The lipstick effect vs covid-19

Consistent upticks in lipstick sales during times of economic austerity have been historically ascribed to women’s lasting need to look for a pick-me-up in the form of low-cost cosmetic product. The speculation was that women substitute more expensive purchases like dresses and shoes for lipstick during slowdowns. After 9/11, lipstick sales were said to have doubled and rose by a respectable 11% in 2008.

So what is happening now that official guidelines are to wear a mask when outside of your home? As a testament to the far-reaching impact of the pandemic on our everyday lives, lipstick is no longer the go-to purchase, having been upstaged by eye makeup and long-wear foundation.