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3 Ways to Get a Gorgeous Recession-Proof Pucker
During World War II, American women knew how to keep morale up: by faithfully applying that classic glamorous shade of red to their lips. There were photos of all sorts of Rosie-the-Riveters sporting work pants, hair scarves, and carefully painted lips while toiling away building fighter jets and tanks. In times of war and economic downturn, when women are forced to sacrifice their more extravagant luxuries, frugal females are more likely to indulge in smaller beauty splurges— namely lipstick.
The New York Times reports on what it calls the “lipstick theory” of gauging the state of our economy: when the country is struggling financially, lipstick sales rise, as women can more readily justify the purchase of a $16 tube of lipstick versus a $350 pair of heels. Economists say that lipsticks are smaller ticket items meant to stand in for larger indulgences, so maybe you can’t spring for that $150 spa facial, but an inexpensive tube of lipstick can have the same effect of brightening up your face for much less cash.
While the lipstick theory is obviously a casual indicator, it makes a great deal of sense. Women feel that lipstick projects an image of composure; that you care about how you look, despite the fact that you can’t afford this season’s latest fashion offerings or cutting-edge hair trends. And when women smooth on a creamy new shade of lipstick, it makes us feel better, which counts for a lot during times of sacrifice and restrictive budgets.
Here are a three other inexpensive ways you can pamper your recession pout:
- Exfoliate – The skin on our lips is very delicate and can tend to get dry and flaky during the harsh winter months. A normal facial exfoliate isn’t going to cut it on your kisser, which needs much gentler attention. I like the comforting Lip Scuff for a solution to chapped, flaky lips and for creating a baby-soft base for your brilliant lip color.
- Moisturize – Cold winds and dry winter heat can wreck lips, and sometimes that sticky drugstore chap stick can do more harm than good. After a careful exfoliation of your lips, make sure to slick on a layer of moisturizing protection. Lip Care is chock full of Vitamin E for dewy freshness, with the added protection of sunscreen. Don’t be fooled by the cooler temperatures, the sun’s rays can be just as damaging and intense in the wintertime, so protect your pout!
- Tint – Once you’ve pampered your lips into smooth softness, they’ll be perfectly prepped for a layer of your favorite creamy shade of lipstick. Go bold in the colder months and choose a deeper berry or rich red for a look that will garner head-turning glances of appreciation. Check out The Body Shop Lip Color for some great variety. There’s 18 different shades, each with the same vibrant pigmentation for lasting color, so you’ll be covered no matter what the season.
We may have to pay attention to gloomy economic indicators, but it sounds like The New York Times has proven that we don’t have to give up on the little things on the way.
