At a recent meeting of The Fashion Group International, an event sponsored by MAC and Cotton, Inc., attendees like InStyle Beauty Director Amy Synnott discussed 2009 beauty trends and cosmetics use in a down economy.
They talked about the Lipstick Index, a well-known financial barometer that says cosmetics (lipsticks in particular) sales rise as the economy slows down.
Well, the index has jumped. Quarterly figures from makeup giants L’Oreal and Estee Lauder show that despite strain in most areas of US department store spending (with the exception of Wal-Mart, which is doing great), lipstick sales are on the rise. When money’s tight, women spurn expensive new clothes and shoes in favor of more modest retail therapy.
What can we expect to see in 2009?
Signs point to even more sheer neutral shades, fewer bright reds and more pinky browns and rosy taupes.
“People are really buying wearable neutrals in beauty,” Synnott says, “like the version of lipstick that is ‘the little black dress’ of lipstick. They are buying a lot less of the ‘out there’ colors. Classic looks are strong.”
Loading ...Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
