The Top Ten Beauty Brands - are they what you think?

Article by BR Natalie

Forbes are the master of lists. Want to know the richest people in the world?  They've made a list.  Want to know the best  company to work for (other than BR)?  There's a list.  So when, during our list reading excitment we came across the "Top Beauty Brands" we knew we had to share it with you!

The beauty industry is worth 382 billion US dollars and Brands Finance, a valuation company narrowed down a list of 50 companies, rated not solely based on their capital but by projected revenues, customer loyalty and willingness to pay a price premium, royalty rates and current market value.  So let's look at the top 10 beauty brands in the world as of 2013 - will there be any surprises?

10. Shiseido - Quality of life.  One of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world, Shiseido was founded in Japan in 1872, making it over 140 years old! It's also a parent company to NARS, Bare Escentuals and Joico and is probably most famous in New Zealand for Moisture Mist. 

9.  Biore - Face Anything.  Biore is a Japanese brand under the company Kao (who own John Frieda and Molton Brown to name just two!).  Specialising in skin care products to clean pores, Biore are probably most famous for their pore strips.  Who hasn't had fun using those?

8.  Estee Lauder - Not by hoping or dreaming, but by working for it.  Estee Lauder began as a husband and wife team in 1946.  Starting with only four products (Super-Rich All Purpose Creme, Creme Pack, Cleansing Oil, and Skin Lotion) they established their first department store account just 2 years later.  (With Saks Fifth Avenue no less).  Estee Lauder parents brands such as M.A.C, Bobbi Brown and Origins.

7.  Dove - Real Beauty.  We have a soft spot for Dove - their once controversial advertising campaigns using real women, with real bodies have now set the bar for the industry.  Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and what women want is products that work for them. 

6.  Lancome - Release the beauty inside of you.  Lancome began in 1935 with the simple mission of creating a beauty brand that would 'deliver French elegance around the world'.  Mission accomplished we'd say.  Celebrities from Juliette Binoche to Kate Winslet have graced the advertising campaigns and even though it's now part of the L'Oreal group they're very much their own brand.

5. NIVEA - It starts with you.  NIVEA was founded in Germany in 1882.  NIVEA comes from the Latin for 'snow-white' and refers to their most famous and iconic product - NIVEA Creme.  Who doesn't know the simple blue and white tin?  Now a world leader in moisturisers and body lotions, NIVEA remains a favourite throughout generations.

4.  Neutrogena - No1 Dermatologist Recommended brand.  Orginally a company called Natone, Neutrogena was founded as a cosmetics company in 1930.  Now most famous for their skin care and sun protection products, Neutrogena remains a staple in the beauty aisle.

3.  L'Oreal - Because we're worth it.  From the many branches of L'Oreal (Paris, Professional, Kérastase to name just three) to brands such as Viktor & Rolf, The Body Shop and Dermablend, we think it's safe to say every one has used a L'Oreal product at least once.  Founded in France in 1909 and originally called Auréale, L'Oreal have become a staple of beauty cabinets worldwide.

2.  Avon - Ding, dong, Avon's calling.  And they're not just for Nanna's!  Avon was founded in 1886 and is now sold through represntatives in 140 countries.  You might remember last year we recruited an Avon task force.  Their reviews on cosmetics and hair care products told us one thing - Avon had shed their "fuddy duddy" image - and not only are they on trend, the prices are reasonable and the products perform. 

1.  Olay - Love the skin you're in.  Your mum's favourite is the most successful beauty brand in the world.  From their famous pink Beauty Fluid to their anti ageing range that "every mum wants for Mother's Day", Olay have become a staple in the beauty aisle.  Olay began in South Africa in 1949.  Their signature Beauty Fluid was so elusive, the packaging and advertising never explained what the product was!  Surely any brand that could get people to buy it without knowing if it was a moisturiser, a beauty cream or a body lotion was always destined for success?! 

Phew, so there we have it.  The top 10 beauty brands in the world.  Any surprises?