Things have changed drastically—and continue to evolve—in the cosmetics, personal care and fragrance sector, once known primarily for its aesthetics.

Packaging suppliers and brands now face an increasingly long list of criteria when developing the housing for today’s powerful and pretty formulations including compatibility, functionality, sustainability, price, professional effects—and, of course, winning the approval of savvier-than-ever consumers.

In other words, packaging for each specific category has become more specialized than ever, targeting the precise requirements end-users demand from both formulations and packaging.

In this issue, Beauty Packaging looks at three leading sectors that are currently at the forefront of the industry, and provides insight on the challenges faced and the accomplishments met.

Sales of Color Cosmetics have soared in recent years, as consumers revel in adding a bright lift to their facial features. In fact, according to findings from Euromonitor, retail sales of color cosmetics increased by 5% in 2012 to reach $11.5 billion. In the article we look at how sales in this vibrant category have been affected by recent trends and what types of packages are working best for brands.

Similarly, our story on Applicators highlights the rise of their importance in beauty, and how vloggers and YouTube’s beauty stars are changing consumers’ perceptions about what they require of beauty tools.

Tubes continue to be a sought-after packaging choice for beauty brands. In 2012, nearly 40% of newly launched, U.S. color cosmetic and skincare products were packaged in tubes—a figure that outpaced bottles. In this issue you’ll read about how new technology has made tubes more attractive than ever.

As brands and suppliers continue to develop the most efficacious formulations that are delivered efficiently and effectively in the most attractive packaging possible, we are happy to be the only vertical magazine and online community in the cosmetics, fragrance and personal care industry to focus exclusively on the packaging for this arena.

More Specialized Than Ever, Beauty Packaging strives to meet brands’ and suppliers needs in print, online and through our special app for mobile devices.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Jamie Matusow
j[email protected]