Now that most experts have dropped the 'R' word in regards to the U.S. economy, we thought we should take a look at one of the more colorful economic indicators, the Lipstick Index. Which is this: the purchase of cosmetics - mainly lipstick - is inversely correlated to the health of the economy. The idea being that during troubled economic times women are less likely to buy items such as dresses, bags and shoes and will go for a less expensive item for a quick consumption high. The term is credited to Estee Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder who first used the term to explain the rise in cosmetic sales after the September 11th attacks. And according to the New York Times lipstick sales have risen 40% in the last few months. So, here are 18 of the recent most popular colors of lipstick.

What do women want when they aren’t allowed to want too much? Traditional lipsticks in more-sheer neutral shades; the bright reds of days gone by have been replaced by pinky browns and rosy taupes.

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Pur Minerals lipstick in Raspberry Quartz, $15 at Ulta stores.

Mally Beauty lipstick in Zooey Doll, $15 at henribendel.com.

Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF lipstick in Americana, $23 at vincentlongo.com

Michael Marcus lipstick in Jenifer, $24 at michaelmarcus.com.

Mark Dew Drenched Moisturlicious lip color in Pretty Posey, $6 at meetmark.com

Avon Beyond Color Plumping lip color in Divine Wine, $3.99 at avon.com

Benefit Full-Finish lipstick in Ladies’ Choice, $18 at benefitcosmetics.com

Josie Maran lipstick in Rumi Joon, $20 at barneys.com.

DuWop Prime Venom nude lip plumping balm and primer, $20 at Sephora.

Shiseido Perfecting lipstick in P13, $22.50 at sephora.com

Dior Addict High Shine lipstick in Casual Beige, $25 at Bloomingdale’s stores.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crème Matte lipstick in Red 165M, $23 at shuuemura-usa.com.

MAC lipstick in Viva Glam VI, $14 at maccosmetics.com

Origins Smileage Plus Organic Liptint in Vintage, $11 at origins.com.

Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in Coffee Shimmer, $4.95 at CVS stores

N.Y.C. New York Color Ultra Last LipWear in Brandy Sparkle, $1.99 at Wal-Mart stores.

Kat Von D Painted Love lipstick in Lolita, $18 at sephora.com.

Clinique Long Last Soft Shine lipstick in Bamboo Pink, $14 at clinique.com

While bright reds may be fading out of style for the lips, women might want to think twice before getting rid of red completely, especially if they're looking for a fella. This recent research that demonstrates how the color red makes men feel more amorous toward women might be just the thing to keep red in fashion: Red Enhances Men's Attraction to Woman, Psychological Study Reveals.

List compiled from the New York Times.