請依下文回答第 33 題至第 37 題
How do we know if the economy is in decline? The answer might be on our lips. Estee Lauder
chairman Leonard Lauder created the “lipstick index” during the economic downturn following September
11, 2001. He noticed that the purchase of cosmetics, particularly lipsticks, tends to be inversely related to
the economy because women replace more expensive purchases with small pick-me-ups. In the fall of
2001, US lipstick sales increased by 11%. During the Great Depression, cosmetics sales overall increased
by 25%.
In 2020, at the height of the Covid economic downturn, Estee Lauder’s CEO Fabrizio Freda said that
the lipstick index had been replaced by a skincare item as customers donned masks and worked from
home. “The lipstick index has been substituted with the moisturizing index,” said Freda. “But the concept
of the index is still there.”
Now we may be seeing that phenomenon rear its ugly head once more. The retailer Sephora recently
announced a record sales year, and data from consumer research group Circana shows that prestige beauty
growth has outpaced mass beauty sales, growing 9% and 2%, respectively in the first quarter of the year.
Of course, the so-called lipstick index is a less technical — and more fun — measure of economic
downturn and is not always entirely accurate. But as the free-spending post-pandemic party comes to an
end in the US, it’s something worth exploring.
Before the Bell (the CNN business newsletter) spoke with Neela Montgomery, CEO of Overeon (a
collective of premium cosmetics brands including BareMinerals and Laura Mercier), about the outlook
for beauty in an uncertain economic climate in an interview below.
Before the Bell: What do you see dominating the beauty market in the second half of the year?
Neela Montgomery: Clean has become a real buzzword in this industry, but this whole idea of no-tox
(anti-botox) remains a really important thing. The market is bifurcating between this very authentic, real
look and people who are getting more cosmetic work done. What we see is a need for more of these kinds
of efficacious products for people who don’t want to go down the cosmetic procedure or injectables route.
And then we continue to see that sort of clean girl with a pop of color look. So, you know, we have this
sort of red lip…We continue to see that grow and expand.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A
The cosmetics sales increased during the Great Depression in the U.S.
B
Estee Lauder’s CEO explained the concept of the index.
C
Economists say we look at women’s lips to see if a recession is coming.
請依下文回答第 38 題至第 42 題
Goblin mode is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the
aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the coronavirus lockdown, going into goblin mode refers to
enjoying being stuck at home with minimal social contacts. With the progression of the pandemic, this term
gradually evolved. It eventually came to refer to a state of being where individuals embrace a more
unapologetic and self-indulgent way of living, often showing no deference to societal expectations and
norms.
One of the primary strengths of goblin mode is that it can serve as a form of self-care and a way to
recharge. In a world that often demands constant productivity, success, and the presentation of a perfect
version of oneself, goblin mode can be a liberating experience. It allows individuals to embrace their
“inner goblin” and engage in activities that bring them comfort and pleasure, without the pressure to
conform to societal expectations.
However, the weakness of goblin mode as a way of life are also significant. While embracing one’s
inner goblin can be a form of self-care, it can also lead to unhealthy habits, seclusion, alienation and a lack
of self-improvement. Completely rejecting societal norms and expectations can have negative
consequences, such as development of addictions, poor holistic health, and strained relationships.
In conclusion, goblin mode is a complex concept that reflects the stiff challenges and unrelenting
pressures of modern life. While it can serve a form of self-care, it is important to strike a balance instead
of completely breaking from societal norms. Embracing goblin mode in moderation can be a healthy way
to recharge and reconnect with oneself, but it should not become a permanent way of life.
According to the passage, what is the word “unapologetic” in the first paragraph closest in meaning to?
