That's not to say shoppers are being swindled into buying expensive soap. Instead, they're strategically using these simple ...

The ceramic vessel made by a former fashion designer has become the hit product at a new shop in Downtown Manhattan.

Bottles of generic hand soap typically cost less than $2 a bottle. But many are splurging on luxury versions that cost between $40 and $75 each.

To some, it’s literally just soap – but to beauty editor Lucy Partington, it’s become something of an obsession. I don’t know what it is. I can’t put my finger on why I just really love it.