What do you look for in packaging?
Something functional, sturdy, and that isn’t unnecessarily large/bulky.
— Christine
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Sturdy and functional but also beautiful if possible! I prefer simple classy design, I’m not really into pink, sequins or very girly things. I do like quirky vintage images like theBalm or to a lesser degree Benefit uses on their packaging.
Depends.
*DS- functional, efficient, and sturdy
*ME-all of the above, and some pretty designs/colors, some embossing
*HE-all of the above plus more – fancy embossing & lettering (Dior spring shadow sets), packaging is high quality and has heft, can look like a piece of art (Louboutin lipsticks). IMO Guerlain often sets the standard, their packaging is always gorgeous and luxurious (Meteorites, Rouge G) even if some of their products are hit or miss (shadows)
Sturdy, sleek, and lately, easy to open. I’ve always had joint problems but unfortunately my hands have gotten much worse in the past 6 months or so. Stubborn clasps on compacts, and screw-on tops that are supposed to be very tight (looking at you, Colour Pop) are hard to handle when your hands are really painful.
lol, I have a list!
LIPSTICKS THAT STAY CLOSED! I cannot for the life of me find a bullet lipstick that stays closed in a zipped pocket in my purse. Doesn’t matter if it’s Wet n Wild or Kat Von D, they always come open.
I also like things that look nice enough to display. If I’m spending $$$ on a product, I don’t want to hate displaying it because it looks cheap and tacky.
The other thing I like is products like lipsticks/brow pencils/lip pencils that twist up and down all the way. I sometimes get hand tremors/shaky hands, so I like being able to put the product all the way down to avoid taking off a chunk of product if my hands shake.
The last thing is products that aren’t incredibly hard to open. I get a lot of joint pain and swelling, which can make opening some difficult compacts too painful or impossible. If something comes open without making me wince in extra pain, that’s an A+.
Hi Alexa, ÁIne,
I also have hand/joint issues; specifically severe osteoarthritis in both hands. I do want packaging that closes securely, but it needs to be designed in such a any that I can easily open it. Funnily enough, I also hear complaints from some of my friends who have long nails. Sometimes the opening aparatus is so small or tight, they risk breaking or chipping a nail whenever they use the product. I understand the design team might be going for something ultra sleek in look, but they should still factor in ease of opening.
Count me in the club, too!
One lipstick I love is Estee Lauder Envy line which has a magnetic cap, that actually stays closed in the handbag, and is easy to twist. Gorgeous colors as well.
OXO makes openers for ppl with hand problems. Many different selections. In the U.S.,the sell in Target, eMbed, Bath, and beyond has a very large selection. Amazon has most things too
I also wrap hair plastics around compacts and palettes and keep them in a zip lock freezer bag while traveling, just in case. If you can get a physical therapy band, cut it to a few sizes to help your grip. I have bad hands too.
Sturdy, classic and luxe ( Tom Ford) and if not luxe, then at least sleek and minimal froo froo (i.e. MAC standard black packaging or NARS). And I prefer plastic over dressed up cardboard.
I don’t love overly gimmicky packaging (the Too Faced holiday sets stress me out). I mostly look for packaging that accommodates normal usage of the product. Lids should stay shut, and hinges should withstand opening and closing until the product is used up. Cardboard packaging is mostly useless to me.
While I may like some kick-butt cool packaging on a special LE or Luxury item, I know may not be practical for my everyday items. When it comes to foundation, blush, eyebrow products, mascara and such, I just want it to utilitarian. Easy to use, built well to protect its contents and take daily wear and tear. Nothing complicated or fancy.
Agree with you completely. I do not care much about the cuteness of packagings . I rather look forward to something which would keep the dust and air out and be sturdy enough to carry and use.
That it’s air-tight and opaque!
I’m very picky when it comes to packaging, I might even pass up on a product if the packaging isn’t what I was looking for. I rarely take my products with me so packaging doesn’t need to be sturdy, it just needs to be compact because I don’t like bulky packaging. My space is very limited so I usually go for palettes that are compact and not too bulky. I also don’t like packaging that gets dirty easily like NARS has, I want everything to look clean.
That’s the one thing I disliked about Urban Decays and Too Faced Palette packing they had these pop-ups that were cool but I felt was overblown and should have been an external case for the palette itself. I felt bad about using those palettes, because I would never travel with them unless I depotted the tray. >_<
Something sturdy and substantial, that I can open easily without tearing up my poor little nails. Secure for travel is always a plus but not absolutely necessary.
I really hate it when companies waste space in palettes, too – for example, the Kevyn Aucoin Contour Book. It’s not very much product and that’s fine, but the space between the pans is so much that I can’t fit the palette in my “palette drawer” even though it’s probably got less in it than anything else in there!
Definitely sturdy and easy to use, for starters; compact and streamlined; not heavy (I know some people like products to have heft, but a lot of hefty products put together equals one massively heavy bag); easy to stack and store — if there’s something cool about the design, and that is a nice added bonus, I’d prefer something cleverly compact, or that shows off on the outside the colors on the inside, over a shape that takes up unnecessary space.
Functional, especially when it comes to skincare, and sturdy, as I have a toddler and a newborn and the amount of broken products has become insane over the last year…
FUNCTION OVER FORM. I have some really lovely compacts that drive me beserk (that beautiful TF white palette from last summer). I have autoimmune arthritis and my hands have difficulties with certain tasks…especially movements that require pinching/grasping between the thumb and forefinger.. Well, I struggle to get that beautiful sucker open which sometimes prevents me from using it.
Yes, that compact can be difficult to open. Now, I hold my left thumb against the bottom of the compact and use my right thumb to push up at the center. That palette also has a lot of wasted space. I would have rather had the products spaced out a little more than to have all of that extra space around the sides. =(
Hey there Cat: I will give your method a go. Thanks for your response!
Sturdy hinges, sleek packaging, nothing that shows fingerprints.
Something solid but pretty. I think Guerlain and YSL have the prettiest lipstick packaging. I love Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipstick but I have two tubes where the cap won’t stay on. Great lipstick…terrible packaging.
Number one is strength and durability. Especially when it comes to lipsticks, since finding one open in your purse is a disaster. Magnetic closures like the NARS Audacious system are the very best since I know they’re not coming apart in my stage kit or my bag and I never worry over losing a cap. If a product has to go into my traincase for work and come backstage with me, it has to be able to withstand tough conditions. Palettes should be sturdy, resistant to drop damage, and open/close securely and easily. Ideally they have useful mirrors (so glad Z Palette is finally releasing mirrored versions!!).
I’d rather packaging be heavy than light for my own personal hand-feel preference and the aforementioned constant moving around in kits. I like things to stay where I put them but without unnecessary bulk or excess packaging (Marc Jacobs lipsticks, for example, are a pain to store because they’re too big for most lipstick holders. Yes, it’s a nice shape but it’s not the shape of storage). With shadows, I want compacts that close very securely or jars that have strong threading to hold caps. Or I want them magnetized so they’re easy to put into a custom. Lipsticks should readily fit into most holders on the market.
Basically I want packaging to open and close easily and securely, have enough sturdiness and weight to function without adding excess bulk or being difficult/inconvenient to store, and is resistant to damage both from major drops and regular wear-and-tear over time. I love beautiful packaging and it can be a wonderful benefit, but only if it’s functional. Of course a giant piece of intricate and delicate beauty can have its place on a vanity and I love that too, but functional is best.
Packaging that is functional, and that won’t break or pop open in my purse/makeup bag. I’m much more forgiving of inexpensive products, especially if I can de-pot them. Higher end stuff should be sturdy, well-made, and at least somewhat attractive. Extra points for being recyclable, made from recycled materials, really pretty or cute packaging/embossing/little touches, or being a collectible I like (ex. : Unicorns, fantasy, Alice in Wonderland, etc.).
I agree with you Christine. Also I admit if its pink and cute I will be more likely to buy it. I do try to read reviews first though.
I like fun, bright and innovative packaging which will make me want to display an item on my dressing table instead of just leaving it in my make up bag. Oh, and if it’s sturdy and fairly compact – that’s a bonus 🙂
Simple, Sleek & Easy to open.
The new mac mineralize skinfinish packaging is a pain to work with .. I have to use fingers muscels to open them! I never know I had them untill I needed to open a mac package.
ColourPop is everything when it comes to Product .. but the lip liners pencils Omygawd .. smudges every time you open and close the cap. Crazy smudges on the beautiful white pencil (uhh .. why CP ..why!!).
Same goes with Wet & Wild lipstick .. if smudge had a face it will be a WnW lipstick cap.
I really love Lorac Pro eyeshadow palette. Light, sleek, storage and travel friendly AND amazing product. A Girls Best Dream!
I like keeping it simple. While I appreciate Too Faced’s packaging a lot (aka the PB&J palette), I will not buy something just because it’s “cute”. For makeup palettes, I like items that are SLIM, large mirror, and sturdy – the Lorac palettes are some of my personal favorite packaging. For foundation, I definitely prefer a tube that either has a pump or is a squeeze tube, rather than having to pour it out myself. And…anything that “clicks” when you close it gives me a little satisfaction hahah – like my Hourglass ambient lighting powder.
Sturdy, functional, pretty.
Something that withstand my travels! Even though we take carry-on, I have so many products with broken packaging. ♥ Elle
My ideal packaging is much more focused on function than “cuteness”. My wish list: Secure, air-tight closures; a finish that doesn’t attract dirt or smudges; sturdy enough to bounce around in my purse or travel bag without breaking or flopping open; clear, readable labels; and a lack of unnecessary bulk or wasted space.
Then again, my makeup gets stored either in my bag, in a closet, or in the bathroom cabinet that I share with two men. If I had an actual “vanity” where it would be kept out, I might care more about what it looks like. As it is, I just want it to work well, without hogging up precious real estate.
Simple and cheap. I want the products to be out of this world, I don’t care one flip about the packaging…only if it costs me more.
Okay so I guess I’m
In the minority because if it has beautiful packaging I want it testers especially sparkle , sequins and anything feminine and gold or pink ! But I do have problems with my hands and so I’m in the majority for wanting easy clasps and staying closed whilst in my girly purse lol
As long as it does the job in protecting the product. The writing is clear and you can read the label…after all, it does get thrown out into the recycling bin.
Something that opens easily, but stays closed when it should. I want it to have substance and not feel cheaply made. For instance, I like lipstick cases to be “magnetized”. Purely based on looks… I like more sleek packaging and have a weakness for black and gold.
I love nice packaging! I won’t buy products packaged in cardboard. My preference is Chanel and Gucci – the black and gold is so pretty. Mac has some very interesting
packaging at times. (Not too crazy about the Gucci products though)
The product has to be really good if the packaging isn’t either cute, elegant, unique or classy. I love Anna Sui and Jill Stuart products, and Anna Sui’s products have been consistently high quality with me so that’s a major bonus! Saying that, I wouldn’t buy an item that is generally reviewed as awful just because the packaging is nice. I do love princessy and girly packaging like Etude House and Too Faced but I’m a ‘goth’ so it conflicts with my dark soul XD I can get away with Anna Sui and Jill Stuart!
Palettes
1. A big mirror in comparison to whole product. When I am to do my makeup away from home, like the idea I can grab a palette because of my mood and colors and not only because it is the only travel friendly one. A good example are the Sleek palettes, where the mirror is as big as possible to fit, while all is kept light weight. I can do my whole face in those.
2. Multi functional palettes – Both matte and shiny shadows, of which one can be used for eyebrows, blush, etc. And all with good quality and in a small packaging but with a lid big enough to fit a decent mirror – a dream come true. I think Lancome once did something like this and Urban Decay also had some before the bulky On The Run. I have a Kardazzle Face Palette – not a fan of the sisters, and it does look a bit cheep, but it got me because of its size and functionality, also the products quality is quite good,
Pressed powders – i look for slim packaging. I hate those bulky pieces with rounded lids. And it gets even worse when the hinge breaks and all falls apart.
Foundation – pumps are best because I do not have to secure the packaging (tubes!) while product dripping all around
ugh I know what you mean with the pressed powders. I like the Pixi & the ELF translucent powders but they’re both so huge. Also coloupop eyeshadow (WHEN THE HECK ARE THEY GOING TO SLIM THOSE PACKAGES DOWN???)
I look for something easy to open, I have tendon issues in my right hand and as much as I love my ELF 4 pan palettes (contour, blush, bronzer, highlight) they are so difficult to open. I’ve chipped nails and have cause myself tremendous amount of pain working with them. I barely touch then anymore because of it and just stick to my smashbox contour kit instead because it opens and closes much more easily.
Also, I get very frustrated with the smaller Too Faced palettes, like PB&J and Sugarpop. One drop and the magnets in the palette casing move and the product will no longer stay closed. I’ve messed up 2 palettes that way with a short drop of maybe 2 feet on carpeted flooring.
I like sleek and simple packaging. I love the design of KVD products, but the lipsticks DO NOT stay closed! It’s so frustrated! I opened a brand new tube, put it on, went to my car, it fell in between my seats, I pulled it out right away and the cap was MIA and a brand new tube of lipstick was destroyed. It’s such a waste, especially when these products are a splurge for me and I have to save up $$ to buy them. Also, her liquid lipstick packaging is frustrating to work with as well. I love the colors and the formula, but the wands and tubes are so long and thin, again it can be difficult for me to grasp them and then because of how long the wands are the product becomes more difficult to apply. I try to opt for the mini sizes of the liquid lipsticks when they are offered simply for that reason, but I would rather spend my money on Jeffree Star, LA Splash, etc that had squatter/chubbier tubing, just so that the wand and packaging is easier to hold.
I don’t care for super “girly” or “cutesy” packaging, which was a huge deterrent for me with the Too Faved chocolate Bon bons palette. It’s just not my style. I would prefer something more sleek and sexy, or something bold and dramatic. I don’t want to spend $50 on a palette for it to look like child’s makeup.
Secure closures that are easy to open is the biggest thing I look for, but it can be very difficult to find on a lot of products.
Just something functional and solid packaging.
I want something sturdy, durable, easily opened (while still remaining secure enough to carry with you with confidence), and without much wasted space. KVD and ABH do a great job with eyeshadow palette design, but D&G blushes (and similar products) could be more compact if they didn’t include the brush. Tarte also does a great job MOST of the time – the packaging of the Light of The Party palette was horrible! However, the NARS L’Amour, Toujours L’Amour Eyeshadow Palette that has no wasted space is very unappealing to me. I also look for items that are aesthetically pleasing and/or unique.
To avoid excess luggage fees when flying, I have several concerns about packaging:
1- MULTI-TASKING:
• Being able to carry two-in-ones is great for handbags and luggage. Lipliners must have a brush – if not, I just don’t buy them. I think UD should come up with a double-ended eye liner: 1 end pencil + 1 end shadow brush.
2- WEIGHT:
• A carboard packaging is as light as can be, so I’m a huge fan. It’s also easier to keep clean.
• No mirror, please! We all can find a restroom, or carry a mirror in our handbag; I hate to pack 10 mirrors (1 in each compact or palette) when I travel. One exception to this rule: finishing powder compacts for quick and discreet touch-ups.
• Lipstick tubes can get really heavy and/or huge, and I don’t see why (UD is too heavy, CD is too big, and the list goes on and on). As a general rule, I (try to) pass on these.
• I know glass gives an impression of quality, but foundation is so easier to pack when it’s in a plastic tube or bottle… Same goes for MAC paint pots, which I love; but I always find myself trying to transfer them into a lighter container of some sort.
3- FORMAT:
• The smaller, the better (and the cuter!). It’s easier to carry around, to pack for travel, AND to store. If all of my packagings are as tiny as possible, then I can manage a bigger stash… Aaaaah-HA!
• We need space between the pans within a palette, but no that much; I like when it’s kept to a minimum.
4- AIRTIGHT/OPACITY:
• Especially important for skin care (anything vitamin C or retinol, for example). I’ll choose a pump or a tube over a pot whenever I can. I think it’s very sad that most high-end products come in a glass pot… such a waste of ingredient potency! Also to consider: the more contact (with fingers or even air), the more risk to contaminate the pricey product…
5- EASY ACCESS:
• I hate to struggle to pop open a stubborn compact/palette and lose precious time to finally get to the product inside without damaging it in the process (by dropping it, for instance); bonus points for magnets and all easy-access systems.
6- CUTENESS:
• What a shame, I’ll still be swept away by a cute packaging… I try really hard to stick to my 5 priorities stated above, but sometimes, just a cute design is enough to overrule all of those.
Color-schemes/fun/unique. Obviously 2faced is a great company as far as packaging goes and I love anything like they do. Super personal to the brand itself (as far as style goes) but also somewhat fun. Benefit is another company, as well as brands like Sugarpill, limecrime, KVD etc.