As India now emerges from the boom-bust growth cycle, the masses are firmly leading the recovery even as the upper classes remain conspicuous by their absence at stores. Two-wheeler sales are up nearly 15 percent so far in 2009, compared with an average growth of 5 percent over the past five years. Small-car sales have increased by 20 percent in recent months, while purchases of luxury cars are down 20 percent from a year ago. Consumer-goods companies are reporting a bipolar market: widely used products from hair oil to soaps are selling well, but more expensive skin-treatment items are not.