NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Revlon Inc.'s first-quarter loss widened but came in better than forecast for the period.

The leading U.S. cosmetics maker lost $33.8 million, or 65 cents a share, excluding special items, up from $24.7 million, or 47 cents a share, it lost on the same basis a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by earnings tracker First Call had a consensus forecast of a 69 cent a share loss.

Revenue fell to $275.4 million from $313.6 million a year earlier. The company said much of the decline was due to the decision by two major U.S. retailers to have some shipments late in the fourth quarter rather than the first quarter.

The company said sales increased for skin care, women's hair coloring and antiperspirant/deodorant products and decreased for beauty tools. The year-earlier revenue number included sales from the company's Colorama business, which it disposed of in July 2001.

Shares of Revlon (REV: up $0.28 to $5.10, Research, Estimates) gained about 3 percent Thursday.