INNOVATIVE COSMETIC SHAPE PACKAGING DESIGNS

DesignerPeople
12 min readFeb 11, 2020

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We all love makeup and in some or the other way we need them in our beauty kit, it can be from high end foundation to simply lip gloss. Looking good externally is source to enhance our confidence and way of establishing perfect and lasting first impression.When it is about our skin, we are very sensitive and loyal towards cosmetic brands which suit our skin and personality. The Indian market leaders in cosmetic brands such as Lotus, Lakme, Revlon India, Maybelline and many more knows how to grab the business along with targeting market share. The cosmetic industry has the most loyal and die-hard fan following, which establishes the serious business opportunity within it.

Top 5 countries such as France, US, Singapore, South Korea, Japan are countries which are known for its famous cosmetic industry and plays important role. Products add value with label which mentions origin of country which is then valued in the international market.

A recent market study from SmithersPira has identified a number of factors that will shape evolution in packaging design across the next decade. The future of packaging design in long term strategicallya forecast to 2026 considers the diverse range of demographic and technical influences across packaging segments. Source

The trend in cosmetic shape designing is majorly focusing on making it convenient packaging, sustainability and ease of opening. Modern cosmetics are produced for commercial purposes with the emergence of new brands coming to the market each day; every company should stay competitive not only by creating good quality cosmetics but also through effective cosmetic structure designing. The cosmetic packaging design should act as a protecting shield against bacteria and pollutants and can help the product to withstand rough treatment during delivery or distribution. The best packaging design is a combination of aesthetics and function.

The facts of global cosmetic packaging market size are projected to gain a share of more than USD 35.6 billion at a CAGR of 5.2%, by 2023. Source

LAYERS OF PACKAGING:

When it is for cosmetic label design, you may need to develop three different ideas for a single product because there are three different layers to consider for designing.

Primary Packaging

Here packaging is in direct contact with the product itself and is referred to as retail or consumer packaging. The mandatory purpose of primary packaging is to protect the product and communicate with consumers.

Example- The actual lakme lipstick which is containing the brand logo and name here both are considered as part of primary packaging.

Secondary Packaging

The main purpose of secondary packaging is for branding display and logistical purposes.

Role here is to protect and collating the individual units during the storage and are usually seen in food, beverage and cosmetic industry.

Example: The outer packaging inside which actuall product resides, the information related ingredients, manufacturing and expiry dates, tagline, MRP and allergic information is mentioned.

The primary and secondary packaging design should be consistent with each other and should communicate brand story with audience.

Along with shape designing the unique packaging design should highlight messages through the following design elements.

1.STYLE AND PERSONALITY

A woman reacts emotionally to packaging marketers have convinced many women to wear a wide range of fragrances for the evening, daytime, summer and winter depending upon their mood. The positioning of shape design is done based on being sexy, inspirational and spiritual or any depending upon the mood. Shapes should be a reflection of water, floral, beauty, accessory and fantasy elements.

Male oriented product shapes are inspired by masculine industry which will resemble automobile and tough oriented designs. The Gillette lines of men’s toiletries and razors are examples with the emotions and forms associated with industrial metal and consistency are part of their success.

Each form of the container will reflect individual personality and forms here, and there does give the product a little extra vitality which will help them to stand out and look more professional.

2.LOGO

There are two logos associated with cosmetic industry products. One is the brand logo, and other is a product logo such as Unilever. Few adopt text oriented logo with brand name and others successfully establish logo in combination with graphics and images.

Along with brand and company logo other types of icons are also used in packaging. Usage of health and safety information acts as a focal point where people are interested in buying products that are cruelty-free, FDA-compliant, charitable, and recommended by experts. Using all those logos may overcrowd and clutter the packaging, but you can set them at different locations and sizes on the packaging to avoid clutter.

3.COLOUR

The colour is the first most important in persuading people to buy cosmetics hence instead of using the single colour the usage of shade combination which will grab people’s attention.

Pink widely popular as feminine colour in beauty and cosmetic it is all about fun and cheerful vibe while darker shades are associated with male-oriented beauty products. Black shade acts as a symbol of luxury cosmetic packaging design wherein the ethereal glows, jewel tones and pearl essence acts as premium feel and look to the packaging design.

4.INNOVATIVE SHAPE DESIGNS

We recall what we have seen, first by colour, next shape, by symbols and then by words and fact is that

76% of purchase decisions are made based on product kept in the shelf. source

Cosmetics product packaging design has ventured a long way in recent years with new materials(sustainable) and an enhanced customer-driven product design industry. Social media have helped brands to understand the customer pattern and lifestyle through various ad campaigns. Hence they are establishing new dramatic designs which are eye-catchy and feasible at the same time.

Leaf-shaped cap and bamboo-shaped body evoke the natural personality of the product. Curvy elements on shape designing and line art are highly appreciated in the cosmetic industry as it expresses emotions with elegance. Travel-friendly and single usage packaging designs are a futuristic version of the cosmetic industry as people enjoy convenient and hassle-free regimes.

The cosmetic industry is known for the simplistic, clean barest minimum of ornamentation for an honest and appealing look. The brand story is conveyed beautifully through creative content and a combination of correct colours, logo and illustrative images.

TYPES OF SHAPE PACKAGING:

Geometric shape packaging

Geometric designs can be square, rectangular, octagonal, decagonal, hexagonal and many geometric shapes are the source which makes the product stand out on the grocery store shelves. Such shapes not only make your product stand out, but they can also serve as convenient features and handy.

Examples: Geometrical boxed soups, Origami Whiskey Boxes, Masculine Perfume.

From beverage manufacturers, screen-printing geometric shapes directly on beer bottles, to personal hygiene products with geometric design choices are product packages which are increasingly in demand.

Geometric patterns, when used correctly, then they are highly flexible, visually compelling and in some cases, are very functional. One can use them to enhance vibrancy and life to your designs.

Abstract shape packaging

Abstract shapes are created by abstracting the most fundamental and universal aspects of real-life forms. Such shapes are created by the inspiration of things which are around us in day to day life.

Abstract shapes are the large, basic shapes that will provide the building blocks for virtually any style of painting.

Examples: The bathroom example, those two figures of people are stylized silhouettes of a person wearing pants and a person wearing a skirt.

Organic Shape packaging

These are the shapes which are irregular and asymmetrical in appearance and usually seen with the curvy flow in them. Usually, the shape is inspired by nature such as leaves, flowers and many more associated with nature.

Apart of types of shapes it is an essential element that the packaging is ergonomic. The technical aspects of designing will depend on the features of the product which are under scrutiny by the client not only when purchasing, but also when using the actual product. Thus applies to its shape, structure and material. These are the aspects with the most significant impact on the convenience of distribution and use.

The packaging should improve the daily product usage experience by making the product more comfortable to hold, maintain or use accurately. Storage and logistics are also not without significance. Product ergonomics and safety have a tremendous impact on company performance and cost optimization by reducing losses. Brands must consider marketing elements also during the design process. An attempt to attract the client’s attention can change their buying decision may either be successful or a significant detriment to the organizational image.

There are tons of opportunities in the beauty industry and with correct product shape and its packaging brand can achieve the competitive advantage. A good cosmetics packaging design should be memorable, fun, friendly and easy. It must be consistent with the type of product where creativity plays a very important role.

5.UNBOXING EXPERIENCE

As the name, suggest it is the actual process of feeling when unboxing the product. Un-Boxing in the cosmetic industry is the opportunity to create a “wow” experience with smart and attractive presentation of consumers items.

Customized touch for packaging design is always appreciated and enhances the loyalty level of consumers towards the brand. Skincare tips, beautiful quotes, discount vouchers on next purchase and free accessories will add an extra smile on clients face resulting from repeating sales. Beauty bloggers and brands trust unboxing experience to communicate brand value, reviews and specifications.

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DesignerPeople

DesignerPeople is integrated creative agency, specializing in brand development and packaging innovation for Food, FMCG and Cosmetics brands.