The NPD Group, Inc. said sales of lip products grew in the U.S. and U.K. between September 2012 and August 2013, though sales were soft elsewhere in Europe. Lip segments in U.S. department stores posted an 11% gain, generating $665 million in the 12 months ending August 2013. In Europe, the U.K. gained 8 percent, generating nearly $95 million in prestige lip sales. France held relatively flat during this time (+1%), and Italy (-4%) and Spain (-2%) experienced small declines.

“In the U.S., lips are keeping in step with the nail color trend this year. Consumers are responding to the new options and innovations in beauty and what better way than with some bold lips that make a statement,” said Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.

Within lip, U.S. sales of lip color were most successful with 16% gains, followed by lip liner (+10%) and lip applicator (+7%). Sales of lip gloss slipped 3%. The average price spent on prestige lip color in the U.S. between September 2012 and August 2013 was $22, a up 5 percent from the prior year.

The average amount spent on lip color across Europe increased slightly as well compared to last year.