The Lipstick Factor: Women are treating themselves to expensive cosmetics despite the recession
The recession is forcing women to cut back on clothes, holidays and dining out – but it seems they have no intention of giving up 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.
Data showed 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.
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought a similar phenomenon, with rising unemployment and tougher competition for jobs making women eager to look their best, experts said.
Bright red statement shades give women the confidence boost they desire during the recession, according to Selfridges director Anne Pitcher.
She added: 'Anecdotal evidence shows that lipsticks are up for the first time in years.
'Red is especially popular, as Scarlet Johansson and Monica Bellucci promote the classic Hollywood make-up look.'
George Wallace, chief executive of shopping consultants MHE Retail, said: 'A 25 to 34-year-old woman in the UK is carrying £71 worth of make-up in her handbag and there is no sign of her giving this up in the downturn.
'If anything she is buying more to cheer herself up.'
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