When Mrs. Estée Lauder, Madam C.J. Walker, Eugène Schueller, Elizabeth Arden, Charles Revson—and the many other beauty icons—who, over the past century, spurred the hundreds-of-billion-dollar cosmetics industry we know today, they held a common insight and purpose: People are happiest when they feel that they look good. From makeup, to skincare to fragrance to hair care, nail care and beyond, beauty consumers find much to delight and complement them.

This month, we take a close look at the color cosmetics industry. While it has see-sawed with skincare as the leading category, it is now riding the crest. In part, due to the seeming end of the pandemic, with masks off and social functions on, beauty consumers are expressing their joy through color. From attention-getting eye makeup to multi-hued foundations, striking (and subtle) lip color and clean formula skincare, the category is headed toward a bright future.

Of course, as always, packaging plays a key role in attracting consumers, and over time, industry packaging suppliers have elevated simple styles into an art form of sorts—and one that also ensures hygienic formulations, protection and shipping. Always agile in changing times, packaging suppliers often take the creative initiative in meeting demand for trends, materials and functionality.

Today’s shift to sustainable packaging has been cited as the greatest overall change ever in the industry—and in their admirable stride, packaging suppliers are meeting the challenge, as you’ll see in this month’s cover feature. 

In addition to opinions and research from leading industry players, such as Mintel’s Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, Olivia Guinaugh (see her online exclusive at BeautyPackaging.com); Larissa Jensen, Vice President, Beauty Industry Advisor, The NPD Group; and Drew Elliott, SVP/Global Creative Director, M∙A∙C Cosmetics, we speak to leading players in the color cosmetics category for an upfront, to-the-minute look at some of the latest solutions.

We also include numerous brands and the eye-catching products and packages they have recently launched.

The goal they all have in common: bringing happiness and joy to the consumers they serve.

As beauty continues to grow, I see that Zara just launched a new line of color cosmetics for children. Will this be the next trend?

Be sure to stay tuned to Beauty Packaging and BeautyPackaging.com. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy working in such a creative and happy industry as much as we do.