It’s often been said that lipstick is recession-proof. There’s even a “lipstick index,” a term coined by Leonard Lauder, chairman of the Estee Lauder cosmetics company, which helps explain the uptick in lipstick sales during a recession (it’s an inexpensive glamour booster). But lipstick sales have actually ticked down since the recession while another inexpensive women’s beauty product has been on the rise: nail polish. Sales are up 65% since the first half of 2008, according to market research firm NPD Group. Lauder says it has to do with the glut of available lipsticks. “Today people have so many, they don’t want to try a new one,” he says.