Makeup Sponge Market

Market Overview

Makeup sponges, also known as beauty sponges, refer to the tools used for makeup or face painting and come in all shapes and sizes. These sponges are made of different synthetic materials. It helps in the proper application of products like foundation, contour, blush, etc., and blends it better onto the skin. Makeup sponges are essential for applying and blending base makeup as it absorbs water rather than the product. Therefore, the base makeup, which consists of foundation, concealer, BB creams, etc., lasts even longer.

Makeup sponges have become an essential tool for professional makeup artists due to being reusable, their user-friendly properties, and better results than other comparative makeup tools. Hence, the wide popularity in the beauty world and increasing demand by professional makeup artists and individuals are expected to propel the global makeup sponge market during the forecast period. However, the availability of alternatives such as brushes may hamper the growth of the market.

Regional Analysis

Based on geography, the makeup sponge market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest market share in the global makeup sponge market during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the presence of emerging economies, which are expected to create significant demand for makeup sponge as there is lucrative growth in the beauty care product in the industry.

The region is anticipated to represent a considerable high market growth for these makeup sponges due to the increasing population and adoption of innovative products among youth. As per the data shared by the United Nations World Population Prospects, the Asia-Pacific region contains 60% of the world’s youth population, or 750 million young persons aged 15 to 24 years, and youth make up about 19% of the region’s total population.

In addition to this, the growing cosmetics industry and growing awareness of one's appearance is expected to boost the demand for makeup sponges as these can be used for different purposes. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s 14 USD billion beauty and personal care industry is on a roll due to online sales of beauty products, premiumization, and an inclination towards organic and ethical brands.

The high penetration of smartphones and easy access to the internet that exists at the fingertips of 560 million Indians, according to the report of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, 2018, is also driving the continued rise of the beauty industry in the country. Furthermore, increased demand and spending on cosmetics and personal care, household, and industrial products due to rising disposable income and the largest consumer base for these products are anticipated to augment the growth of the makeup sponge in this region.

North America is anticipated to be the second-largest market in the global makeup sponge market during the forecast period owing to the robust growth of the cosmetics industry in the region. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Mexico is one of the largest economies, and the Mexican cosmetics market is estimated at 9.75 USD billion, ranking 12th in the world. It is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 7.7% to over 14 USD billion by 2020.

Besides, direct selling is the largest distribution channel for beauty products, accounting for roughly 40% of the total value of the market, followed by supermarkets at 30% and wholesalers at 15%, with department stores only accounting for less than 4% of the distribution.

Segmental Analysis

Growing Cosmetic Industry to Boost the Market Growth

The robust growth in the cosmetics industry is anticipated to boost the demand for makeup sponges during the forecast period. Makeup sponges can be used for various purposes apart from applying makeup, such as cleansing, skincare products application, etc. The growth of this industry can be attributed to the increasing consciousness related to one's appearance and grooming.

The increasing demand for online shopping for cosmetic products has allowed most of the manufacturers or producers to establish a wide sales network, which is expected to positively impact the market growth of makeup sponges. As per the 2019 annual report of Loreal Paris, the cosmetic market saw a gain of 5.5% in 2019 and 18% by the makeup segment, which shows that the cosmetic industry is growing rapidly, which will increase the demand for makeup sponges.

Indirect Sales Channels to Boost the Sales of the Makeup Sponge

The indirect sales channel is expected to register for a significant share in the overall makeup sponge sales as compared to direct sales channels owing to various advantages provided by it. Currently, hypermarkets and supermarkets are expected to remain the most preferred sales channels, followed by multi-brand stores and specialty stores due to the easy convenience of buying options with the advantage of touching and feeling the product makes the consumers visit the stores. These stores allow multi-vendor presence, product comparison, low price offerings, etc., so that the consumer can make an ideal choice.

Furthermore, these channels comprise the stores which are most preferred and visited by the consumers. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the revenue of India’s offline retailers—known as brick and mortar (B&M) retailers—is expected to increase by 1.39 USD to 2.77 USD billion in the year 2020, which is predicted to further increase in the coming years. Therefore, this sales channel will observe growth and drive the demand for a makeup sponge.

Competition from Other Makeup Application Tools to Restrict the Market Growth

The makeup sponge market is forecasted to face tough challenges from other makeup tools, such as brushes, and airbrush machines, which are anticipated to act as a restraining factor and may hamper the growth of the market. These alternatives provide a similar finish to that of a sponge and come in a variety of range so that it can reach maximum customers, which are expected to generate substantial hindrance to the market.