We're calling it: tough times are ahead with COVID-19's effect on our economy, but the lipstick indicator suggests when we feel down about business, those less-expensive purchases such as lipstick go up - and what a way to boost our mood, right? Editor Trudi Brewer shares some of the latest formulas that may just help you weather this storm.
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The lipstick index is a thing. It was a term coined by Leonard Lauder, of Estee Lauder Companies, who used this term to describe increased sales of cosmetics during the early 2000s recession. In essence, we are hoping his wisdom will extend to the next few months of global turmoil caused by Coronavirus. Here are some newbies, all in the crisp shade of red, that you can buy online now.
Time to boost the economy, and get shopping for a new lippy.
Clarins Joli Rouge Lacquer in Joli Rouge, $50.
A bold liquid-like, lacquer that comes in a lipstick bullet. This formula melts on the lips thanks to the iron oxides (natural colour pigments) and the Shea butter, as well as antioxidant extracts from an organic Marsh Samphire (a salt-tolerant succulent). The slanted edge means there is no need to use a brush; the shape of this lipstick allows for an exact application - it’s genius.
Clarins Joli Rouge Lacquer in Joli Rouge, $50
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in No 73, $66.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in No 73, $66.
A pretty stain that builds to a satin sheen all thanks to a feather-light formula made with ‘hydrospheres' (which are layers of moisturising ingredients), candelilla wax, rosemary, yeast and carrot root extracts. All those ingredients offer comfort and weightless colour on your lips for hours. Finally, what’s not to love about the couture jewel-like packaging? There are 26 shades.
Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick, in Rose Mandarine $56.
The brand says this lippy offers 'high-impact weightless colour, in one swipe'. All thanks to the Sea algae extract and micronized coated pigments - we say it feels and looks like Mulberry silk once it touches your lips. There are 30 shades.
Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick, in Rose Mandarine $56.
Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes, in Fire & Ice, $25.
Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes, in Fire & Ice, $25.
One of the classics is now available in a velvet matte finish. Infused with agave, moringa oil and Cupuacu butter they look matte but won’t make your lips feel parched. With 12 shades in all the best sellers from the Super Lustrous range.
Jane Iredale Lipstick Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick in Ellen, $64.
The rich iron oxide offers true-to shade pigments that are whipped into what the brand calls a 'triple' formula, which makes this lippy long-lasting, ultra-hydrating and good for your skin. The recipe is a natural blend of sunflower, avocado and Moringa oils, Jojoba esters, and candelilla wax, with Tahitian vanilla and blackberry, added to give it a subtle sweet scent and taste. There are three new shades in the new seasonal Autumn Bloom Basics Collection.
Jane Iredale Lipstick Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick in Stephanie, $64.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense in Wild Poppy, $64.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense in Wild Poppy, $64.
The amplified colour, is thanks to natural oxide pigment, and once mixed into the nourishing formula of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, your lips get that instant plumping effect. There are eight shades.
CHANTECAILLE Asian Elephant Lip Veil, in Pink Pink Lotus, $85.
Pricey, but current, with a percentage of the sales of this limited-edition balm-like lipstick going to Elephant Family a charity that helps minimize the conflict of animals and humans, in the battle for space throughout Asia. The ingredients include FairWild-certified, organic Baobab oil, mango butter, and argan oil that ensures this semi-sheer lippy glides on and leaves your lips feeling smooth for hours.
CHANTECAILLE Asian Elephant Lip Veil, in Pink Pink Lotus, $85.
Bareminerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick, in Confidence $35.
Bareminerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick, in Confidence $35.
The brand says this lipstick was inspired by the healing powers of natural minerals, including crystals and gemstones. We say it's the creamy, satin formula made from cold-pressed sea buckthorn, pomegranate oil, vitamins and omegas whipped with nourishing olive oil that makes it unique.