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The recession is forcing women everywhere to cut back on buying clothes, holidays and dining out – but it seems they have no intention of giving up their make-up. In a trend known as the Lipstick Factor, figures show that sales of eye shadow, perfume and especially lipstick are weathering the recession.  Cosmetics generally have seen a year-on-year increase in sales during the downturn.

If they can afford only limited luxury, women reason that a tube of lipstick is an inexpensive option compared with buying a new outfit or spending a day at a spa.  But rather than saving their pennies by choosing cheaper products, they are treating themselves to top-end, quality brands, the research suggested. In my own case I opt for a bottle of perfume – my latest buy being the new Gucci.

Data has shown that cosmetics enjoyed the highest growth in the expanding UK beauty market. Sales rose 7.4 per cent to £1,200million between 2007 and 2008, according to market research specialists Mintel. Face and body skincare were up 6.7 per cent to £1,000million and women’s perfume rose 4.6 per cent to £667million over the same period.  Interestingly the Great Depression of the 1920/30s brought a similar trend, with rising unemployment and tougher competition for jobs making women eager to look their best.

Looks like it pays to be an Avon Lady right now!

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