Lip service

Hard times? Don’t pout! OK, pout, prettily, when affordable luxury is just a kiss away

by JENNIFER WATTON


As the economy crumbles, the Lipstick Index is jumping.

During World War II amid shortages and rationing when woman were discouraged from wanting luxuries, lipstick sales rose. Leonard Lauder, Chairman of the Estée Lauder group is credited with coining the “Lipstick Index” theory or the “Lipstick Effect” as an economic indicator.

“There seems to be some kind of correlation – when times are tough, gloss [and] lipstick sales seem to boom,” Shawna Weinman, a spokeswoman for the Toronto-based Cargo Cosmetics told CBC News.

In 2009 the business of luxury could face its first recession in six years. A study from consulting group Bain & Company predicts a seven per cent decline in global luxury sales this year. Bad news for luxury sales; good news for the cosmetics industry.

In an era of “austerity chic” women decide where to skimp, when to splurge. “In today’s credit crunch, a Chanel lipstick is a far more affordable luxury than a Chanel bag,” reports Marina Rust in February’s Vogue magazine.

And how to get the most out of your favourite lipstick? myvancouver beauty expert Sonia Leal-Serafim divulges her favourite lip tricks for creating a luscious pout.

“To keep chapped lips at bay and make your lips full and lush, try brushing your lips with your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. This will exfoliate your lips and get rid of any dead or flakey skin,” Leal-Serafim says.

“It’s always best to start out with a primer,” she explains. “MAC’s Prep & Prime Lip is a great product to smooth and refine your lips. Apply it before your lipstick to improve its appearance.”

If you are more of a lip-gloss kinda gal but want to find a way to make it last longer, Leal-Serafim recommends using a similar colour lipliner to match the gloss and “fill in your entire lips before applying your lip gloss.” On our model she chose Tinted Lipglass in Lychee Luxe by MAC.

Whether you skimp or splurge, in today’s cosmetics market there are plenty of great options. Joe Fresh Style, by Joe Mimran, creator of Alfred Sung, Club Monaco and Caban and the epitome of affordable chic, has launched a collection of stylish and well-priced cosmetics, due to hit Superstore shelves March 1. With quality comparable to prestige lines, their lip stains, tinted balms and cream lipsticks range from just $6 to $8.

Alternatively, Sisley’s Phyto-Lip Shine from Holt Renfrew is a wise splurge at $45. It’s treatment formula hydrates while forming a light film on the lips for a plumping and shape-enhancing effect and each silver tube comes in its own lush velvet case.

In these tough economic times, holding off on a planned vacation or major household purchase may be a prudent decision, but a luscious red lip surely is a guilt-free luxury. mv