I recently read an interesting article on the “Telegraph” the other day. I mentioned in a previous article on the “luxury market”, recessionary times always has a huge impact on the design, fashion and beauty industries.

The so called “lipstick effect” is what some economists have dubbed it. During financial trouble, women tend to ease up on certain large purchases and increase smaller ones. In order to left their spirits and their moods, women tend to go out and spend more on beauty and cosmetics. (Men on the other hand go from cars to small electronics).

“Recent sales figures from some of the world’s big cosmetic companies - L’Oréal and Shiseido completely back up the theory. In the first half of the year L’Oréal sales were up 5.3 per cent. The theory was first identified in the Great Depression. Between 1929 and 1933 industrial production in the US halved but sales of cosmetics rose. After the 9/11 attacks on the US sales of lipstick doubled.”

I’d have to admit - I’ve purchased more cosmetics in these past 2 months than I have combined over the last year. Perhaps it’s just a mere coincidence but either way true. Here are some of my favourite finds thus far:

Cover Girl Lip Stain: The water-based lip stain give lips a beautiful, lightweight splash of color. Its pen-like applicator makes it easy to define and fill in your lips without any hassle. It’s the perfect middle ground between lipstick and lipgloss.

MAC Liquidlast Liner ($20 CDN): This stuff is the bomb! It’s long-lasting with a non-smudge, non-flake precision line. As my make-up artist friend said, “You can be a professional synchronized swimmer and this stuff will not come off!”

Benefit Cosmetics Realness of Consealness ($35 CDN): This has to be the best base kit ever! Sometimes a little concealing and perking up is all I need. The kit contains: lemon-aid to correct discoloration on eyelids; boi-ing to hide even the darkest under eye circles; ooh la lift to brighten, lighten and tighten the eye area; lip plump to prime, smooth, and plump lips; and high beam to give your skin an ethereal glow.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

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