The Lipstick Indicator To Great Wealth

I really liked this – “The last thing you want to do during this financial crisis is to focus on your worry.”

That is some solid advice right there.

I seriously haven’t spent anything in the last couple of weeks beyond living. I’ve been sick though. I will be having a haircut that I desperately need. That always does something to help me feel good. Not bad for $20.

Soon though I plan to buy an Olympic weight set to begin a program of exercise and eating that I will be blogging about. The aim of the program will be for me to become a lot stronger while losing a some weight. Something that is usually considered mutually exclusive.

Evelyn, what a fun post! You had me smiling all the way through. I couldn’t agree more with “it’s good to feel good”. I mean, who can argue with that?

I admit I’m doing well financially, and expect this to continue in the months to come, but even so, purchasing small-ticket items has a way of adding to my feeling of wealth and abundance. Over the past few weeks or so, and more than usual, I’ve been downloading music and renting movies from iTunes. The New World instrumental music of Patrick Kelly in particular is quite uplifting and the movies I’m watching are sci-fi faves, old and new.

I love the image at the start of your post. I appreciate the beauty of attractive women as they invariably make me feel good. I was hoping to see you in your new mini-skirt, sleeveless tee, and sparkling hair band.

Christopher

Ah..I have to agree that putting on lipstick makes me feel better, shallow, I know, but it’s the only make up I use.

That’s fascinating, and I’ve never heard of it before. For me, it’s a fresh tee-shirt, or a really good cup of coffee. I’ve been buying super cheap coffee and it just isn’t the same.

@Stephen, hope you are feeling better already. Your Olympic weight set sure sounds interesting. I’d be looking forward to reading your posts on your new experience!!

@Christopher, it’s nice to know that you are pampering yourself with music and movies lately. Well, I don’t really enjoy having my photos taken!!

@BC Doan, the greatest invention of all time for women must surely be the lipstick!!

@Writer Dad, I know….I have been unable to cut down on my lattes. It’s just not the same drinking weak coffee!!

I definitely like to “splurge” on expensive coffee, even when I’m really badly broke! Makes me feel like I don’t have to forgo all of life’s great pleasures! Sorry, I might have to give the lipstick a miss tho!

That’s a fascinating statistic, and just shows that if you know where to invest, you can profit in downtimes (if you have enough money to invest — I don’t). What makes me feel good is a hot cup of coffee, a warm bowl of oatmeal, a satisfying dinner. I guess I’m more food-oriented than makeup oriented.

As a guy, I don’t buy lipsticks to make me feel good. LOL.

But the last thing that I got for myself as an indicator to aligning myself towards my vision was to get a book. I took my time to read it, and it sure was way worth every single dollar that I had left spent on the book. 🙂

CooooooooooooooooooL !

I just purchased a wonderful stereo system for my ’96 Jetta, which has mp3 player, hd radio, bluetooth, along with the amplifier and two subwolfers. It made me sooooo happy. My old stereo could only play radio and cassette and I wanted something with great sound where I could hear my affirmation MP3 and my motivational cd’s that I recorded from Abraham and the Sylvia system. It really was not the time for me to spend this money but I went with the great feeling of having it. I know that I live in an Universe of Abundance and I refuse to let the feeling of fear and lack overtake me. I am confident that more will be provided to me.

Hi Evelyn – this is really interesting. I had no idea that the price of lipstick went up in economic decline. It makes me wonder if we shouldn’t be selling things to make people feel better?

I have had to cut back on spending heaps. I used to pay myself a huge salary and now I’m cash strapped. But I think it is doing me good to realise how wasteful I was before – especially when it came to things like travel.

My last things I bought were small things – two books: the newest Abraham Hicks one and The Power of Now. I’ve wanted to read them for ages. And an eyeshadow quartet – the first time I bought Boots No7 in years.

I don’t know. Perhaps a good handbag? It does not have to be expensive but it does have to be unique …being unique in the way I dress and accessorize makes me feel wealthy. Certainly.

I wear lipstick almost every day. 🙂 But I did cut my spending and have not bought anything in an attempt to make myself feel better. I do agree that spending a little, within our means, on a pick-me-up is not a bad strategy at all.

That’s a pretty cool way to track the economy. Now where exactly can I track lipstick sales on a weekly basis?

Hi Evelyn. This was really interesting!

I’ve been in my own “recession” since losing my job over a year and a half ago. But you know, I’ve never worn lipstick very much. I’m self-conscious of my lips for some reason and don’t like to draw attention to them. Weird huh?

Plus, I know a lot of guys who don’t like kissing lipstick. Not that I’ve been kissing a lot of guys lately 🙂

In my situation, I consider it to be splurging to go to a coffee shop and buy a special coffee with whip cream on it. Now, whip cream is something I feel comfortable having on my lips!

I did recently purchase a new computer (thanks to VISA) because is was a good investment for my business. I’m learning that a lot of our “purchase power” revolves around priorities and choice.

Normally a person under a financial strain wouldn’t go out and buy a new computer, but it was a priority and a choice.

@Ross, I can see why you’d be giving lipstick a miss….LOL!! Thanks for visiting my site.

@Dot, I certainly relish a good meal too. I am lucky to come from Singapore. An average meal is not that expensive and easy to get from the local hawker stalls. In terms of spending allocation, I’d rather put more on shopping. Yes…selling lipsticks appears to be a recession proof business!

@Daniel, I’m glad to know that you enjoy reading books. Me too!!

@Vinay, thanks!

@Muneca, sounds like you have been happily shopping! Good for you!!

@Cath, it is not that the price of lipstick goes up during bad economic times. Rather, it is that the sales revenue from lipsticks go up during bad times. If prices of lipstick stay constant throughout good or bad times, then the number of lipsticks being sold during bad times, instead of going down, have actually risen.

It is wise to be prudent when we find ourselves overspending. It’s great that you are monitoring your spendings. I’ve also been borrowing my books from the library instead of purchasing too many of them. Then, after reading them, I may just go on to buying some of these books if I decide that they are ones that I want to keep.

@Maya, a unique looking handbag sure makes a nice accessory. Christmas is coming, is it not?

@Vered, if I should ever get into the lipstick business, I’d want you as my customer!!

@Ian, are you doing some kind of research?

@Davina, as I read down the lines of what you’ve written, I did think that you’ve been kissing a lot of guys…LOL!! Wow…it is great that you bought a new PC. It definitely is a good investment!!

I’ve been thinking of getting a new laptop (the new Macbook Air perhaps?) but for my case, that will be extravagance. My current laptop works fine and I don’t have a good reason for upgrading now!

Hi Evelyn – Frank and I like a spot of retail therapy. One of our favorite shops is a local $2 Shop – we like to buy little torches, candles, incense, purses, anything.

And I can see I maybe should go into the lipstick business – ha ha (except I rarely wear it so I might not do too well)

You did a GREAT job on that image!

An amazing smoothie makes me feel rich. One with all those fancy stuff that makes me feel good. They cost like $7 bucks, but worth every penny.

Hey Evelyn
It’s interesting to hear how the lipstick can be related to our economy. Bravo … Power to Women!
I know that LOA encourages us to spend more, to circulate what we have in order to remove the feeling of lack or limitation, but I agree with you “Don’t spend beyond our means or on necessary purchases”. We won’t be able feel good anyway, so “like attracts like”.

I’ve only wore lipstick once…for Halloween (don’t ask) — it didn’t make me look like a million bucks!! And you know what, you ladies have it tough – putting that stuff on is not easy!!

I have two indulgences that make me feel grand – a really good coffee, and dark chocolate. In fact, I’m have a cup of fine coffee right now!

This is a great piece Evelyn. It’s great, because it’s a reminder that we should not necessarily always worry about some of these things we have no control over, and spend some time really enjoying our lives. That’s not to say we shouldn’t be proactive about making our lives better in difficult times – but that it’s also important that we have a wonderful life “now”. So, I love this idea…even though I won’t be applying lipstick again anytime soon…

@Robin, thanks for the nice compliment!! I do also find that even $2 buys can perk me up a fair bit. It is not about having bought an expensive item but more so that even in times like these, I can continue to pay for items. There is a sense of gratitude for the abundance that I enjoy. Well, if I should ever quit blogging, I may just go into the lipstick business. I figure that it would not be too difficult to make lipsticks my “best friend”.

@Karl, $7 for a cup of fancy smoothie?? Now that is extravagant!! But hey…who am I to judge!?!

@Wenny, I like what you said…yeah…more Power to Women!

Lance, was it just this Halloween that you put on lipstick or way back? It would be great to see a photo…LOL!!

It’s nice that you recognize how much time and effort we ladies put into looking our best.

It sure seems like a number of bloggers are coffee drinkers, who have chosen to continue with their premium coffee!!

I also like your contribution to the idea of not worrying. You said that it is so important that we have a wonderful life “now”. So true!!

Love, light and truth,
Evelyn

The Halloween dress-up — about 3 or 4 years ago. Our children’s school was having a Fall party at school – and people could dress up – most kids did, and about a handful of adults (including me as a girl scout — complete with lipstick, dress, and pink wig — I didn’t shave my legs though!). I was one scary looking girl scout, that’s for sure… Picture…I don’t want to scare you Evelyn!!

Have a great weekend!

Hi Evelyn: I think people in general like to feel like they’re pampering themselves, and that doesn’t stop during economic downturns; instead, they just turn to less expensive things, like you point out here. If a bright red lipstick reassures women that all is still right with the world, then I say they should go right ahead 🙂 I’ve heard that candle sales also go up during economically difficult times.

I couldn’t resist commenting… it wasn’t lipstick for me, rather, I would go to the nearest drugstore and “invest” in a new bottle of bright colored 99cent nail polish!

Always made me feel better and, like lipstick, it’s not fattening.

Thanks for the great post. It brings back fun memories!

I haven’t changed my spending habits. As for lipstick, I haven’t worn makeup in years. If I start feeling down I just get a bit more exercise and get involved in a challenging project.

@Lance, why on earth you are appearing as a girl scout, I do not know!! But I am sure you must have looked quite a sight…LOL!! Bet you had a great time!

@Marelisa, so is there a candlestick indicator too…LOL?

@WealthCatalyst, I’ve always wondered if there is any difference in the 99 cents nail polish as compared to the ten-bucks-a-bottle ones.

@Jean, good one there – what perks you up does not cost a cent!! You also get to do something worthwhile!

Buying anything never makes me feel better or worse. I’m not a shopper at all. I can years without even being inside of a mall. Now a massage – that’s a wonderful purchase to make me feel good!

Great post Evelyn. I didn’t even know about how lip stick can indicate the economy condition until I read this post.

By dressing ourselves up is definitely one way to let us feel good and confident. Worrying about things out of our control doesn’t seems to help much in this uncertainty.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

This article really got me thinking. Not only do I now see this is really true much more clearly – but I see that I’ve been doing it, too.

I really love Sumatran coffee. It’s expensive though, and I CAN drink cheap coffee so I don’t indulge often. I must say, that between myself, hubby, and our roomie – I’ve had Sumatran for me in the kitchen for the last month. Hmmm… (Now isn’t it interesting that even if I won’t buy it for myself, the hubby or the roomie buy it for me? Does that count as an indulgence for them – enjoying treating someone else? That is fun, isn’t it?)

My other indulgence I had yesterday – I live in a town with natural hot springs, and I had a nice half hour soak. YUM. Depending on which spring I go to, I can have a half hour of pure bliss for $3 to $10. I’ve really cut back on it lately, maybe I should rethink that. It definately does make me feel rich.

Last, but hardly least, I have a guilty pleasure – Bella Sara cards. They allow me to indulge a number of “vices” I don’t let myself have much any more – collecting and spending time playing games on the computer – with the lovely added addition of nice, positive sayings associated on every card. They are meant for “little girls” – but this little girl is 49 and loves them – LOL.
They are perfect in several ways to allow me to just switch my mind off, all those daily concerns, and be a happy little kid for a while.

Yes – I bought myself a box yesterday.

My latest project is sort of based on the idea that when we go through a rough time, we look for simple pleasures, or get nostalgic for a time we see as being happier. I know I’m enjoying working on it, and I hope it brings as much pleasure to others when it’s ready to share.

I have makeup, but rarely wear it. My lipstick factor is yarn first, books second. I’ve become a regular at the library, though, rather than buying them lately. Having been in the middle of my own temporary cash flow situation, I had been restricting myself to necessities and cutting corners severely: only paying the bills, the mortgage, gas and food. But then I received a windfall, and the first thing I did was go out and buy some yarn for an afghan. It wasn’t even the luxury sock yarn, but something about being able to “splurge” on a non-essential made me feel like all is right again with my world.

@Tom, you’ve been having the same wardrobe for years?? Maybe it’s time for a makeover. I consider having massages a “luxury” for me too! It’s not so much the money but I seldom can find the time to go for a session.

@Vincent, I’m happy to know that you’ve enjoyed this post.

@Sumer, how about you buying the Sumatran coffee for your hubby and roomie and then invite yourself for a cup as well! Giving gifts is a lovely gesture and you get to enjoy your own gift as well!!

You sure do sound like a little girl with your Bella Sara cards! The soak seems deliciously warm and fun too!

It’s great that you can find so much happiness in the simple pleasures of life. Good luck with your project!!

@JB, it’s great that more of us are going to the library to borrow rather than to purchase books! I also found it wonderful that you went out to buy the yarn for your afghan.

You’ve made very prudent choices in cutting down. The little luxury here and then are our spots of bliss, even while our broader circumstances may show otherwise.

Bad times, good times, makes no difference. If I want to buy something, I simply buy it, now a days, mostly books though.

Hey Evelyn

I agree. I expect a lot of people to invest in little ways for feeling good.

Evelyn

I have actually heard of the lipstick indicator before from my marketing days, and personally I have also found that when money is tight you still need something to make yourself feel abundant and happy and like good times are just around the corner. For me that used to be going to nice bars for one drink with a girlfriend or fancy cafes for coffee and a read of a book.

I don’t wear lipstick very much now but in my uni days (when I was dead broke) I used to buy lipstick to make me feel better, so I think there’s a rich history in this kind of thinking.

Nice, feel good article.

Kelly 🙂

@rummuser, yes…I don’t believe that I am cutting down much in my spending either. I’ve already adjusted them a long time ago when I quit wearing corporate suits to work. I am just more aware of how grateful I am, to be able to maintain my standard of living even while there are so many reports of people hitting on bad times.

@J.D.Meier, you used the word “invest”…what a nice way of putting it!! It’s great to know that lipsticks can make a great investment!!

Hi Kelly, thanks for giving us a brief insight into the rich history of lipstick indicator theory!! I don’t do the bars anymore either, but I definitely enjoy meeting my girlfriends for a nice cup of coffee.

Glad that you enjoyed this post!

Evelyn

I don’t wear lipstick, but I did splurge and buy myself a northface winter coat last week. It’s warm, luxurious, and I love it!

Hi Evelyn – How fascinating. It’s funny that you should be writing about this as I normally don’t wear lipstick too often, but recently I have been. Hmmmmm! I do agree, when times are tough a small indulgence does make us feel better.

@Stacey, Northface? This name keeps popping up in front of me for the last one week!! Ooops…the secret is out..*blush blush*

@Barbara, oh you have? Me too 🙂

Hi Evelyn,

I have heard of the lipstick indicator before….it is definitely an interesting phenomenon. In regards to your questions at the end, since the beginning of the so-called recession, I have not curtailed my spending at all, in fact hearing all of the negativity around me about money has made me even more determined than ever to hold an abundant mindstate. The result? My income has doubled over the past few months. I think it is a good indicator of where my energy is going, and the fact that we can all attract abundance to ourselves, no matter how the outside conditions and circumstances tell us.

‘We are not our present conditions, we simply cause them’

Hey…I am a big fan of Lance. I saw this Stumbled! The title caught my eye.

I am not a big fan of lipstick but I do wear lip gloss. That is one of those things that I will splurge to make myself feel better.

This is a wonderful post that reaffirms that the simple things we can give ourselves in life help most of us make it through even some of the toughest of times.