Advertisement Mary Kay cosmetics company has had one of its best years, said Ellyn Hembd, an independent contractor with Mary Kay out of La Crosse.
And, she said, her personal sales have steadily increased during her 18 years of selling the brand.
“People still need to feel good and do things for themselves, but it’s easier on the pocket book if it is makeup instead of a new outfit or a new car,” she said.
Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio also has had steady sales during the the past three years the store has been at Valley View Mall, said owner Karen Bartow.
Smooth sailing for cosmetics also was evident during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when sales of inexpensive cosmetics out-sold mid-priced food items and clothing, according to encyclopedia.com.
“The cosmetic business tends to be a place where customers can feel good about themselves, an uplifting and motivating focus on themselves, regardless of other aspects of their lives,” said Kay Mazza, Herberger’s store manager.
Plus, customers tend to create a routine for personal care with products that work for them, she said.
“So, business in cosmetics generally always remains healthy,” she said.
While some certainly consider makeup an essential part of their routine despite the times, others prefer not wearing it at all. Here is what some area women had to say about using cosmetics.
Name: Heidi Busch, 30, Mondovi, Wis.
Do you wear makeup? Why or why not?
I teach physical education, so I don’t wear it to work. But, if I am going anywhere else, I do just to look better.
Do poor economic times influence whether you purchase makeup?
No, it doesn’t influence my purchasing of anything. ... I am kind of a shopper.
What makeup item are you willing to splurge on the most and why?
Foundation. It is just the brand that I get that costs more than my other makeup. I have always bought that brand of foundation since I saw the infomercial on TV.
Name: Nicole Johnson, 21, La Crosse
Do you wear makeup? Why or why not?
Yes, to cover up flaws and emphasize the mood I am in. Like, if I’m going out and trying to look “diva-ish,” I’ll wear more and add more colors, sparkles. If I am just going on a walk with my boyfriend, I’ll look more simple and fresh.
Do poor economic times influence whether you purchase makeup?
No, if I need it, I am going to buy it, basically.
What makeup item are you willing to splurge on the most and why?
Probably foundation. I switch mascaras all the time to try them out.
Name: Kate Kersten, 50, La Crosse
Do you wear makeup? Why or why not?
No, unless I am doing a show at the theater and only then if they make me. It bothers my eyes. Also, I don’t like that so much makeup is tested on animals. And, I am more comfortable without makeup. While some young people feel they need it to try to impress people, when you are comfortable with who you are, you don’t need those crutches. I am comfortable being who I am. I am a zero-maintenance kind of girl. I just don’t care what people think.
Name: Courtney Brose, 16, La Crosse
Do you wear makeup? Why or why not?
Yes. I guess I just like the way I look more. It makes me feel more comfortable. And you can experiment with the different styles and colors, which makes it kind of fun.
Do poor economic times influence whether you purchase makeup?
For me, probably, yes. I don’t necessarily look at the most expensive brands. I buy what is more in my range.
What makeup item are you willing to splurge on the most and why?
Probably eye shadows because of all the colors. You can do more with it.
The Tribune asked males if they like women to wear makeup or not?
Yes, but a very little — just a touch up here and there because I hate the big black eyes, heavy eye lashes and lips that look like you could stick them to a wall. My wife wears very little makeup. — Kevin Hachey, New Brunswick, Canada, 44.
I don’t like it when they cake it on because then it looks fake — like they are trying too hard. — Andrew Lee, 23, La Crosse
I think minimal makeup is good. Therefore it is subtle, yet attractive, but not overdone. — Jeff Wettstein, 26, La Crosse
I like a lady au naturel unless it was a rough night, then a light dusting to cover up the evidence. — Jonathan Lamb, 30, La Crosse.
KJ Lang can be reached at klang@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8226.
