Can you guess what product people largely abstained from buying last year -- thanks to COVID-19 -- but are purchasing in droves now that vaccines are widely available and the pandemic appears to be receding? I'll give you a minute to "make up" your mind. (Note: That was a subtle hint...) If you guessed lipstick, you hit the nail on the head. Lips for the most part remained out of sight last year because they were being concealed by our face coverings.  But consumers (presumably vaccinated ones) must be feeling more comfortable about stepping out without a mask because lipstick sales hit a whopping 34 million in April. That's an 80% from the same period a year ago.  While that's 40% lower than pre-pandemic levels, it's still a marked improvement and suggests the economy is beginning to turn the corner.  The fact that the CDC announced last week that vaccinated folks no longer have to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors (with a few excep...

I know not all of you are guilty of this, but it's alarming how many women I've caught doing their makeup in the car. Some do it only while at a red light, but others continue to apply lipstick or blush even while the car is moving. I understand that women are short on time in the morning and have no choice but to do their makeup after walking out the door. But doing this while driving is just asking to be in accident! A better solution: Do your makeup in the car before even turning it on. You can alternatively put off the makeup until you've parked your car in the company parking lot. If you're concerned about being a few minutes late, just sign in and immediately head for the restroom. I published a post earlier this summer about the hazards of fiddling with your cell phone while driving. I see applying makeup as no less dangerous. It's inportant we always keep our eyes on the road. There are far too many reports in the news of accidents that were caused by ...