Review of Literature
Review of Literature
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1. INTRODUCTION
This part of the chapter presents a review of existing literature on
consumer behaviour towards cosmetics in order to gain insight into the research
work. Such reviews highlight the significant studies not only in India but
throughout the world. This review also focuses on the preferences, advertisements,
the cosmetic markets and the consumption pattern of cosmetic consumers. This
product, they consult the existing users first and obtain a preliminary opinion. They
also gather information about special features in it, make a decision to purchase,
buy and use the product, then evaluate the quality of the product.
and pretty. Women’s choice of cosmetics has changed from luxury category to an
essential category. Due to the advent of satellite television the awareness level of
women towards cosmetics has increased a lot. They feel that cosmetics highlight
their attractive features and conceal their facial flaws. The increasing fashion trends,
18
the cosmetic consumers to choose different cosmetic items. The following reviews
deals with the awareness level and preference level of cosmetic consumers
Chief among the Facials” that consumers look carefully for the texture and covering
power while purchasing talcum powder. They give preference to powders that blend
with their skin and cover-up oiliness and blemishes. They use talcum powders
Trade Up” that Indian women still rely on natural home made products very much
factors which drive the Japanese consumers towards cosmetics. They initially
preferred lipstick but slowly their preference had changed to mascara, lip-gloss and
status, acceptance in the society, to express identity and finally to build self
confidence.
facial make-up market in Europe was growing rapidly. The foundation product
offers sun protection benefit and anti-ageing benefit; consumers buy only expensive
products and continue to opt for premium priced products which automatically
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Christina Dickman5 in her study “Body Image Effects on Cosmetics
Consumption among Young Females in the Greater Helsinki region” stated that
Cosmetic Category from Stagnating in the Mature Markets” focused on the faster
and improved application of make-up products. The main thrust behind the wide
innovation in mascara brushes during recent years was the priority of women
towards eye make-up products. The innovative launch of improved brushes which
help to apply nail polish faster and more accurately keeps the nail products sector
Facing a Chan” stated that, the cosmetics market in Finland has undergone a
dramatic change. The people in Finland choose their cosmetics very carefully.
Care Needs of Women of Colour in South Africa” mentioned that the African
women and the Indian women like to enhance the beauty of their eyes with the use
of eye shadow, mascara and eyeliner, but Asian women use liquid foundation.
Lipstick was preferred by a majority of Indians and Asians prefer nail polish.
Nancy Et Coff et al.,9 mentioned in her article “The Real Truth about
Beauty: A Global Report” that to look fresh, pleasant and physically attractive,
Quarterly-Indian Beauty Market Roundup” that, India is one among the fastest
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growing beauty markets in the world and that the colour cosmetics market segment
is growing faster as more and more women become aware of beauty products and
Tracy Scelzo et al.,11 found in their study, “Little Emperors Grown Up:
cosmetics to highlight their best features and to create their own vision of beauty.
They use cosmetics to highlight their attractive feature which gives them a unique
appearance.
Behaviour and Consumption Pattern of Facial Skin Care Products’ that moisturizers
were found to be preferred by most of the consumers followed by anti ageing cream
beautiful and attractive not only to their eyes but also to the eyes of others; they feel
that if they use cosmetics it can transform them from being dull and dreary to
become bright and alive. The following reviews bring out the attitude of cosmetic
21
Michelle Guthrie et al.,14 in their study entitled, “The Effects of Facial
Image and Cosmetic Usage on Perceptions of Brand Personality” stated that in the
total quantity of cosmetic consumption, the consumer’s facial image may have an
influence. Women tend to use more cosmetics when they have self satisfaction of
their facial image. The investigators opined that the consumers who were with a
positive facial image had more confidence in using cosmetics to enhance their
beauty. They creatively manipulated their facial features which resulted in higher
women wearing make-up have a greater earning potential and get more prestigious
jobs than those who were not very enthusiastic about their make-up. The researcher
found that the use of cosmetics increased facial symmetry, improved skin texture
published the article, “Effect of Cosmetics Use on the Physical Attractiveness and
Body Image of American College Women”. The result of the study revealed the
following facts: male consumers felt that women who were physically attractive
were wearing cosmetics; women without cosmetics were not beautiful to the eyes of
others.
consumers from Chemical to Herbal Cosmetics in India” concluded that the middle
class population that has a sizeable growth in disposable income was the important
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target for cosmetic products. The cosmetic consumers under various income groups
display. Information regarding the quality of the cosmetics, the special benefits and
the discounts offered were provided to the cosmetic consumers through different
media. The following reviews bring out the different instruments which influence
Behaviour with reference to Hair Oils” focused on the influencing factor of the rural
advertisements, attractive packaging, small packs and low price while purchasing
hair oils.
that women in the age group 25-35 were more beauty conscious. Lakme was the
market leader which was followed by Revlon and L’oreal. The study revealed that
revealed the following findings. In the case of colour make-up products, female
brand image, convenience of purchase and the current trend in the market. The most
influential source was models on advertisements for Koreans and magazines for
Japanese.
highlighted that a great majority of the women consumers have chosen Lakme as
the best brand and its advertisement techniques have been widely appreciated by all.
preferred to buy branded and standardized cosmetic products which were frequently
advertised on television. The main reason for preferring advertisement was the
information provided regarding discount, special gifts, brands and quality of the
product. Brand ambassadors, catchy slogans and the music in the advertisement also
Loyalty among Malaysian Female Consumers” indicated that the loyalty of the
consumers has been influenced by brand image, brand reputation, after sales
24
services and sales personnel. The study found that the perceived level of brand
satisfaction effects for urban women consumers than for rural women consumers in
Malaysia.
Cosmetics in Nilakottai Taluk” that a majority of the consumers were of the opinion
that they should buy particular brand of cosmetics for their entire family. The
their cosmetics. The buying decision of the consumers was influenced by the
positive attribute of the shop such as its location, layout. If consumers find the retail
store highly accessible during their shopping trip and were satisfied with the stores
assortment and services of trained salesmen, then they prefer the particular shop to
the retail outlets, then they become impulse buyers. The following reviews bring out
Impulsive Buying - The Case of the Philippines” identified the factors influencing
planned and impulsive purchase in personal products. Seventy six percent of the
shoppers were very clear in their brand choice and bought only their regular brands
25
Nussara Chaisitthiroj28 observed in her article “Thai Consumer
not always prefer expensive products. The female consumers were not impulsive
Women in Direct Selling Enterprises”. The findings revealed that a majority of the
consumers were house wives and middle aged graduates with nuclear families and
may be considered as very important while purchasing cosmetics. They were the
quality, social factors, brand loyalty, package, price and promotional factors. The
following reviews indicate that quality was the main factor which influences the
Delhi Region’ that quality and price were the two main parameters
the Cosmetics Industry: A Field Study on Turkish Women’s Brand Loyalty among
Cosmetics Products” that the quality of a product was the most important factor that
26
influenced the consumers to purchase a particular brand. The other factors which
make the consumers to purchase cosmetics were skin type matching, satisfying
capacity of the product, reasonable pricing and popularity of the product’s brand
pointed out that quality and price were found to be the important criteria for buying
cosmetics. Lower income group people gave more importance to price, while those
of higher income group gave more importance to quality and brand name.
India: Obvious Excitement” stated that in India the increasing number of women in
the age group of twenty two to forty five with a high disposable income have
realised the importance of looking good. They show interest in high quality skin
care and colour cosmetics. This segment had caught the attraction of the leading
cosmetic market.
Coimbatore District’, that quality of personal care products and nearness to selling
points were the most important facts for purchasing personal care products. The
study points out that the consumers take rational decisions while purchasing
Market Trends and Brand Preference” that “Fair and Lovely” was the most
preferred brand among the consumers. The major factors influencing the purchase
27
decision of fairness creams were price, quality, and size of the pack, durability,
of Brand Loyalty for Cosmetic Products among Youth’, that when the consumers
buy cosmetic products, quality was the main factor followed by brand, name, price,
Cosmetics among consumers in Kerala” have found that quality was the main
The prestigious brand names and their image influence the cosmetic
behaviour of branded cosmetics. The following reviews indicate that brand choice is
the main factor which influences the consumers while purchasing cosmetics.
Disposition and Appearance on Cosmetic Purchase Intention and Brand Loyalty for
Elderly Women” stated that elderly women with a high cosmetic purchase intention
were brand loyal and preferred specific cosmetics that suited their skin type. The
result implies that elderly women prefer cosmetics since they give importance to
their appearance and new trends in fashion and beauty care products.
Women’s Selection of Facial Make-up Brands” that the most commonly used
28
make-up items in the order of preference were lip-stick, blush, lip-liner and eye-
liner. Housewives, women with low education, the married and the elderly use
traditional make-up products such as powder, foundation, blush and the eyebrow
pencil. Lip liner was mostly worn by the unmarried and the youngest groups. The
researcher opines that Saudi women were more likely to rely on brand names.
City’ that the brand, quality, advertising, store location were the important factor for
mentioned that most of the consumers were brand loyal and they wanted value for
their money. Hence brands like Lakme, Revlon and L’oreal have captured the
market. At present the middle aged females and youth between eighteen to twenty
four years prefer herbal products as they feel they were less harmful when
The use of cosmetics not only boosts up the self image of the
consumers, but also improves their physical and psychological points of view.
Physically the consumers will be attractive and better looking; psychologically they
were confident since they feel they were presentable and beautiful to the eyes of
others. The following reviews indicate that social factors were the main factors
Preliminary Findings” observed that lipstick has gained an accepted place in the
society. It also enables the users to gain self-esteem and status within the society as
29
it was a significant vehicle through which women can raise their image and status in
the society.
Male Consumer Behaviour in Buying Skin care Products in Thailand”. The results
of the study pointed out that the Bangkok male consumers were influenced by self-
image, attitude and normative influence while buying skin care products. Further,
the result indicates that consumers with a positive attitude have greater intention to
participation of women in urban work force and growing importance of looks and
personal grooming were the key social factors for the growth of the personal care
industry in India.
beneficial impact upon the perception of professional women who use cosmetics to
manipulate their appearance. By doing this their positive self perception which was
associated with wearing make-up may go up. Women feel confident while wearing
opportunities.
Overview” that every woman wants to look beautiful through the use of make-up
choosing the right color make-up products to get fit into the society. Due to these
30
factors colour cosmetic market has become one of the fastest growing sectors in
India.
Loyal consumers were willing to pay any price for their favored brand.
Their purchase behaviour is not easily affected by the hike in price. At the same
time, the consumers who were price conscious and those who do not give much
importance to quality prefer only low priced cosmetics. The following reviews
indicate that price was the main factor which influences the consumers while
purchasing cosmetics.
Consumption Pattern of Cosmetic Products among Young Males in Delhi’ that the
Men’s Cosmetics Market” opined that men were more aware of cosmetics market
through advertisements. The consumers assert that they do not feel guilty in using
cosmetics. They use cosmetics to improve their self image and for hygienic
purposes. The important factors that influence the consumers while purchasing
products from the shops where they were neatly displayed. The study proves that
consumers were more reluctant to purchase chemical cosmetic products due to their
side effects. The major factor which influences the consumers was the price of the
cosmetics.
31
Attractive package can influence the consumers to purchase a product.
It can also stress the brand image of the cosmetics and retain the consumers and
attract new ones. The following reviews indicate that package is the main factor
urban area. His findings revealed that the consumers insist on proper labeling even
for products from reputed firms as they have developed a habit of going through
MRP, date of expiry, before purchase. Finally, the female consumers want the
package to be hygienic and differentiated from fake products and the packets should
cosmetics. Since it acts as promotion they felt that label should contain the usage
Cosmetics; An insight from the viewpoint of consumers”. The result observed that
sophisticated packages from known brands and they were willing to pay more on
32
products. It influences them to buy the products. The following reviews indicate
that promotional factors were the main factors which influence the consumers while
purchasing cosmetics.
the cosmetic company’s website offers the make-up mirror, a virtual make-up try on
utility. The consumers upload their photos and apply cosmetics to it. The photos
with cosmetics can be printed which helps the consumers while purchasing
cosmetics.
Empirical Study” revealed that consumers prefer to buy Ponds talcum powder. “Fair
and Lovely” and “Fair Ever” were the fast moving brands of facial creams. Elle 18,
Lakme and Revlon were the fast moving brands of nail polish. Courtesy, good
service and various promotional strategies adopted by the producers and retailers
were the main reasons for the reputation and success of cosmetics retail.
the consumers. They felt that the herbal cosmetics were good for their skin. The
and Nutricosmetics?” pointed out that women not only search beauty products but
were in need of nutria cosmetic products. Cosmetic consumers along with their
nutriceutical food products on a regular basis and they were the target consumers
33
Qiushichen57 opined in his article, “Evaluate the Effectiveness of the
cosmetics were safer for people and friendlier than chemical based products. So the
future developing tendency of cosmetic industry should focus more on eco friendly
products.
stated that young Indians consider health, wellness and beauty as important aspects
of life. Times of India, one of the leading Indian dailies, say that Indian consumers
were willing to spend more on eco-friendly products and natural beauty products
consumers must always read the ingredients on the label and follow the instructions
before using the product. In case of any default, they should consult a doctor and
can file a complaint either with the Drugs Control Office or the Consumer Forum.
period. The following reviews bring the review regarding halal cosmetics.
Azreen Jihan Che Mohd Hashim et al.,60 in their study states that it is
halal cosmetic. Those Muslims who have a thorough basic knowledge about Islam
34
Muhammad Bilal Majid et al.,61 in their study opines that study opines
that halal cosmetics and personal care industry is in the attention of the world now.
Due to the increasing awareness and religious belief on halal certified cosmetic
brands there has developed a positive effect on the intention of cosmetic female
2.3. CONCLUSION
While going through the literature referred to above, the researcher
found that the study of consumer behaviour towards cosmetics had been undertaken
by many researchers throughout the world and in India. A close perusal of the
review of the literature revealed that the study on consumer behaviour of cosmetics
has not been conducted in Thoothukudi District so far. So, considering the massive
importance of cosmetic industry and to fill up the gap the present study was
35
ENDNOTES
1. Anthony Thanaraj & Siyan.(2001). “Talcum Powder – Chief among the
facials”.Indian Journal of Marketing.
36
11. Tracy Scelzo & Dawn Leman. (2009). “Little Emperors grown up: a case
study of cosmetic usage”. Young consumers, 10(2), pp.110-119.
14. Michelle Guthrie, Hye-Shin Kim & Jaehee Jung (2008, September).“The
effects of facial image and cosmetic usage on perceptions of brand
personality”.Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 12(2), pp.
164-181.
16. Thomas F. Cash, Kathryn Dawson, Pamela Davis, Maria Bowen & Chris
Galumbeck (2010, July). “Effect of Cosmetics Use on the Physical
Attractiveness and Body Image of American college women”.The Journal of
Social Psychology, 129(3), pp.349-355.
17. Urvashi Makkar, Amandeep Singh Sehra, Bhupesh Tewari, Jai Narayan Rai,
Bhagirath Rao & Rahul Sharma (2007, April). “Changing Attitude of
consumers from Chemical to Herbal Cosmetics in India”.Indian Journal of
Marketing, pp.3-7.
25. Stephen Laison Sondoh, J.R. (2009, December). “Brand image, Satisfaction
and loyalty among Malaysian Female consumers: The moderating Effects of
Personality and Dwelling area”.
http://eprints.usm.my/15339/1/brand_image_satisfaction_and_loyalty_among
_malaysian_female_consumers_the_moderating_effects_of_personality_and_
dwelling_area.pdf.
30. Anjali Sharma, Shruti Bhola, Shweta Malyan & Neha Patni. (2013). “Impact
of Brand Loyalty on Buying Behaviour of Women consumers for Beauty
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Loyalty in the Cosmetics Industry: A Field Study on Turkish Women’s Brand
Loyalty among Cosmetics Products”. Journal of Business and Economics
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36. Rajasekar, N. (2002, July). “Fairness Creams - A Study on Market Trends and
Brand Preference”.Indian Journal of Marketing.
39
38. Vinith Kumar Nair & Prakash Pillai, R. (2007, April). “A Study onn Purchase
Pattern of Cosmetics among consumers in Kerala”, Part VI Consumer
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39. Byung-Sook Hong, You Hyun Cho, In Sun Baik, Eun Jin Lee, Sung Hee Park
& Yoo Jin Kwon.(2006). “The Effect of Well-being Disposition and
Appearance on Cosmetic Purchase Intention and Brand Loyalty for Elderly
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40. Hind Nasir Al-Shudukhi & Raad Abdul Kareem Habib.(1996). “Brand Choice
as Function of Consumer Decision making - A study of Factors Underlying
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41. Kulkarni, N.M. & Saket Bansod.(2013, June). “A Factor Analysis on Product
Attributes for Consumer Buying Behaviour of Male Cosmetics in Nagpur
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45. Pratik Kadakia, Abhishek Nigam & Ashwin Rao (2009, October). “Outlook
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40
47. Virginia Graham & Emmie Salaj (2009, March). “India: Country Overview”.
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overview-india.
53. Mert Topoyan & Zeki Atil Bulut (2008). “Packaging Value of Cosmetics An
insight from the view point of consumers”. ICOVACS, Izmir, Turkey,
http://kisi.deu.edu.tr/ mert.topoyan/dosyalar/topoyan_bulut.pdfroducts.
41
57. Qiushichen.(2009, August). “Evaluate the effectiveness of the Natural
cosmetic product compared to chemical based products”. International
Journal of Chemistry, 1(2).
60. Azreen Jihan Che Mohd Hashim& Rosidah Musa, (2013, July).“Modeling the
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42