Core Insights - The Chinese beauty market is undergoing a profound transformation in consumer choice dynamics, characterized by the coexistence of niche and high-premium products, professionalism and experiential support, as well as personalization and authenticity becoming core dimensions of brand value assessment [3][4][6] Group 1: SPOT Model and Consumer Behavior - The SPOT model (Small is Beautiful, Professionalism, Optimal User Experience, True Identity) captures the evolving consumer preferences in 2025, indicating a shift from brand and price dependency to a multi-faceted driving system [6][14] - "Small is Beautiful" highlights the rise of niche markets, with platforms like Douyin becoming battlegrounds for emerging brands, evidenced by Douyin's monthly active users exceeding 1 billion and a beauty category penetration rate of 25.9% [7][9] - "Professionalism" reflects consumers' extreme pursuit of efficacy, with 31% opting for professional skincare brands, showing a significant growth rate of 6% compared to the overall market's 1% [10][12] - "Optimal User Experience" emphasizes the dual focus on efficiency and emotional connection, with consumers seeking high-quality, time-saving solutions alongside emotional wellness products [12][14] - "True Identity" necessitates brands to maintain clear positioning in the digital age, with personalized experiences like AI skin assessments gaining traction among consumers [14][18] Group 2: Consumer Segmentation - Worldpanel's 2025 study identifies seven distinct consumer segments in the beauty market, including Connoisseurs, Holistic Beauty Seekers, Strugglers, Thrifty Survivors, Traditional Enthusiasts, Passive Participants, and Classic Essentials [18][20] - The "Connoisseurs" segment, representing 15% of consumers, contributes 2.24 times the average market spending, indicating their potential as a key target group for brands [22][24] - The "Holistic Beauty Seekers" segment, accounting for 14%, shows a willingness to invest in comprehensive beauty care, presenting opportunities for brands to educate and elevate their value perception [22][24] - Lower engagement groups like "Traditional Enthusiasts" and "Classic Essentials" are more price-sensitive, with over one-third of the latter relying on promotions for purchases [24][25] Group 3: Hair Care Market Dynamics - The hair care segment, traditionally viewed as stable, is experiencing significant structural upgrades driven by consumer demand for refined products and brand innovation [26][29] - Advanced hair care products like hair masks and scalp serums are growing faster than basic shampoos, reflecting a shift in consumer perception towards hair management as part of overall self-care [29][30] - Innovative concepts like pre-wash treatments and the "sandwich washing method" are gaining popularity, enhancing the ritualistic aspect of hair care [31][34] - The emergence of tools and instant solutions, such as AI color testing and styling devices, is expanding the at-home care market, allowing consumers to achieve salon-like results [35][36] - The competitive landscape is shifting, with emerging brands leveraging functional differentiation and experiential value to capture market share from established players [36][37]