The Lipstick Effect
Lipstick. I don’t need any more lipsticks. I love buying them anyway. I have a drawer full, every shade of pink and red. Every texture; sheer, matte, shimmer. Opaque and translucent. A secret indulgence I rarely wear but love to purchase; another addition to my drawer.
I go to the store, the plethora of colors call to me. I smear the shade on the back of my hand, look at in the light. Does it complement my skin tone? Does it brighten my face? I go on to the next one and the next one. The colors like paints in an artist’s toolbox, so many possibilities. Which will I take home? I ask for advice and don’t take it. I play with the colors on my hand, smudge it on my lips.
Will it be the juicy red apple or the brown pick or the dark burgundy.
They say when the economy is running smoothly, and consumers are feeling confident lipstick sales plummet. When consumers are worried about the economy and their finances, lipstick sales rise. The “lipstick effect,” — when facing economic crisis, consumers will be more willing to buy less expensive luxury items — lipstick. I know this to be true.
