There is a study that states that during times of economic crisis, consumers, especially women turn to less expensive indulgences, especially when they are unsure of what the future might bring. This indulgence I am talking about usually is lip stick.

History is also one basis of this. A Harvard professor explains that during the 1930’s to the 1940’s, cosmetic sales especially lip stick increased to about 25 percent.

During this time line, it was the Great Depression and World War II that probably made women in that era feel insecure of their future. September 11 is also a good example. Since it rocked not only the economic, but also the nationalistic factor of the United States, lip stick sales doubled.

At present, the US is yet again experiencing a rough patch and with the latest economic funk, New York Times claim that lip stick sales have now risen to 40 percent, even putting out a list of brands and price that women buy. The prices range from $1.99 for those who are more price conscious to about $55 for those who want to splurge a little.

Right now, the current trend is more on neutral shades compared to the past where red was the preference.