• January 28, 2009

Sales of prestige beauty products--the higher-end fragrance, skincare and makeup products sold mainly in department stores--slipped 3.3% in 2008 in the U.S., reports The NPD Group, a Port Washington, N.Y. market research firm.

Fragrance experienced the biggest decline, it says. "The most pressing concerns for the fragrance category are not only the loss of users, but decreasing frequency of usage. It is important that the industry find new ways to engage consumers, especially as they become more independent about their product selection." Anti-aging products held their own, while makeup also fell.--Sarah Mahoney