When the economy declines, so does spending on nonessential items like entertainment and personal luxury items. Americans spent $50 million on cosmetics in 2006, but cosmetics sales slowed in the economic downturn of 2008 and are expected to decline until 2013, says market research firm Euromonitor International.
There are a few essential beauty products to keep on hand, whether times are tough or not. The best beauty products don't require a lot of time or money.
A Good Moisturizer
Both the Mayo Clinic and "Good Housekeeping" magazine agree that a good moisturizer is essential to healthy, beautiful skin. The Mayo Clinic says that a good moisturizer can improve skin tone, protect sensitive skin, and mask imperfections.
Skin is made up of millions of tiny cells that need moisture to function well and look good. Dehydrated cells look thin and wrinkled, which, in turn, makes skin look thin and wrinkled. President of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Dr. Rhoda Narins says that using a moisturizer and mild cleanser "can take years off your face."
Choosing the right moisturizer means determining the needs of the skin. If your skin is acne prone, the moisturizer should not contain anything that may clog pores. If your skin is aging, a moisturizer that contains mild exfoliants may help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Park Avenue plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, M.D. says, "A good moisturizer can take the place of a lot of products."
A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 all year long, regardless of the amount of time spent in the sun or the type of skin.
Sunlight is made up of two types of rays, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The National Cancer Institute says that UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are responsible for causing signs of premature aging, also called photoaging, leathery skin, wrinkles, and brown spots. UVB rays cause sunburn and, ultimately, skin cancer.
Using a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays helps keep skin soft, supple, and healthy. If the thought of a thick sunscreen is not appealing, makeup and powder with minerals contain a natural sunscreen and can boost the effectiveness of lightweight liquid formulas.
Tooth Whitening Products
Two studies, commissioned by Crest Whitestrips, at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, found that people who had whitened their teeth were perceived as more professional, more confident, and more outgoing than before they whitened their teeth. Dr. Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology at University of California at Berkeley, says a smile is a sign of warmth, confidence, and health.
Because whiter teeth can increase the amount of time people smile, tooth whitening can encourage a person's natural beauty to surface. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that tooth whitening strips are safe and effective; the organization has placed the ADA Seal of Acceptance on several over-the-counter whitening products, including Colgate and Crest Whitening Toothpaste and Whitening Gels.
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