Is Nail Polish the New Lipstick? It’s Kind of Looking That Way . . .

There’s a theory called the “lipstick index” or “lipstick effect,” which states that in a time of economic crisis, people will cut back on expensive, big-ticket luxury items but still spend money on small indulgences, like lipstick. 

A crisis like the coronavirus pandemic may have tested this lipstick-effect theory once more, but there’s one problem: face masks. Because these cover the lower part of your face and cause makeup products to smear and transfer, it’s understandable if people aren’t too keen on buying a new lipstick during a time like this. It’s just not practical.

But if you take the theory at face value and less literally, the lipstick effect could be applied to any makeup product. During a time when lipstick doesn’t make the most sense, people might look for a small comfort to enjoy in its place – and nail polish might just be that item. 

Of course, lipstick will always have its place in the spotlight, but for now, embrace the nail-polish trend. This is the perfect time to give your bold lip a break and let your manicure shine with the best new nail colors.

Popsugar© story by Jessica Harrington