There are significant things we seek in life; our purpose on Earth and what our kids are really doing when we're not watching are two I think of. But here's another sort of lifelong quest: the search for the perfect lipstick. Silly, you say? You might be surprised at how much time and money are spent on this search.
Mass merchants alone sold nearly $1 billion worth of lipstick last year, industry statistics show. Add department store sales and the number triples. About 98 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 34 wear lipstick, according to a study done last year by Estee Lauder Cos. Lipstick manufacturers, including Lakewood-based Bonne Bell, have begun in recent years to peddle lip products to girls as young as 4 years old.
Estee Lauder has issued for decades its ``Leading Lipstick Economic Index,'' which has shown historically that lipstick sales soar when the economy falters. Others concur. In 2002, lipstick sales were up 10.8 percent from the year before, according to marketing research firm Information Resources. And 2001 was a good year for the industry, especially after the September terrorist attacks when lipstick sales rose 11 percent in two months.
The most popular color during those days? Fire engine red, of course.
Other sorts of cosmetics drop in sales during a recession, but there's something special about lipstick. ``I think it's instant gratification at a reasonable price,'' said Janet Bartucci of Estee Lauder. Indeed, lipstick can be had for as little as 50 cents a tube to $50. But no matter the cost, how many of us have a basketful of bad choices, out-of-date colors or ones we've simply tired of?
A couple of years ago, I bought a lipstick that looked great in the tube, but made my lips appear remarkably like uncooked liver when worn in the light of day. Five years ago, I found a lipstick I felt was perfect for me, but two months after I discovered it, the company discontinued it. I also think the whole lipstick quest is complicated by a woman's changing tastes and features as she ages.
I theorize the seasons of a woman's life can be measured by the lipsticks she wears. A pre-teen is usually introduced to lipstick with clear, fruity glosses. It progresses from there. As women grow into middle and old age, their lipstick choices get brighter and pinker to perk up dulling complexions. By the time many otherwise elegant women reach 75 or so, they're applying pink lipstick with so much enthusiasm, their mouth resembles more of a smear of color than a recognizable facial feature.
Lipstick issues are complicated by the fact that women's lips thin as they age and develop those nasty vertical wrinkle lines above the upper lip. Eventually lipstick ends up edging into those little lines. Before we know it, we look like our grandmothers gussied up for church.
Professional help with cosmetics used to be entirely intimidating at department stores, But now, many discounters have advisers on hand. Sephora, an upscale worldwide chain with a store in Beachwood, carries hundreds of different brands sold by noncommissioned clerks. Luckily, others retailers, including department store giant Bloomingdale's, are taking a cue and offering consumers a more relaxed environment in which to experiment with cosmetics.
And there's plenty of new stuff out there to play with. So go ahead and buy some lipsticks, even if they end up in the bad choice basket. Consider it your humble contribution to the American economy and the sheer beauty of the universe.
