I couldn't write about Mr. Ford's 'lipstick wardrobe' as it is billed until I 'd plunked myself down at Bergdorf for a test drive. Well, his lipsticks are sublime. Twelve gorgeous colors including one of the best reds I have ever tried and a beautiful range of corals soft or vibrant enough for any woman's style or age. The finish is just slightly matte but the feel is very creamy (thanks to a blend of the emollients Brazilian murumuru butter, soja seed extract and chamomilla flower oil). It stays put and lasts. Naturally, the packaging is gorgeous? But for $45 dollars?

I asked my friend and talented makeup artist Shawnelle Prestidge (you've seen her work in lots of ads for L'Oreal and Sephora among many brands)  what could make a formulation worth $45?  Says Shawnelle, " I don't know if the adage 'you get what you pay for' is always true but let's not forget the effect of gorgeous packaging. Often what we pay for is access to a fantasy. And if the product feels incredible and smells great the sensory ritual is a little piece of the fantasy with each use."  "But don't forget that drug store brands spend TONS of money to constantly upgrade their products and color formulas to compete with more expensive brands" she reminded me.  "But what about the murumuru butter? " I sobbed.

Maybe this is why lipstick is recession proof. A woman can always reason that instead of buying the pair of Prada shoes or the St. Laurent skirt she spent a mere $45 on an anti-depressant in a tube. I may try out this bit of fashion and beauty logic on my husband.