Do Lipstick Sales Really Increase in Difficult Economic Times?
One theory often repeated by Mary Kay directors is that when times are tough, women still buy lipstick. In fact, they claim there is evidence that lipstick sales actually increase.
But a recent story published by the Economist says the data don’t always support this theory.
The term “lipstick index” was coined by an Estee Lauder executive during the 2001 recession. But the index is less than reliable. Sometimes sales go up during tough times, other times they go down.
The bottom line: reliable historical sales figures don’t exist to support the theory.
Lipstick on 
Ann on 
Brooke on 
Tam on 
The first part is probably true. Women will still buy lipstick. My theory is they’ll go to the drugstore and buy it for $4-$7. In a bad recession, they’ll wait for a sale and get it with a coupon for $.50-$3. LOL $13 a tube for regular old lipstick that does not include SPF is not a good bargain.
Now a chocolate index….there’s a theory. ;P
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Oh yeah! Chocolate index!
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How True!
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Chocolate? Did somebody say chocolate? Yay…I could go for that! Karma for you Julie!
And you are absolutely right, people will not be buying the $13 lipstick when they can get something as good or better for way less.
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Mmmm chocolate. hehe Chocolate is a girls best friend…not dimonds
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