- September 13, 2022
- Posted by: Stratford Team
- Category: Economy
The Lipstick Index is back.
The term was coined during the 2001 recession by Leonard Lauder, then the chairman of Estee Lauder Cos. He noted that lipstick sales rose in the autumn of that year, indicating that women facing an uncertain economic environment turn to beauty products as an affordable treat.
Then the financial crisis of 2008-2009 spawned the Foundation Index, as women prioritized flawless skin over a perfect pout.
This time around, get ready for the Perfume Index, or perhaps the Bouncy Blowout effect. Fragrance or hair care sales may be more reflective of consumers shifting from extravagant purchases to cheaper indulgences in the post-pandemic era.
To be sure, makeup sales are booming. As masks come off, lipstick has been leading the way — in both the US and Europe, and in mainstream and premium markets.
But cosmetics demand isn’t confined to lipstick. The natural “clean girl” aesthetic, characterized by glowing skin, has…
