We probably don’t need another one, but following on from hem line theory we now bring you the lipstick index.
Via the New York Times:
As the economy crumbles, the Lipstick Index - that frivolous financial barometer that says cosmetics sales rise in direct relation to free-falling finances - has jumped. Sales in the last few months are up 40 percent.
The idea here is that rather than go for the £100 pair of boots or dress or whatever, women will instead opt for a £10 lipstick pick-me-up in times of economic uncertainty.
Of course, the index neglects fashion and trend factors that might have influenced the upward swing (what are lip gloss sales doing, for instance?), but at least we know the recessionary lip colours du jour:
What do women want when they aren’t allowed to want too much? Traditional lipsticks in more-sheer neutral shades; the bright reds of days gone by have been replaced by pinky browns and rosy taupes.
Related links:
Frown fighters - New York Times
Hemlines doing their part for the economy - Seattlepi.com
