Just having returned from the upbeat MakeUp in Paris trade show—following this year’s LPLA and MULA, Cosmopack Bologna and Luxe Pack NY—and soon heading to Cosmoprof Las Vegas—I’ve seen a lot of beauty showcases, both as entire expos and as individual glass display cases with shelves.

There’s no doubt that industry trade shows put a special spotlight on the beauty, cosmetics and fragrance world, and since the end of the pandemic, have become not only a consolidated display of supplier development, but also a periodic discussion hub for business in general.

It’s been a privilege to hear from industry luminaries, as they talk with me and Beauty Packaging’s publisher Jay Gorga about their perspectives, insights, predictions and more.

2023 is an especially interesting time. Following are some of the points that our various discussions have left me thinking about.

The industry is raring to move on, post-pandemic, and supplier innovation may be at an all-time high, but some brand owners are a bit tentative, due to criteria including global unrest, insecurities with China, the economy—and the state of sustainability, pending deadlines and consumer influence & acceptance.

According to many suppliers we’ve spoken with, some brands are requesting only trackable, sustainable, componentry (and formulations), while others are not overly concerned. The same goes with brands.

The one thing they all have in common is that the packaging POPS—whether in-store or online. Here also lies a matter of conviction and taste. Some brands like to get their message across with a sleek, uncluttered look (maybe even showing the imperfections of a sustainable material for easy identification) while others layer on the bling for products that can’t be missed. Of course, many suppliers and brands are laboring to achieve the golden prize—Luxe meets Sustainable meets Affordable, across all categories and markets.

Stay tuned to Beauty Packaging as we continue to engage with industry leaders and interview brand founders and global analysts, all to bring you the latest news and trends, as the only publication specializing in cosmetic packaging.

This month marks my 15th wonderful year of having the great pleasure of working with Jay Gorga as we collaborate on ideas, discuss industry news and travel to various trade shows—always with the goal of bringing our audience (print and digital) the very best 24/7 voice of the industry.  (And for our partners, the very best and most curious audience.)

Of course, much credit goes to Beauty Packaging’s incredible and savvy team! Thanks to all!

We hope you enjoy this issue. See you in the aisles!