The beauty hounds at Self magazine have sniffed out this lipstick dirt. They have discovered why the price of lipstick has increased so much.

Elizabeth Arden lipstick went from $6.50 to $12 over the last 10 years because the formula has been upgraded and there's a nifty new signature gold metal case.

Chanel went from $8 to $17.50 because of added moisturizers, improvement in the lipstick's "swivel" factor and a new scratchproof lacquer case. We wonder how much the lipstick would be with an old-fashioned scratchable case.

Our personal favorite is Christian Dior. The price went from $6.50 to $15.50 and the consumer gets moisturizers, longer lasting color and a case designed to close with a "Mercedes-Benz click." Maybe the model that closes with the "Yugo thud" still sells for the 1981 price.