LEADING LIPSTICK INDICATOR

An indicator of future economic performance which states the consumers buy less expensive indulgences like lipstick when they are less confident about the future. The indicator has accurately predicted many economic trends in the past years.

The term was coined by Estee Lauder Chairman Leonard Lauder who realized lipstick sales increase during an economic uncertainty or a recession. Months after the September 11 bombing attacks, lipstick sales doubled.