prestige skin care, which rose 5% to $831.5 million during the time period, followed by makeup, which rose 4% to $932.7 million in sales. Fragrance sales were flat at $518.8 million for the three months ended Sept. 30.

Sales of face items and sets/kits pushed sales within skin care, with 5% increases in face products and 8% increases in sets/kits. Sales of eye, lip and face products drove makeup sales, with eye makeup growing 6%, lip items rising 5% and face makeup sales up 4%.

The rise in sales of items for the face, both in makeup and skin care, reveals a trend.

“Women are embracing a more comprehensive approach in beauty and investing in the face that stares back at them in the mirror. The regimen starts with complexion perfection, including age specialist skincare, which is complemented by defined and enhanced eyes, and completed by colorful play with their lips,” said Karen Grant, vice president and global industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.