the lipstick index – party line

November 25th, 2012 admin

I was recently reminded of The Lipstick Index while reading an article in WWD. The basic idea behind this phrase, coined by Leonard Lauder (the son of Estee Lauder) during a recession early in the 21^st century, is that the purchase of lipstick and economic vitality are inversely correlated. The speculation: when times are tough, women will hold off on purchasing big ticket items and will buy lipstick.

I have to say I love this term almost as much as I love a bold lip color. When I was just starting off in the working world, I barely made enough money to pay my bills. Living in New York and working for a clothing designer was amazing but it seemed like I was paid in clothing allowance, puppy dogs and rainbows. Discretionary income was slim to none. Nevertheless, each month I would allow myself a trip to Sephora and one new lipstick. On those days, it seemed like the sky was the limit. I was in cosmetic heaven.

Women have understood the transformative power of lipstick for ages. It can enhance your current look or totally reinvent you. The possibilities are as endless as the colors available. So try on a little holiday cheer in the form of a new lip color – MAC Party Line.