This Is Not A Review, but if it was to be one, I would say, – The Labubu craze can absolutely be seen as a form of the “lipstick effect.” so let’s unpack it…

While the “lipstick effect” is traditionally applied to beauty products, the underlying psychology is similar: in uncertain or tough economic times, people turn to small, affordable luxuries to regain a sense of control, joy, and emotional comfort.

How Labubu Fits the Lipstick Effect Frame:

• 1. Affordable” Escapism:
   While high-end toys can get expensive, many Labubu figures start at entry-level pricing through blind boxes (roughly \$10–\$15 USD). That’s relatively affordable, especially when compared to other luxury hobbies. It gives collectors a hit of dopamine without, assumably, breaking the bank.
• 2. Emotional Therapy Through Cuteness:
  Labubu’s mix of weird, cute, and childlike aesthetic offers psychological comfort, almost akin to a nostalgic return to innocence or a connection to a fantasy world. In tough times, people crave this kind of emotional escape.
• 3. Ritual and Control in Uncertain Times :
  The act of collecting, unboxing, and organizing toys offers structure and control, which can be soothing during periods of instability or stress. It becomes a manageable habit that brings joy feeding into that nostalgia and dopamine.
• 4. Fandom & Community Connection:
  The online Labubu fan culture and various communities on TikTok, Xiaohongshu, Discord, Instagram, etc. offers a sense of belonging, especially for young people feeling isolated by economic or social pressures. And while I’m also noticing a few older women get into the Labubu craze, I do think it also highlights how lonely people are or have become.
• 5. Status Signal Without Big Spending:
  Perhaps my favorite observation so far. A complete Labubu set or rare figure can signal taste, identity, and “insider” knowledge, much like a flex of sorts, but at a lower financial threshold than luxury fashion or tech.
• 6. Global Cost-of-Living Fatigue:
  As wages stagnate and costs rise globally, consumers are pivoting from “buying big” to “buying smart and small.” A collectable like Labubu offers perceived value, ongoing enjoyment, and often resale potential if finances get tight.

So yes, Labubu may not be lipstick, but it’s 100% part of that same emotional economy, where people soothe uncertainty and assert joy through small, aesthetic purchases.