Pick-Me-Up Purchases in a Shaky Economy

The economy has caused most households to cut back on spending, but what people are buying is fascinating.

You may have heard that lipstick sales increase when the economy tanks, since it's an inexpensive, mood-boosting item that leads to less guilt or debt than Jimmy Choo's.

Now, the recession has resulted in the popularity of yet another cosmetic item: tube wringers.

Formerly used on your toothpaste tube to get all your Colgate out, wringers are now making a fashionable comeback for squeezing every last drop out of your pricey makeup or lotion bottles. After all, spending $15.95 on this handy device may still be far less costly than buying that new makeup or lotion. The funny thing is that before the recession, these items were barely selling.

What's your pick-me-up purchase?