Be Recession Proof: Invest in Lipstick

Mildred

Gran bore witness of what industries suffered no loss during the Great Depression. Gran loved makeup and adored costume jewelry. These were the products that did not suffer during the depression because they made women feel good regardless of how broke they were. A little lipstick and a shiny necklace did wonders. Gran devoted considerable time to makeup and jewelry selection and application. She had numerous boxes and drawers containing the wide array of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I watched as Gran applied her makeup, tweezed unwanted hair and made selected the jewelry to accompany her outfit.

This was the time when a woman would not set foot in a church without a hat on her head so Gran had some lovely hats, some with veils that draped over the top of her face. Whenever Gran did take me to church (always son Easter Sunday) she made sure I was wearing my brand new Easter outfit that included matching shoes, purse and hat. Like the ladies I even wore white gloves to church.  For my Gran a new Easter outfit every year for me was like a birthright. It was fun.

Gran decked herself to the hilt with jewelry and flower corsages. Her favorite was orchid corsages and she wore them on her jacket on Easter and Mother’s Day. She was beautifully overdressed with bold costume jewelry and bright colors. Her favorite color was purple- the color of her favorite flower, the orchid and she enjoyed and flaunted her adornment.

Conservative in my use of jewelry and cosmetic compared to Gran, still I acquired her fascination and preoccupation. I think it is a more unusual woman who does not find pleasure in cosmetics, skin care and jewelry. One only needs to observe the first displays in all department stores. Most sales are made at the first counters where, incidentally, the makeup, jewelry and fragrance are sold. When I am selected as a participant on the survivor show that allows one to bring only one item they regard as necessary for survival. At first I thought perhaps this would be natural food supplements/vitamins but the second thought is reality. I’d take lip gloss!