Answer Angel: Stuck on high price of lipstick

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Jan 21, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I went to buy my favorite lipstick (a perfect shade, I can’t find anywhere else) and my jaw dropped.

I understand that premium “designer” lipsticks aren’t cheap but the cost of my fave has now entered the stratosphere. What used to be priced in the high teens is now $32! For a lipstick? What gives? I do not understand how any lipstick can cost that much and yet, because I love the color so much, I went for it.

What gives? Why are lipsticks suddenly so expensive?

--Trinity N.

Dear Trinity: A $32 lipstick sounds like a lot to pay but consider this: If you had your heart set on treating yourself to a lipstick purchase at Hermès, you’d have to shell out $79! The companion Hermès lipstick brush is a whopping $84. If you Google “designer lipstick” you might start to believe that you got a bargain at $32.

Here’s what gives: High-end labels like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, etc. used to cash in by selling “entry level” designer items like purses and shoes. Now those former “splurge” items are in the multi-thousands of dollars. They’re untouchable for many of us. But for those who still yearn for something (anything) with a hot designer name, fashion houses (many owned by conglomerates) are entering the competition for cosmetics dollars to enhance their bottom line.

So, is a Christian Louboutin lipstick for $100 superior to, say, Revlon ($10.99) or NYX ($9)? Not in my estimation. I’ve tested a $50 lipstick against drug store products and found no difference whatsoever.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just sat down to type on my iPad and the light caught the touch screen at just the right angle and I was disgusted at how filthy my screen was: smeared finger prints, teensy crumbs, the works. So, I went scrambling for my screen-cleaning spray, which I often can’t locate. Then the microfiber cloth usually requires another search mission. So, I reach for a tissue and now I have fuzz on my screen.

There has got to be a better way. Is there?

--Mirabelle B.

Dear Mirabelle: This is a common problem. Especially locating the cloth. Of course you meant to keep it close to the cleaner. But your busy life means there are more important things on your mind.

I went looking for a solution on amazon.com. The all-in-one solution is nearly as purse-sized as a drugstore lipstick, and even cheaper. What you want is a gizmo that is and all-in-one refillable spray with a microfiber cloth built into the spritz holder (amazon.com, $7.99; two for $9.98). I bought two for me and four more for friends. Life-changing? No. But an inexpensive solution to one of life’s small irritations.

Angelic Readers

Many, many readers wanted to help Callie L., who has been searching for crispy bed sheets like grandma's had but can’t find any to her liking since her favorites were discontinued.

It turns out there are many readers who like crispy—not soft—sheets and pillow cases: After testing, here are MY personal favorites. They are the only ones I buy now and they’re very well priced: Royal Hotel Bedding 250-thread count 100% cotton percale weave” ( amazon.com, queen set, $69.99).

Elizabeth G. agrees. Karen W. says, “Try the Threshold bed sheets from Target. I absolutely love them. They feel like the sheets I remember as a kid.” Gail Valentine recommends the Target sheets too. From Ellen H.: “I bought ‘Jess Franks Print Percale Sheets’ from L.L. Bean ( llbean.com, queen set, $169). They are on the thin side but I find them delightfully crispy.” Sandra M. recommends them too.

Lee B. likes Classic Cool Cotton Percale ( thecompanystore.com, queen set, on sale for $115 and up). Julia N.: “Several years ago I hit on Matouk brand, Essex and Sierra styles of 350 count long staple cotton percale, which is still available. Pricey, even on sale at Bloomingdale's, but I think worth it." Maggie R.: “I got a gift of Parachute percale sheets a couple years ago—they’re expensive— and they are wonderful.” Deborah B.: “I found amazing crisp organic sheets at a great price at Kohl’s ( kohls.com ). After trying and discarding a set of Brooklinen sheets due to their thin quality and poor wear, we have used and washed the Kohl’s Purity Home 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set for several months and they have remained crisp and cool (kohls.com, queen set, $94.99).” Sherri B.: Try Vermont Country Store ( vermontcountrystore.com ). Susan A.: “I’ve been buying sheets from Red Land Cotton ( redlandcotton.com ). When I tried them for the first time, I had flashbacks to my grandmother’s farm house.” Janice likes Cannon brand 100% cotton percale sheets from Kohl’s and Amazon. With so many reader suggestions still coming in, more to come soon…