NOVEMBER 2008: Pulse. As the economy crumbles, the Lipstick Index—that frivolous financial barometer that says cosmetics sales rise in direct relation to free-falling finances—has jumped. Sales in the last few months are up 40 percent. Here are 41 of fall’s most popular pick-me-ups, from $1.99 to over $50. What do women want when they aren’t allowed to want too much? Traditional lipsticks in more-sheer neutral shades; the bright reds of days gone by have been replaced by pinky browns and rosy taupes.

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13. Mally Beauty lipstick in Zooey Doll, $15 at henribendel.com
24. Jouer Lip Color in Phoebe, $22 at Henri Bendel in New York, (800) 423-6335
32. YSL Beaute Rouge Volupte lipstick in Sweet Honey, $29 at Henri bendel in New York, (800) 423-6335