Superdrug sales increased 6.8% over the Christmas period, helped by strong demand for its fragrance lines and make-up gifts from brands such as Maybelline, GOSH and Makeup Revolution.

Online sales at the health and beauty retailer jumped 47% in the five weeks to January 2, driven by strong growth of its online Doctor service which dispenses products direct to customers’ doors or nearby stores. The service raked in its first £1m sales period in December, said the retailer.

Superdrug, owned by A.S. Watson Group, said make-up was a seasonal winner, while sales of bronzing products rose 20%. Foot care and home pedicure increased 20%.

Fragrance sales were up 12% with best sellers including Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Dolce & Gabbana.

Its Health & Beautycard loyalty programme now has 7 million registered members, an increase of 2 million from last Christmas.

During the last quarter Superdrug opened four new stores including its first airside pharmacy. The retailer plans to open 20 new stores in 2016.

Superdrug managing director Peter Macnab said: “This Christmas we concentrated on offering customers as many reasons as possible to shop at Superdrug – from market-leading prices to a wealth of free gifts. We also added interest to our stores with new beauty services, including Braid Bars offering hair plaiting and Glitter Lips.”