Make up glosses over money misery

In times of economic difficulty, women forgo expensive handbags and other luxuries in favour of more affordable items like lipstick, it has been claimed.

The Lipstick Index theory suggests that sales of make-up shoot up during a downturn, while expensive bags and dresses are left on the rail.

But Mecca Cosmetica founder Jo Horgan has told the Australian that even though women may be finding things tough on the money front, a spot of pampering is still as important as ever.

“Whether it’s colour to make them feel good or skincare products to make them feel nurtured, there will be a continued demand for that despite the current climate,” she insisted.

And the theory is not without precedent, with research carried out after September 11th showing that lipstick sales shot up in the wake of the attack.

However, women who are keen to hit the shops to give their lips a bit of colour may want to stay away from the Guerlain store if they don’t want to break the bank.

According to mostexpensive.com, the famed fashion house is the proud seller of KissKiss Gold and Diamonds lipstick, which at US$62,000 ($90,742) is the dearest lippie in the world.