The cosmetics industry is on the rise, with a market size of $571.10 billion and an annual growth rate of 3.8%. Although the product is the main reason consumers choose, the packaging is also important in capturing their attention.

As Linda Eskin stated, “Packaging is not just a box; it is the face of a brand and product.” Well-designed packaging attracts attention, elicits interest, and sways purchase decisions.

For this reason, makeup brands need to incorporate packaging trends into their products. This blog discusses six fascinating trends currently reshaping cosmetics packaging.

1. Use of Bold Colors in Cosmetic Boxes

Packaging is all about catching the eye; bright colors certainly do this. Vibrant colors such as fuchsia, lime green, and electric blue are associated with excitement, confidence, and glamour and are very noticeable on shelves and social media.

Leatrice Eiseman has to say, 

“Bold colors can empower and give women a sense of strength and confidence.”

The facts prove that with the help of attractive packaging, consumers make purchases on impulse. Other preferred bright colors are red, yellow, green, and pink. But that doesn’t mean all your boxes should be printed with these colors. Do all boxes use the same colors?  

Use the isolation effect! The isolation effect is a phenomenon used in psychology which you can recall from this song:

One of these things is not like the others.

One of these things just doesn’t belong. 

Which thing is not like the others before I finish my song?

Use different bright and vibrant colors for custom cosmetics packaging based on your product’s color. This way, you can differentiate your brand from competitors and dare to catch the customer’s attention at a glance. 

2. The Rise of Minimalist Cosmetic Packaging

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 

                                                                                                                          – Leonardo da Vinci

This move toward simple cosmetics box packaging is not a fad but a new paradigm of simple, practical, and basic design. Instead of focusing on graphics and gilding work, it underlines the object to be sold, emphasizing the simplicity and main function of the product.

The other major benefit is low cost. Simplicity also means fewer materials are needed to create the design, lowering manufacturing and transportation costs. Such savings can mean improved offer price to the consumer or a wider operating margin, for instance, when there is a cost leadership strategy.

One of the songs that most closely resembles the concept of minimalism is “The Less I Know, The Better” by Tame Impala. However, it is not about minimalism and does not mention design. Still, the principles of simplicity and reducing the number of unnecessary elements are reminiscent of minimalism, so its true motto could be ‘less is more.’

3. The Beauty of Unique Shapes in Cosmetic Packaging

“The shape of an object or packaging can evoke emotions and desires in consumers, making them more likely to purchase.”

                                                                                                                              – Karen Morton

Customers will likely notice packaging that stands out in the store, and unique shapes are becoming a common trend in makeup boxes. To stand out in a competitive market, brands adopt unusual designs to make an impact.

Creatively designed cosmetic box packaging is rapidly gaining traction. These unique designs, which range from custom lipgloss tubes shaped like flowers to perfume bottles resembling diamonds, attract attention and reinforce brand identification, increasing the product’s memorability.

According to research, as many as 52% of consumers tend to change brands due to changes in packaging. It is also important to note that it is possible and beneficial to create unique shapes that better serve the user’s needs. For instance, a non-traditional bottle design is that the shape of a bottle is more comfortable to grip and use, which improves functionality while still looking good.