What’s in a beauty buy? Well, endless market research, a handful of scientists and a host of retail wizards. And once a product is packaged and ready for the retail world, consumers (us!) are put to the test.
And of course, there’s more going on beyond just the name game (hello, Nars Orgasm). Visually stimulating packaging is also important. We want to be excited and inspired when we enter any space, so we’re all guilty of buying something at Sephora just because we were transfixed with the packaging.
From simplistic designs, to bold and eye-catching, we have a storied past with these iconic finds. We’re uncovering some of the best in beauty that’s cleverly disguised in brilliant packaging. Browse the gallery below to see our picks for the beauty products with the most iconic packaging.
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Anna Sui Lipstick M
Anna Sui is known for her beautiful packaging, and that definitely has something to do with her design expertise. It comes as no surprise that each season she turns out chicer colours, bolder branding and even more daring designs. What makes this lipstick stand out from the pack is the star shaped tip and matching packaging.
$30, urbanoutfitters.com
best beauty product packaging
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
With the combination of shopping spree-worthy packaging and clever names, it’s safe to say that no bronzer has left quite a lasting impression than Benefit’s Hoola. This product has probably been on the cheeks of every girl who’s ever faked her bake. And while Benefit has expanded their boxed beauty buys, Hoola will always remain a hero.
$36, sephora.com
best beauty product packaging
Byredo Parfum
Some women have a fragrance they’ve been coveting since middle school, and others take pride in experimenting with new scents. And while our vanities begin to stockpile after years of hoarding, often the most pared down design becomes our staple. Case in point, this Stockholm-based beauty brand with a focus on quality and craftsmanship that’ll stand test of time.
$220, http://byredo.com/
best beauty product packaging
Chanel No.5 Perfume
Anyone with even the smallest collection of fragrances has at one point lusted over this bottle. Of course Marilyn Monroe’s stamp of approval didn’t hurt its staying power, but it’s definitely the elegant and effortless bottle that sets it apart. This forever fragrance pays homage to the past with its timeless floral notes and will continue to maintain its legacy for years to come.
$136, thebay.com
best beauty product packaging
eos Lip Balm
When this sphere-shaped lip balm surfaced the shelves at our most prized drugstores, we took notice. The egg-shaped package opens up into a half-moon shape of product that allows for a flawless application each and every time. And when editors started writing about it, and beauty mavens started swearing by it, stores started selling them at an accelerated rate.
$4, evolutionofsmooth.ca
best beauty product packaging
Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Pearls
Guerlain is known for exquisite packaging, and their Perles are no different. This line of face powders, blushers and bronzers are so pretty, they beg the question, why aren’t all our products packaged this way? The elegant little spheres are perfectly placed in a spectacular jar that would look just as good on your bookshelf that houses your most valuable treasures.
$71, sephora.com
best beauty product packaging
Christian Louboutin Lipsticks
With packaging that was inspired by various works of art to Middle Eastern relics, these gold-gilded tubes are perfect. And of course no Louboutin line would be complete without his signature red, which of course is packaged in a gorgeous black tube housing the bullet-like objects that cost as much as a good haircut.
$90, sephora.com
best beauty product packaging
Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau de Parfum
Made to look like an iconic handbag that boasts an elegant chain strap and a luxurious cap, this latest fragrance a la Marc Jacobs Beauty is a crowning achievement. We’re all guilty of judging a book by its cover, and with endless scents to choose from, the winner often goes to the best bottle. Luckily, this iconic packaging boasts notes that make it as grand as its packaging.
$115, sephora.com
best beauty product packaging
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
There might not be mascara packing more iconic than this simple pink and green bottle. At one point or another, we’ve probably all purchased this drugstore mainstay. It’s safe to say that you would be hard pressed not to find this lash loving formula backstage at fashion shows.
$5, walmart.com
best beauty product packaging
Smith & Cult Nail Polish
While most nail polish bottles are one in the same, Smith & Cult have created an ornate bottle that just begs you to buy. Between the gold-hammered bottle cap that are distinctly dented on one side, and the 30-shade roster, these prestige polishes are must-haves.
$18, smithandcult.com
best beauty product packaging
Tarte Cheek Stain
When Tarte released their ultra-pigmented product, we couldn’t help but covet it. You can finally retire your brushes and sponges and welcome an innovative and award-winning design that takes the legwork out of your morning makeup routine.
$36, sephora.com
best beauty product packaging
Tom Ford Lip Color
Tom Ford is iconic in his own right, and after making waves in the fashion industry, he set his sights on beauty. His lipsticks are the epitome of covetable luxury. Most people wouldn’t splurge on a product so pricy, but for packaging this pretty, it’s almost necessary.
$52, tomford.com
best beauty product packaging
Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette
Too Faced is renowned for their ultra-feminine packaging and their chocolate bar resembling eye palette is no different. And while everyone with a sweet tooth rushed to a Sephora to grab their very own, the palette also boasts sixteen shades that have proven to be just as marvellous as the packaging.
$59, sephora.com
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