Lipstick Rules During Economic Snooze

Gas prices are closing in on $4 (what, are we living in Europe now?!), interest rates are increasing (and not for our savings accounts) and in general, people are freaking out about the economy. So, what's a girl to do? Apparently, go buy some lipstick.

Recent reports indicate that when the economy gets tough, the tough head straight to the cosmetics department. While consumers may not be able to buy that luxurious SUV or $2,000 handbag, they can buy smaller items that make them feel good, such as lipstick and other cosmetics.

According to Steve Ogden-Barnes of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies at Monash University, ""When things get tight, people might put off buying the new plasma or the new sofa, but there is no way a woman is going to leave the house without her make-up on," he says.

While I don't completely agree with Ogden-Barnes interpretation--I have zero problem leaving the house without make-up on for crying out loud!--I do agree that as the R-word frenzy continues, consumers are purchasing less larger-ticket items and are instead drawn to low-priced luxuries.

The lipstick theory even has its own name. The "lipstick indicator" was developed by Leonard Lauder, chairman of the Estee Lauder Group after 9/11, when lipstick sales alone doubled in the United States. The psychology behind this is intensely fascinating (because, c'mon, does lipstick really make us feel that much better?), but for our retail-oriented purposes, this is good, solid information to have right about now.

For example, on a recent visit to Nordstrom Rack, I saw the low-ticket purchase increase in action. On a sunny Saturday, the store was jam-packed. The lines were 10 to 15 people long and there was that frantic energy in the air, you know that uncomfortable feeling that someone is going to find your deal and take it from you? Women and men alike were stocking up on summer gear, accessories and winter mark-downs. In addition to a bevy of beauty products, such as lotions, bath gel and the like.

According to the lipstick indicator, cosmetics are virtually economic downturn-proof--with sales regularly increasing during tough times. And that makes me wonder, did I just buy that new lipstick at Rite Aid because I needed it, or was it because it was something I could buy effortlessly?

Ladies, what do you think of this--are you buying more cosmetics during these times? Leave your comments here.

--Heather Strang

Comments

[Polly]

Earlier this week I was balancing my check book for the first time since making some serious cuts to my budget. I was shocked to see how much more I had started spending on frivilous items... a tube of mascara here, a pair of earrings there... it really adds up. I didn't realize at the time that these tiny purchases were an effort to ease the "void" of doing without those larger, more satisfying purchases I am usually able to make. It never fails to amaze me that I, too, am a statistic.