It’s no secret that celebrities are conquering more than just the music charts and red carpets—they’re also making a serious splash in the beauty world. And while their names may draw you in, it's the luxury cosmetic packaging design that truly seals the deal. Seems a bit far-fetched?
Does beauty product packaging influence buying decisions?
In the beauty industry, packaging is far more than just a container—it’s a first impression, a reflection of the brand’s identity, and a key factor in customer decisions. Studies show that packaging can heavily influence a consumer’s perception of a product and, ultimately, their decision to purchase.
Eye-catching designs not only grab attention on store shelves or online but also communicate a brand’s values—whether that’s luxury, sustainability, or inclusivity. Plus, shareable, photogenic cosmetic packaging can make all the difference in how a brand gains traction and builds loyalty in today's social media-driven world.
Let’s take a closer look at eight celebrity-owned beauty brands that are changing the game with their creative cosmetic packaging design, blending function, innovation, and brand storytelling in ways that keep us coming back for more.
1. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
What makes the packaging artwork stand out:
At the top of the list of celebrity skincare brands, we have Fenty Beauty by Rihanna that is known for its sleek, minimalistic packaging that feels both modern and luxurious. The signature hexagonal compacts and soft matte finishes create a visually striking look with neutral tones and metallic accents. This clean design reflects the brand's commitment to inclusivity and universal appeal, making the products approachable for everyone.
Branding and functionality:
What truly sets Fenty apart is the functionality behind its packaging design. The hexagonal shapes aren’t just for show—they fit together like a puzzle, making storage easy and adding a playful, practical element to your vanity. Rihanna personally oversaw these packaging design details, ensuring that beauty and utility go hand in hand.
Packaging design improvements:
In 2017, the brand introduced its iconic matte black packaging with a bold, minimalist aesthetic. This design not only reflected Rihanna's personal style but also helped establish the cosmetic brand's identity. In addition to its stunning aesthetics, Fenty has made significant strides toward sustainability. In 2021, the brand began phasing out magnets from its Match Stix Skinsticks packaging to reduce reliance on rare earth metals, aligning with its commitment to eco-conscious innovation.
Also Read: The 2024 Guide to FDA Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Packaging
2. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
What makes the celebrity packaging design stand out:
When it comes to make up brands with cute packaging, Rare Beauty is one of the first that comes to mind. Rare Beauty features soft, pastel colors with unique, round shapes. The ball-shaped tops and gentle curves make the makeup products easy to grip and visually distinctive.
Branding and functionality:
Rare Beauty’s packaging journey is deeply rooted in the brand's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. When designing the line, Selena Gomez worked closely with her team to ensure the cosmetic packaging would be functional for everyone, especially those with dexterity challenges. The ball-shaped tops are a direct result of this focus, as they are easier to twist and open than conventional shapes. The soft tones and simple branding create an approachable, everyday luxury vibe.
Packaging improvements:
Rare Beauty has consistently evolved its beauty product packaging to align with its commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. In 2021, they introduced post-consumer recycled materials into their packaging and switched to water-based inks. In 2023, they launched the "Made Accessible Initiative" to ensure their products are easy to use for everyone.
3. Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner
What makes the packaging artwork stand out:
Kylie Cosmetics is instantly recognizable with its bold "dripping lip" graphic and bright, vivid colors. The packaging is glamorous, trendy, and bold, matching Kylie’s personal style.
Branding and functionality:
The iconic packaging design creates a strong brand identity, making it easy to spot both online and in stores. The packaging is also compact and practical, offering consumers a complete kit in one box. The bold visuals enhance the unboxing experience, making it shareable on social media.
Packaging improvements:
In 2017, the brand introduced sleek, metallic packaging for its Kylie Lip Kits. In 2019, they launched a refillable packaging system for their lip liners and eyeshadow palettes to promote sustainability. Most recently, in 2023, Kylie Cosmetics unveiled a new, minimalist packaging design for its entire product line.
4. Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow
What makes the packaging stand out:
Goop features one of the best packaging for celebrity skincare brands. The packaging is clean, simple, and minimalistic, using neutral tones and clear labeling. The understated design aligns with the brand’s focus on wellness and natural living.
Branding and functionality:
The clean, no-fuss design mirrors Goop's emphasis on transparency and purity. The minimalist packaging attracts eco-conscious consumers and provides an elegant, high-end feel. The materials are easy to recycle, reinforcing the brand's sustainability commitment.
Packaging improvements:
In 2023, they transitioned to fully recyclable and compostable materials for their skincare products, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental impact.
5. Florence by Mills by Millie Bobby Brown
What makes the packaging stand out:
Florence by Mills is another brand with the best cosmetic packaging design. It uses playful, pastel lavender colors paired with fun fonts and unique shapes. The youthful, vibrant design stands out, especially for younger audiences.
Branding and functionality:
The light-hearted, fresh packaging reflects the brand’s youthful energy. It’s fun yet functional, with products designed for portability and ease of use. The playful design appeals to Gen Z, making it approachable and relatable.
Packaging improvements:
In 2023, the brand introduced new packaging designs featuring a minimalist, pastel color palette, which reflected a more mature and sophisticated look. This change was made to appeal to a wider audience and position the brand as a serious skincare contender.
6. Honest Beauty by Jessica Alba
What makes the packaging stand out:
Honest Beauty’s packaging focuses on eco-friendliness and simplicity. The clean, white designs with minimalistic fonts reflect the brand’s commitment to transparency and clean beauty, making it a standout among celebrity skincare brands.
Branding and functionality:
The simple design emphasizes Honest Beauty’s values of sustainability and natural ingredients. The use of recyclable materials and clear labeling appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, while the sleek, minimal packaging looks modern and fresh.
Packaging improvements:
In 2015, the brand redesigned its packaging to emphasize its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability. This included a minimalist aesthetic and the use of recyclable materials. In 2020, Honest Beauty further refined its packaging to align with its evolving brand identity and enhance product visibility on store shelves.
7. Haus Labs by Lady Gaga
What makes the packaging stand out:
Haus Labs features edgy, futuristic packaging with sharp lines and sleek black designs. The metallic finishes and bold styling reflect Lady Gaga’s avant-garde persona.
Branding and functionality:
The sleek packaging matches the brand’s bold, artistic identity, helping it stand out in the beauty space. It’s not only visually striking but also practical—designed for easy handling and storage, with durable materials that give it a high-end feel.
Packaging improvements:
In 2021, they introduced refillable packaging for their liquid lipsticks to promote sustainability. In 2023, they updated the packaging of their eyeshadow palettes to feature a new, more sleek design.
8. Rhode Cosmetics by Hailey Bieber
What makes the packaging stand out:
Rhode Cosmetics, one of the leading celebrity skincare brands, features minimalist, elegant packaging with clean lines and a modern color palette. The sleek design includes soft-touch materials and subtle branding.
Branding and functionality:
The refined packaging mirrors Hailey Bieber’s chic and understated style. The simplicity of the design not only looks sophisticated but also ensures ease of use. The soft-touch materials add a premium feel, enhancing the overall user experience.
Packaging improvements:
In 2023, the brand introduced refillable packaging for its popular Peptide Lip Treatment, reducing plastic waste and encouraging customers to adopt a more eco-friendly beauty routine.
Create stunning packaging designs with Artwork Flow
Managing such creative packaging designs, ensuring consistency, and navigating approvals can be a daunting task for any beauty brand. That’s where Artwork Flow comes in — an artwork management software that helps streamline the entire packaging process by enabling brands to manage their designs, approvals, and regulatory compliance from one centralized platform.
With customizable workflows, online proofing tools, and version control, it ensures that brands like these can bring their packaging visions to life smoothly and efficiently without the back-and-forth chaos. Whether you're launching a new product or updating your packaging, Artwork Flow ensures your designs stay on-brand and ready for market in record time.
Interested to know more? Book a demo with Artwork Flow today!