Nielsen: costumers spending more on global health and beauty trends

With consumers around the world cutting back on discretionary expenses during the recession, Nielsen probed consumers’ attitudes towards health and beauty (H&B) products—where they purchased them and what factors went into their buying decisions—as part of its Global Online Survey of more than 27,000 people across 55 countries in the first quarter of 2010. And while views and habits differ by region, there’s one thing in common: people continue to place importance on looking good and feeling their best.

Virtually all online survey respondents in Latin America (96%) and Asia Pacific (92%) said they purchased H&B products, along with 90% of people around the world who made up the global average. But what prompts consumers to stock their cabinets with make-up, fragrances and personal care items?

For 44% of global respondents, it was the lure of the product’s promise. A pragmatic 69% of respondents said they were influenced by price, while 58% said they bought as a result of a personal recommendation. Magazine articles, Internet buzz and traditional ads all factored into the purchase equation as well.