Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I went to buy my favorite lipstick (a perfect shade I can’t find anywhere else) and my jaw dropped.

I understand that premium “designer” lipsticks aren’t cheap, but the cost of my fave has entered the stratosphere. What used to be priced in the high teens is now $32! For a lipstick? What gives? I do not understand how any lipstick can cost that much and yet, because I love the color so much, I went for it.

What gives? Why are lipsticks suddenly so expensive?

— Trinity N.

Dear Trinity: A $32 lipstick sounds like a lot to pay, but consider this: If you had your heart set on treating yourself to a lipstick purchase at Hermès, you’d have to shell out $79! The companion Hermès lipstick brush is a whopping $84. If you Google “designer lipstick,” you might start to believe that you got a bargain at $32.

Here’s what gives: High-end labels like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada used to cash in by selling “entry level” designer items like purses and shoes. Now those former “splurge” items are untouchable for many of us. But for those who still yearn for something (anything) with a hot designer name, fashion houses (many owned by conglomerates) are entering the competition for cosmetics dollars to enhance their bottom line.

So, is a Christian Louboutin lipstick for $100 superior to, say, Revlon ($10.99) or NYX ($9)? Not in my estimation.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just sat down to type on my iPad and the light caught the touch screen at just the right angle and I was disgusted at how filthy my screen was: smeared finger prints, teensy crumbs, the works. So I went scrambling for my screen-cleaning spray, which I often can’t locate; then the microfiber cloth usually requires another search. So I reach for a tissue and now I have fuzz on my screen.

There has got to be a better way. Is there?

— Mirabelle B.

Dear Mirabelle: This is a common problem. I went looking for a solution on amazon.com. The all-in-one solution is nearly as purse-sized as a drugstore lipstick and even cheaper. What you want is a gizmo that is an all-in-one refillable spray with a microfiber cloth built into the spritz holder (amazon.com, $7.99; two for $9.98). I bought two for me and four for friends. Life-changing? No. But an inexpensive solution to one of life’s small irritations.

Angelic readers

Many readers wanted to help Callie L., who has been searching for crispy bed sheets like Grandma had but can’t find any to her liking since her favorites were discontinued.

It turns out there are many readers who like crispy — not soft — sheets and pillow cases: After testing, here are MY favorites Royal Hotel Bedding 250-thread count 100% cotton percale weave” (amazon.com, queen set, $69.99).

Elizabeth G. agrees. Karen W. says: “Try the Threshold bed sheets from Target. I absolutely love them. They feel like the sheets I remember as a kid.” From Ellen H.: “I bought ‘Jess Franks Print Percale Sheets’ from L.L. Bean (llbean.com, queen set, $169). They are on the thin side, but I find them delightfully crispy.” Sandra M. recommends them too.

Lee B. likes Classic Cool Cotton Percale (thecompanystore.com, queen set, on sale for $115 and up). Julia N.: “Several years ago I hit on Matouk brand, Essex and Sierra styles of 350 count long staple cotton percale, which is still available. Pricey, even on sale at Bloomingdale’s, but I think worth it.” Maggie R.: “I got a gift of Parachute percale sheets a couple years ago —they’re expensive — and they are wonderful.” Deborah B. recommends the Kohl’s Purity Home 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set (kohls.com, queen set, $94.99). More suggestions to come soon.

Send your questions and rants — on style, shopping, fashion, makeup and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.