It seems that lip color is the preferred lip product among consumers, and 33 percent of women use it more than once a day, according to NPD Group. Prestige lip color sales in the U.S. experienced a significant 24 percent increase in dollar sales for the month of November 2014, as stated in NPD's 2014 Makeup In-Depth Consumer Report.

Lip products are also among the primary drivers of total prestige makeup growth, which is the overall prestige beauty leader. The use of lip color has risen with younger women in particular, and the appeal is based on both fashion and function.

Sales gains in this category are driven primarily by increases in unit sales, as the average price spent on lip color has remained relatively flat over the past year, pointing back to spending behavior of a younger consumer. In November 2014 alone, almost 1.8 million prestige lip color products were sold in the U.S., a 22 percent increase over November 2013. According to NPD’s 2014 Makeup In-Depth Consumer Report, lip color is currently the preferred lip product among consumers, and 33 percent of women use it more than once a day.

“A red lip is both ‘on trend’ and classic at the same time. For the holiday celebrations, it is not only bold, but also fun, festive, and can’t be missed," says Karen Grant, NPD's vice president/ global beauty industry analyst, and member of Beauty Packaging's advisory board.

Grant continues:

“Lip color can totally transform a woman’s look, and even affect their mood; that’s a lot of benefit for something that costs around $20,” added Grant. “The value proposition of lip color is very emotional, as well as practical, even for women on a budget. Messaging that taps into the consumers’ desires can capture them, regardless of the season.”