2009 was a tough year for a lot of people. Money was tight for many, and most people were happy to just hold on to the jobs that they had. The U.S. changed (for better or for worse, depending on your views) as we got used to a new president, and old tensions stirred in the Middle East with violent protests in Iran and continued attacks in Afghanistan. While we look forward to starting 2010 on the right foot, all of the Mixr communities are answering one question about 2009: What was important?

As this question pertains to the beauty industry, I could go on about a groundbreaking product or hot trend, but I won’t. I think that the real importance of this industry in 2009 was to make people feel stronger at a time when a lot of things were crumbling around us.

Oddly enough, studies this year showed that women were not, in fact, buying more lipstick because of the recession, but I think that there is some aspect of comfort that beauty gives us no matter what the sales numbers say.

Beauty is something that is incredibly important to many women around the world, and can even be a part of a person’s personal identity. By continuing to get up each day and look at the world with a (perfectly plucked and sculpted) raised eyebrow, we said “bring it on” to 2009. Now, we’re encouraging you to face 2010 with the same gumption.

Happy New Year from all of us at FlauntMe! See you in 2010!