Cosmetics makers shine with beauty chasers on the rise

Domestic firms like Carslan, Chicmax bank on brand building, R&D for growth

Domestic cosmetics retailers have continued to see booming business growth, fueled by an increasing pursuit of beauty and youth among Chinese female consumers, especially those of the middle-income group, in the country's fast-growing cities, as well as increased domestic brand recognition.

Chinese cosmetics company Carslan said it would develop more high-end products and raise prices, as it aims to compete with top international brands that have traditionally dominated the luxury market.

In the first half of this year, Carslan saw double-digit online sales revenue growth, which mainly came from marketing on short-video platform Douyin. For brick-and-mortar stores, sales remained flat. The company said it expected similar sales growth rates in the second half.