Unemployment Spikes Lipstick Sales

Lipstick sales spike when women see red

As the Dow continues to plummet, and job opportunities continue to shrink, one little object is on the rise. Lipstick. Sales of lipstick have risen by 40 percent in the past few months.

This rosy turn of events might seem strange, but it's actually a well-documented phenomenon. The Lipstick Index (as it's called) holds that cosmetic sales go up as the economy goes down.

Why lipstick? In a tough economy, lipstick may be the one indulgence many women can still afford. Women may be putting off buying large purchases but they will plunk down $20 for a designer item that will make them feel better. Makes sense, we know a new lipstick perks our mood. We are thinking pink gloss for spring.