The Recession Solution: Red Lipstick?

December 11, 2008 RSS Feed Print

Hey ladies: Have you bought a new tube of red lipstick lately?

If you have, then consider yourself up on the latest alleged trend. According to the brand Black Radiance, sales have gone from 12 tubes a week to 52. The reason? The economy. "Red lips evoke a sense of power in women allowing them stand bold and tall in the face of adversity. So it only makes sense that red lipstick sales are on the rise in America’s recent recession," the company asserts in a recent press release.

You might be wondering if this is really true, or just a marketing ploy. At least one other reporter comes down on the side of "marketing ploy," and I have to agree with her.

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personal finance

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Have you ever heard of the lipstick index? Lancome keeps track of its lipstick sales becuase during economic downturns women buy smaller items like lipsticks for themselves as opposed to more pricier stuff like perfumes and what not. That;s probably why they're selling morelipstick.

of 6:42PM December 11, 2008

I don't think it's a solution to the problem, but I think that red lips do make a girl feel powerful! Or a red bag, or red dress...red=power and when everyone is feeling powerless it's kind of nice to have a little bit of hope...

of NJ 5:21PM December 11, 2008

Is this the one you put on the hockey moms, or the pit bulls?

of 5:15PM December 11, 2008

Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, is the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back. Send her your personal finance questions.


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