Do you remember the “lipstick theory”?
It’s an idea that relies on lipstick sales as an economic barometer.
When times are tough, the theory goes that consumers will actualy indulge more in certain small luxuries, like lipstick, even as overall spending declines. Lipstick is seen as an affordable splurge, a more prudent pick-me-up than a designer bag or expensive pair of pumps.
I, for one, don’t think I’ve ever satisfied a shopping urge with lipstick.
It’s not that I never splurge. It’s just that I don’t do it with lipstick
I’m much more prone to the edible indulgence: a jar of jam I don’t really need, an obscure herb from the Asian market, a flamboyant tropical fruit….