Portability, functionality and aesthetics are key in the fiercely competitive world of cosmetics packaging. We've rounded up five innovative efforts we think deliver on all fronts.


Lip Service

Scoring sumptuous lips on-the-go is simple with Urban Decay’s Commando lip compact. Beauty convenience at its best, this dog-tag-style compact is loaded with two lip glosses and hangs from a chic silver chain. The reflective lavender Zamac material (zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper) is embossed with skull and heart graphics that speak to the brand promise “Beauty, with an edge.” Compact material: HCT Packaging (www.hctpackaging.com).

Back In Black

The MAC Holiday Collection features the brand’s signature look-black-making the line the perfect accessory for any occasion. Packaging incorporates various fabrics and textures to emphasize the “formal black” theme, and the fabric element is carried through on bags, compacts and plastic cases for lipsticks and nail lacquers as well.


Where Beauty Meets Technology

Freeze 24-7 & Go is a colorless cosmetic designed to instantly eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Housed in a sleek, metallic, pod-like package that includes a removable mirror for optimal on-the-go application, the product can be applied over or under makeup without smearing or smudging.


Now You See It...

L’Oreal takes the concept of minimalist design to a new level with its Shu Uemura line of cosmetics. Following the brand’s strategy of “sophisticated simplicity and modernity”, packaging for the line incorporates thick, translucent materials from Rexam (www.rexam.com/beauty) to achieve a unique look. Both products are virtually transparent, save for a shiny hot stamped logo.


On The Road Again

Not to be left in the lurch when traveling, today’s grooming-conscious man can opt for eShave’s colorful line of travel brushes made of fine badger hair and hand-turned ergonomic Lucite handles. A modern, silver canister protects the brush from being damaged-and also doubles as a brush stand. The canister is ventilated on top so that the brush can breathe and dry properly, no matter where life takes you.