The Lipstick Effect of 2009

History and research has shown that when the economy goes into a recession or a depression, the sale of lipstick increases. "The Lipstick Effect"... A term coined after the Great Depression, which saw sales of cosmetics rise in the four years from 1929 to 1933.

As the theory goes, glum consumers continue to spend money on small luxuries during times of economic or emotional stress to buy their spirits, a point underscored in the months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, which saw lipstick sales double.

It seems difficult for women to justify spending their hard earned money on the latest Louis Vuitton handbag or those Christian Louboutin pair of heels. At least they can still splurge on themselves with a small item like cosmetics or lipstick...to look good and hopefully feel better about themselves...

Humm...using the luxury of cosmetics to lift our spirits and feel pretty...well, that might have been the case in the Great Depression.... Ladies, times have changed...the current depression puts higher demands on everything...including our cosmetics.

Faced with news of increasing layoffs, straining economic pressure and the fact that competition out there is much greater than ever before...in all facets of life...we need to step it up. Let's face it; no one really knows when the next ball will drop. Everyone seems to be competing to get that client, keep that job or end up being one of the hundreds trying to get that one available new job. How do you get noticed, being one from so many...how can the fact that you have years of experience, knowledge and the ability to get the job done, not be overshadowed by the dark under eye circles you have from not sleeping. How can all the years you've put into your field be recognized as an asset when your self conscious about your uneven skin, rosacea or that nasty breakout? It does sound a bit silly, but is it? First impressions DO matter. Your appearance is a good investment even when times are very tough. People, who take care of themselves daily, seem to be able to get ahead of those who don't. Think about the time you spend getting your resume coiffed. The time you spend in finding the appropriate suite, all the hours spent hunting on search engines looking for jobs...

Time can give you the professional knowledge. But time can also take away the youthful sparkle of your appearance if you let it. When you look good, you feel confident. That gives you a Competitive Edge and something your colleagues and clients will certainly recognize, appreciate and come to expect.

The Lipstick Effect of 2009...cosmetics to help us feel pretty is not enough. Find multi function products that will treat your skin; to make you look good, feel good and that are good for you. Learn how to apply it properly for your field of business...and walk into a room confident that you have done everything to best represent yourself...with a Visual Competitive Edge!

Comments

[rusgrl]

I agree so much. First impressions DO matter. And looking always polished and put together is especially important in reccesion.
Yeah some people will argue that appearance shouldn't matter. Theoretically - yes it shouldn't. Realistically - it does.
The employer doesn't need to know you have spent the night crying over lack of job and how desperate you feel. The same as you advertise to a prospective employer how you have been not getting ay interviews and are desperate for any job. Seeming desperate is not an attractive trait to anyone. And an upbeat, energized, polished and put together woman that looks like everything is peachy and looks like she has 10 other offers lined up WILL shine amongst those who don't look this way. And 9 times out of 10 will get the job.

[evaesthetic]

This sucks. I hate that women have to contort ourselves into artificial roles in order to compete for things that have NOTHING to do with physical appearance. We should be trying to examine our prejudices and work around them, not pander to society with new lipstick.

[electricsquirrel]

Genius.