Editor’s Letter: Get Set for a New Phase in Beauty

Welcome to Beauty Packaging Magazine’s July/August 2026 issue!

Welcome to our 2026-2027 Beauty Industry Buyers’ Guide edition. This issue marks the launch of our annual compendium of hundreds of beauty industry suppliers, from those that provide applicators to cartons, bottles to bags, jars to deco—and so much more. Over 1.1 million beauty professionals access our Buyers’ Guide each year!

In the ever-evolving cosmetics world, brands rely on a wider current of manufacturers and materials than ever. And not just for products, but for guidance.

The global rules for packaging are changing rapidly. And with pending legislation in the EU and U.S. (including PPWR, SUPD, EPR), “suitability challenges” are becoming more complex than ever.

Recycling rates are often lower than expected. Small components are being lost in the process. Packaging with multiple components also pose issues. Plus, there are long-established consumer habits toward tossing empties.

Refillables have slowly risen to the top as an alternate, efficient solution—though they too face challenges such as cost, adherence, and ease of transferring formula. 

But as usual in the very flexible, innovative cosmetic packaging industry, processes are in the works to meet refillable goals. Current success lies with 3 major variables: materials that hold up well, simpler structures, and ease of re-use.  Most receptive to the changeovers have been high-level skincare, and mass and masstige haircare.

New Perspectives on Refillables

In this issue, you’ll gain perspective on refillables from some of the leading experts in Beauty, including Olga Kachook, at SPC, Lauren Ryder, Mintel, and Laszlo Moharita, VP, Global Package Development, ELC; and packaging pros at brands from Albéa to Aptar to Bakic.

With their benefits becoming more accepted by consumers, refillables are now moving beyond liquid skincare and fragrance to stick packs and powders.

However, Ryder cautions that “the next wave of refill innovation won’t be won by sustainability messaging alone. Instead, it will be won by frictionless design and clear value.” She says that for consumers, refills must solve real pain points: mess, confusion, hygiene concerns, and the worry that a refill will feel “less than” the original.

The most compelling designs treat refilling as part of the product experience—clean, intuitive, and nearly foolproof. “Think intuitive cartridge designs that “click-lock” into place, closures that prevent leaks, and mechanisms that reduce overall touchpoints, so consumers don’t feel like they need a tutorial (or a funnel). When refilling is effortless, it becomes a habit, not a chore.” 

Wishing you a wonderful, regenerative summer!

Jamie Matusow | Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE: July/August 2026

Here’s what you’ll find—and more—in Beauty Packaging Magazine’s July/August 2026 issue:

2026–2027 International Buyers’ Guide: A complete listing of cosmetic packaging suppliers—search our online directory for everything your brand needs.

Refillable Packaging Gears Up for a New Phase in Beauty: Suppliers & brands are advancing refillable packaging—but obstacles remain.

Ready-Made and Remarkably Branded: Stock packaging is shedding its generic reputation as beauty brands embrace sustainable innovations, premium decoration, and flexible customization.

Lip Product Packaging Keeps Pace with Trends: From lip oils and tinted serums to peptide-infused treatments, packaging for lip products must support a growing range of textures, ingredients, and application experiences. 

Refillable Packaging Trends: Estée Lauder’s Laszlo Moharita, VP, Global Package Development, Fragrance and Haircare Cluster, sorts the pros and cons.

How Refills Have the Potential to Change the Market: The opportunities are clear, and challenges are being met.

Beauty Buzz: Circana’s Report, APC Gets Acquired, Anomatic’s New CEO & More

Trade Show Report: Fragrance, Sprayers, and PET Reign at LPNY— Many exhibitors at Luxe Pack New York 2026 showcased full plastic, recyclable packaging as ‘the next step in sustainability.’

Enjoy this issue!