May 1 (Reuters) - Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder ( EL )

posted a smaller-than-expected drop in third-quarter sales on

Thursday, supported by resilient demand for its fragrances and

haircare even as the broader makeup and beauty category

underperformed.

The MAC lipstick maker's net sales fell 10% to $3.55 billion

during the period. Analysts on an average estimated a fall of

10.72% to $3.52 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.