Prestige beauty sales in U.S. department stores showed healthy gains during the first quarter, according to The NPD Group. During the quarter sales reached $2.6 billion, up 12% over the prior year’s quarter. Fragrance, representing 21% of prestige beauty dollars, grew 9%. Skin care, representing 38% of prestige beauty sales, grew 14%. Makeup, representing the majority of the prestige beauty business at 41% of sales, grew 13%.

“Gains in both skin care and makeup are happening in many areas,but smaller segments and sub-segments, as well as sets and kits, are making a large impact within both categories. Fragrance continues to be driven by premium offerings, including juices over $100,” said Karen Grant, vice president and global industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.