5:00 PM Lipstick Index

All the economic doom and gloom is having a surprising impact on make-up sales. While many people are keeping a close eye on their cash, there is one place where spending is up - at the cosmetics counter.

When Cargo Cosmetics checked its sales figures recently it found sales of lipsticks were up a whopping 20 per cent. They're crediting something called the "lipstick index" --which suggests as the economy goes down. Lipstick sales go up.

"I think it goes back to the great depression World War II," surmised Shawna Weinman of Cargo Cosmetics.

At shoppers drug mart they've also noticed a big boost in sales at the cosmetics counter. Sales are up across the board for the entire lip stick - lip gloss category.

This is an attempt to look good when times are tough. The lipstick indicator is based on the notion that when the economy is bad women want to look their best but instead of buying expensive items like purses, clothing, and shoes they buy cosmetics --and lipstick is the prime indicator. They cost as little as $5 to as much as $50. Experts say bright reds have been big sellers as women try to exude confidence.

Some say the same principle means that means we'll be seeing shorter skirt lengths as well. Another economic indicator is the wedding index. It's expected some couples will put off getting married until the economy improves.

6:00 PM Best Double Strollers

Shopping for baby? You will definitely need a stroller. And for families with two little ones a double stroller is a must.

Eve Sheehan says having a double stroller makes taking a walk with her

two young daughters a breeze.

"I love my double stroller. Without it, I don't know how I would get around. It's just great!" she said.

Hers is a tandem, where kids sit front to back. There are also side-by-side double strollers. Consumer Reports tested both types using a special machine that pushes each stroller back and forth over 150,000 bumps, 30 kilometers in all, to see how they hold up.

Testers also take the strollers around an obstacle course to see how easy they are to maneuver - or in some cases, how difficult.

A tandem stroller from Safety First wasn't all that easy to turn. And some side-by-sides can be a bit tricky to get through doorways. Features are important, too.

"Look for a stroller with a five-point harness like this. It will hold your child more securely than a three-point harness," explained Rich Handel of Consumer Reports.

One-touch brakes that operate levers on both the rear wheels at the same time are convenient, and a roomy, accessible storage basket is also a plus. And if you plan on attaching a car seat, make sure the stroller you like is car-seat compatible. For side-by-sides, Consumer Reports top-rated the Maclaren Twin Triumph. It's lightweight, folds up easily, and costs about $250.

If you want a tandem, Consumer Reports recommends the Graco Quattro tour for $250

It has a roomy storage basket and accommodates two car seats - a plus if you've got twins. Either one you choose should make toting two kids around a whole lot easier.

Consumer Reports also tested single strollers. Top rated is the $250 Graco Quattro Tour Sport. Also highly rated are the $330 Zooper Waltz and the $200 Graco Quattro tour deluxe scored almost as well overall and was rated higher for safety.

All Canadian strollers have to meet current safety standards. If you opt for a second hand stroller --or even re-use a stroller purchased a few years ago for an older child -check whether it has been recalled. You can check with Health Canada and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for product alerts.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen