If you missed THE GLOSS in The Irish Times, you can pick up a newsstand version of the magazine, which is in selected supermarkets and newsagents for the month of February.

Noting the uptick in lipstick sales during the 2001 recession, Leonard Lauder, of the cosmetics company, coined the term “lipstick index” to describe the phenomenon. Lipstick is an affordable luxury and sales, particularly of bold, striking shades, tend to remain strong, even in times of duress. After a bit of a slump in 2020 (more masks, less lipstick required!) Forbes noted an 80 per cent surge in sales last year. And a recent report by McKinsey revealed the global beauty market has been generally resilient over the last two years.

Even though some deemed wearing make-up and fragrance less important (given the realities of working from home) for others, skincare, haircare and bath and body products were essential to home pampering routines. Multi-tasking products, beauty snacks, sustainability and bold eye make-up (masks again!) were some of the beauty trends that emerged during lockdowns. Behind the scenes, brands (from corporates to start-ups) had to adapt to a sudden surge in online purchasing. Virtual try-on features and AI-enabled skincare analysis accelerated fringe technologies and an increased emphasis on health and wellness meant many beauty companies had to adapt one-dimensional offerings to create a more holistic range of products. Offline, for those who love to browse and buy in real life, Brown Thomas Dundrum, which opens this month, will have an extensive Planet Beauty hall, with 60 brands, and an emphasis on sustainability.

How we buy has changed significantly. So-called “word-of-mouth marketing” has overtaken the “gift with purchase” model. A single recommendation from a friend or family member can have great impact. In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has also played a part. Harnessing the power of social media to create a buzz is entrepreneur Emily Weiss. Asking customers what they want, rather than telling them what they need, is central to her beauty brand’s success. Find Weiss and other beautypreneurs on page 46.

What will beauty look like in 2022? In this special issue, THE GLOSS beauty editor Sarah Halliwell presents the buzzwords and brands, treatments and technology, people and places you need to know. Make-up artist Christine Lucignano provides tips to freshen your face for spring, The GLOSSiest panel of beauty experts give their feedback on the best luxury and pharmacy products and we find the top facialists in Ireland. If there is a strong, healthy look for spring with a focus on glowing skin, it is reflected in the mood-boosting dopamine dressing trends on page 13. Bright colour rules this season.

This must mean it’s time to celebrate – and circulate. The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with a strong line-up of films (from February 23), while the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities continue until February 21. Rather than languishing in this traditionally bleak and boring month, Susan Zelouf recommends reading The Power of Fun: How To Feel Alive Again (page 8) and putting on a brave and beautiful face (page 20) to make the most of our freedom. Time for a new lipstick …