What kind of packaging are you drawn to?

I like clean lines, minimal wasted space, and something sturdy without being obnoxiously heavy or oversized. My all-time favorite packaging is probably Burberry’s — it’s subtle, clean, functional, and custom to the brand.

— Christine

12 Comments

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Wednesday Avatar

So many people complain about NARS packaging, but I think it is highly functional: lightweight, sturdy, easy to grip and open. It’s certainly not the prettiest and stains very easily, but as a person with RA who has problems with clasps and slippery packaging.. I’m forever dropping things or being forced to use the back end of my tweezers to open compacts.

Jill Avatar

I’d prefer it to be refillable though I understand that not all products can be had in such packaging, but that being said I will always take notice of a brand that offers it where it makes sense.

Sturdy, easy to open and yet the latch should be adequate to keep it shut, and I know I’m in the minority but I prefer no mirror unless it’s a compact that you put in your bag. Mirrors aren’t recyclable and I have many mirrors several times over that I don’t need one in every.single.package.

Nancy T Avatar

Typically, elegant, sleek, and easy to store for everything. Obviously, I didn’t follow my own ‘rule’ when I purchased that UD GOT e/s palette! It and a few others sit atop my dresser like actual books. Other than just a few isolated exceptions, my preference runs considerably smaller. For lipsticks, I love both the simple, sleek design of MAC and UD, as well as some squared components like YSL Pur Rouge, Chanel and Nars. As much as I love PMG lipstick formula, the gold lips on the packaging are a bit goofy, but amusing! ?

TropicalCowgirl Avatar

I’m love luxe lipstick packaging. I am pretty good at putting lipstick on without a mirror and I feel glam with pulling them out. I wish NARS didn’t get so grungy but appreciate the general aesthetic of it initially.

I adore jeweled compacts and antique ones. I lost my collection of them in a move. I used to display them on my dresser with my fancy perfume bottles.

I don’t like cutesy things at all. It’s why I have a few Z-palettes.

The downside of the packaging is I almost need a microscope to read the color on the bottom.

Susan Nevling Avatar

Reading colors is a thorn im my side. I’ve worn glasses since I was young and still have trouble reading small print. Very annoying and heartbreaking bc I am a constant reader since age 4.

ShariP Avatar

I’m a sucker for pretty packaging…that being said, I prefer sleek, black with maybe silver/gold accents. No silly, cutesy packaging (Too Faced & Benefit drive me nuts). It has to be sturdy enough to be traveled with. Clasps & lids must stay shut. I love a nice “click” of the magnetic closure when it closes.

Some of my favorites are Chanel, Lancome, PML full size eyeshadow palettes, UD, Chanel, MAC lipstick. Though I love the PML full size eyeshadow palettes packaging, I’m not a fan of her mini mothership cardboard packaging or the new clear-ish plastic of the 5 pan shadows.

Patricia Avatar

Packaging should be functional, designed to reduce potential contamination (for creams, liquids), be easy to open and require as little space as possible so that it can travel well. Drunk Elephant packaging meets my first 3 requirements, but it seems to be larger than it needs to be. I enjoy cutesy packaging (e.g., PMG lipstick lips) as well as sleek lines…anything that catches my eye.

Jane Avatar

Quality mirrors (if it needs one), design for use (e.g. mirrors that open flat to really use will holding and to be able to move in closer) and color (I’m getting tired of black). Concur on simplicity of design on the lines, unless it’s a new and unique shape or feel, like stone-marble, oval (palm of the hand sized) etc.

Jane Avatar

Quality mirrors (if it needs one), design for use (e.g. mirrors that open flat to really use will holding and to be able to move in closer) and color (I’m getting tired of black). Concur on simplicity of design on the lines, unless it’s a new and unique shape or feel, like stone-marble, oval (palm of the hand sized) etc.

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