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Make-up sales beat the credit crunch
It's a curious fact that in times of economic gloom make-up sales go up.
One cosmetics boss dubbed the phenomenon the 'Lipstick Index' after the product that benefited the most.
But, perhaps appropriately given that the current recession is deeper than most, today's women are turning to foundation to cope with being in the red.
Sales of foundation rose by 15 per cent, compared with 2.5 per cent in the lipstick market, as women pursue flawless skin to weather their financial woes.
It is thought that they may be wanting to pull off an understated look during the recession, rather than the brighter appearance of lipstick.
Experts at L'Oreal are now saying that the 'Foundation Factor' has taken over from the 'Lipstick Index' as a guide to the economic climate.
In a survey carried out by the beauty company, they discovered that most women now cite foundation as the one product they could not live without.
Only the over-60s said they valued their lipstick more than any other product in their make-up bag.
It was Estee Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder who coined the phrase 'Lipstick Index' during the U.S. recession in 2001. Indeed, the beauty business is still going strong while other retail sectors struggle, with 82 per cent of women saying make-up cheers them up and 88 per cent saying it helps them feel more confident.
Almost half the people questioned in the L'Oreal survey, 47 per cent, felt that wearing makeup gave them 'an edge' over their colleagues at work.
In London this figure shot up to 63 per cent.
Leading psychotherapist Lucy Beresford explained: 'Literally putting on a brave face is a good psychological boost and helps people deal with the stress and strain of economic worries.'
Putting on a brave face: Make-up can make women feel better during hard times
She added: 'Make-up has a hugely positive effect on the way we feel about ourselves; if we look good, we feel better, particularly as stress can play havoc with our skin.
'Choosing and wearing make-up lifts the spirits, and is all part of healthy self-nurture, which is essential for our well being.'
However, even when it comes to cosmetics, some women are cutting back on a few extra luxuries.
Consumers are shopping around for multi-purpose beauty products - sales of two-in-one facewash have gone up by 5.4 per cent - and they are also comparing prices to make sure they get the best deals.
The L'Oreal poll, which surveyed 1,000 women, also found that home hair- colouring kits have gained popularity in the past few months, seeing a 7 per cent increase in sales.
A further survey by market researchers Nielsen shows sales of nail varnish have gone up by 11.2 per cent as women opt for home manicures to save money.
Grita Loebsack, the managing director of L'Oreal UK, said: 'It is clear that consumers are looking to cosmetics to cheer themselves up and that looking good is still important when times are hard.
'However, understandably, they are also keeping a closer eye on their budgets, making sure that every purchase delivers maximum results at affordable prices.'
One cosmetics boss dubbed the phenomenon the 'Lipstick Index' after the product that benefited the most.
But, perhaps appropriately given that the current recession is deeper than most, today's women are turning to foundation to cope with being in the red.
Sales of foundation rose by 15 per cent, compared with 2.5 per cent in the lipstick market, as women pursue flawless skin to weather their financial woes.
It is thought that they may be wanting to pull off an understated look during the recession, rather than the brighter appearance of lipstick.
Experts at L'Oreal are now saying that the 'Foundation Factor' has taken over from the 'Lipstick Index' as a guide to the economic climate.
In a survey carried out by the beauty company, they discovered that most women now cite foundation as the one product they could not live without.
Only the over-60s said they valued their lipstick more than any other product in their make-up bag.
It was Estee Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder who coined the phrase 'Lipstick Index' during the U.S. recession in 2001. Indeed, the beauty business is still going strong while other retail sectors struggle, with 82 per cent of women saying make-up cheers them up and 88 per cent saying it helps them feel more confident.
Almost half the people questioned in the L'Oreal survey, 47 per cent, felt that wearing makeup gave them 'an edge' over their colleagues at work.
In London this figure shot up to 63 per cent.
Leading psychotherapist Lucy Beresford explained: 'Literally putting on a brave face is a good psychological boost and helps people deal with the stress and strain of economic worries.'
Putting on a brave face: Make-up can make women feel better during hard times
She added: 'Make-up has a hugely positive effect on the way we feel about ourselves; if we look good, we feel better, particularly as stress can play havoc with our skin.
'Choosing and wearing make-up lifts the spirits, and is all part of healthy self-nurture, which is essential for our well being.'
However, even when it comes to cosmetics, some women are cutting back on a few extra luxuries.
Consumers are shopping around for multi-purpose beauty products - sales of two-in-one facewash have gone up by 5.4 per cent - and they are also comparing prices to make sure they get the best deals.
The L'Oreal poll, which surveyed 1,000 women, also found that home hair- colouring kits have gained popularity in the past few months, seeing a 7 per cent increase in sales.
A further survey by market researchers Nielsen shows sales of nail varnish have gone up by 11.2 per cent as women opt for home manicures to save money.
Grita Loebsack, the managing director of L'Oreal UK, said: 'It is clear that consumers are looking to cosmetics to cheer themselves up and that looking good is still important when times are hard.
'However, understandably, they are also keeping a closer eye on their budgets, making sure that every purchase delivers maximum results at affordable prices.'
, they think an extra coat of makeup is going to fix everything.
) hair to look more presentable and easy on the eyes and cuts down on BO..of course that does not apply to risho bo gandoyay akhondee.
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