They say when there is a downturn in the economy or a terrible event (aka 9/11), the sale of lipsticks go up, because women want a relatively inexpensive item to cheer themselves up. With the craziness of the economy and the melt-down of the financial systems, are you changing your beauty habits? Are you switching brands, switching to drugstore items, not buying as much or treating yourself because it makes you happy? Personally, I believe in quality over quantity, so my overall purchasing may be down, but I am still buying my fave brands because they make me feel good. The amount of gift sets available right now are also friendly on the wallet - unless you buy too many! What about you?

Yes and no. The only time it really afftected me was when gas was sooo expensive. Gas is my only "real" worry, because I still live at home with my parents (as in I don't have rent and other things like that...but, I do have a car note and car insurance though). I didn't buy much makeup when gas was higher, because my extra money was going to that. And I really only buy makeup when I had Overtime on my paychecks. I usually get 3-4 hours of overtime every 2 weeks, and I usually save it up until there is a collection or something new coming out that I want to get my hands on. I also believe in quality over quantity, so I'm still sticking with my favorite stuff. I'm also trying to hold out on some of the gift sets, because once I get to thinking about them, I realize I don't really need every gift set out there, or every holiday collection out there. I hope you get what I'm trying to say...because to me it just sounds like rambling...

I totally agree Jackie! The only sets I have bought so far (and a really, really worth it) are the UD Book of Shadows and the 2 eyeliner sets. I know I will use them all the time! :)

uhm.. no, it doesn't affect me at all. much less my MAKE UP purchases! I could go without my sodas everyday, I can stop buying magazines; become more eco-friendly, but.. no, I won't stop buying makeup, no matter how hard the times will be. Thank god, even though I dont have a lavish-lush-luxurious way of life, I don't have a limited budget also.. at least for the moment. And most of my budget goes on makeup anyway :)) Besides, Romania hasn't been too much affected by this global crisis.. We're from another planet anyway ;)
But buying makeup gives me a tremendous feeling of self satisfaction, and that's priceless.

I'm one of those people who hates to shop unless it's online, so I really don't see any impact with my makeup purchases. There is a brand new Ulta store that just opened Friday at our mall, and honestly, I love Sephora so much that I'm not even sure I'll visit the store.

I have definatly felt that pressure since my hubbyisn't making the money he used to.......in fact i make more than him presently and that's not saying much! so far i haven't had the extra funds to really get the thinks i really want so i have been content "shoppin my stash" using the stuff that i haven't used in a while or never really gave a chance.......i have so many e/s i have barely touched!!! Also i have done a few swaps/purchases Specktra and even thought it's not new .....it's new to me! All in all i'm having a hard time adjustin to being poor but i'll get through it......