Lemondrop

Think you should deny yourself that new lipstick shade to survive the recession? Actually, making small purchases of things like cosmetics may be good for your soul and your smile.

Lipstick has a proven track record of making a difference to women in times of economic strife. During recessions, says personal-finance writer Gregory Karp, women tend to cut out most luxury buys -- except small ones. Even during the Great Depression, argues Karp, women allowed themselves red lipstick to boost their moods.

Want further proof of lipstick's soothing powers? Cosmetic sales rose after Sept. 11, which led Estée Lauder Chairman Leonard Lauder to coin the term "lipstick effect." And makeup sales have been up since this recession started, according to ACNielsen data.

It's not just women making mini-splurges. Men are too, but they're buying Big Macs instead of hitting up the MAC counter. Experts say the areas of beauty and food are two things people still have power over in a largely out-of-control economic climate. We don't know about the fast food, but a few months ago, we learned that lipstick can actually boost brain power and confidence. So there's another reason to cruise through the cosmetics aisle on your way home from work.

Naturally, we recommend going for cheaper generic brand items over name-brand ones. But if you tend to crave the pricier products, visit BeautySteals.com, which has luxury cosmetic and fragrance brands at discount prices. And check out CosmeticBag.com for cheap makeup of all varieties.

Tell us: What little indulgences do you still allow yourself?