As the year comes to a close and the Christmas sets and special releases start to make their appearance, it’s when I notice that cosmetics companies up their “pretty packaging” factor. I suppose they know what women want don’t they? They want something pretty and delicate and if it houses their favourite cosmetics, all the better!
Some other cosmetics brands instead, make cute and pretty packaging the norm. Many Asian brands tend to capitalize on this. Etude House ups the cute factor and Paul & Joe, Anna Sui and Jill Stuart packaging is very pretty. I often wonder if it’s an Asian thing. After all, nowhere else in the world does a cartoon kitty without a mouth and wearing a bow get that sort of devotion, other than here in Asia.
So I was curious if your cosmetics purchases may have been swayed, even by a little bit, by the pretty or cute packaging that they come in?
As for myself, I have to say that for the most part, I’m not. I do tend to go for sleek and simple packaging so “pretty” doesn’t really come into the equation for me. It also explains why I wasn’t into buying the Laduree Rose Petal blushes. Gorgeous execution, pretty packaging, but just not something I’d go for.
Ok, I lie. Maybe I’m a little swayed if it’s particularly pretty. I’m looking at you, Guerlain Meteorites Perles! 😛
I actually had to dig around in my stash before I actually found anything that might conventionally be swooned over for being “pretty packaging”. The Anna Sui powder case definitely falls under this category. It’s large, it’s got these delicate looking prints on it, and the box has FEET! I’m not sure where it came from but no, I didn’t buy it haha! 😀
I did buy the Jill Stuart blush however. It wasn’t the pretty factor that got me, if I’m to be honest. I just wanted it because the product looks good on. I got this in Hong Kong a while ago, and actually asked the SA “What are you wearing?” before making my decision.
So, other than the Jill Stuart and Guerlain Meteorites Perles, I don’t have many other cosmetics with conventionally “pretty packaging”. I may sometimes be gifted with them, but I don’t actively seek them out, nor am I particularly swayed to make a purchase just because the packaging is pretty or cute.
However, on the flipside, ugly, bulky or clunky packaging does turn me off. Case in point, Guerlain again. There was a special tin released for Sephora stores that I rejected out of hand because I found it ugly. Ditto the upcoming Guerlain Crazy Meteorites Perles. I was keen to add them to my collection, only to backpedal with a grimace of horror when I saw the tin. Here’s a picture I got off the Escentual blog.
But you see, what makes me recoil in horror may to someone else be considered “pretty packaging”. This is the strange grey world that art lives in, I suppose. It all comes down to perception and our standards of what may be “pretty and cute” and what is “ugly as sin”. I’m sorry Guerlain, but my wallet thanks you for your ugly packaging this round 😀
What say you? Does a cosmetic product that looks pretty and cute make you go “Take my money already!”?
For the most part, I’m not particularly drawn to buy a cosmetic product because of how pretty or cute the packaging may be. It is a bonus if it is. However, if it pains my eyes to look at it, then it may affect me enough NOT to buy it 🙂
Paris B
Rin says
November 5, 2013 at 9:03 amHi Paris~ Well, not really. Love at first sight, yeah maybe I’ll go “Oh, so pretty, so lovely, so cute” but then again I will take a look at what the product has to offer. If it does not interest me, then I will not buy. I do not want to splurge on a bronzer just because it has such a nice packaging when I know myself that I do not (at all) use bronzer. Hehehehe. However, it is a bonus if the product is a lipstick colour that I know I’d like and it has such a lovely packaging *winks*
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:18 amOH I feel you re: Bronzer, Rin! So often, the bronzer packaging is so beautiful but I always pass because I know I’ll never use it. Well, until I came across the new Guerlain one then I had to have it haha! But on the bright side, it applied more like a blush so I’m safe 😀
Jenn says
November 5, 2013 at 9:04 amUGH, I cringed at the sight of the Crazy Meteorites tub too! They must be crazy! Hehehe! 😛
“For the most part, I’m not particularly drawn to buy a cosmetic product because of how pretty or cute the packaging may be. It is a bonus if it is. However, if it pains my eyes to look at it, then it may affect me enough NOT to buy it” OMG you took the words out of my mouth! 😀 I’m usually not easily swayed by pretty packaging, but yes ugly packaging do turn me off! 😀 As long as it doesn’t look too tacky or crazy (lol) I will buy it! I’m more concerned about the quality of the product inside the packaging itself 😀
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:20 amYeah and the eye palette too, if you’ve seen that. I suppose they were trying something new but it didn’t sit well with sticklers for tradition like me LOL! I guess when it comes to packaging, if it’s ugly it just gives me an excuse not to own another blush/lipstick/eyeshadow etc but if it’s pretty then it does make you think, oh, just once… 😉
Fiona says
November 5, 2013 at 9:30 amI found the Guerlain Crazy Champs Meteorites Perles ugly too. The lid is alright but the sides…gosh. But I also found out that Guerlain will come out with a reformulation version of Meteorites Perles next year. Maybe just wait for that 😀
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:21 amSigh I know… I was eyeing it thanks to the stock images that only show the lid. Smart of them eh? 😛 Yep, there’s a new formula and a slightly different tin next year. Not sure if I’ll get it if it’s just the same but we’ll see 🙂
Ting says
November 5, 2013 at 10:29 amI guess neon is so not your cup of tea… hahahaha! About pretty and cute packaging… it does nothing to me if the contents inside doesn’t perform. Just look at Clinique. Their packaging isn’t the most exciting. Similar to German tools. Not pretty but you are darn sure it’s practical and very good. Therefore, I wouldn’t buy cosmetics based on how it is packaged. If it works, even if you sell to me in a plain plastic container I would buy it. 😀
I am turn off by low quality packaging (one that breaks easily or feels cheap) even if it looks the cutest on the shelf. 😛
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:21 amHaha yeah I’m not into neon anything. Only thing that’s neon around me is my highlighters and that reminds me of work so yeah… 😛 I like the German tools analogy LOL! So true you know! If I’m shopping electricals, I gravitate to the Germans and yeah their designs aren’t as cutting edge but at least they’ll work!
Han says
November 5, 2013 at 10:37 amI’m a sucker of pretty packaging. I recall a Lancome blusher or highlight some years back, of Eiffel Tower, it was lovely! But unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get my hands on that one…
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:25 amOoh this one, Han? 😉 If you’re still looking for it, I have seen it sold in airport duty free as part of a larger palette. I’m not sure if it’s limited edition but I’ve been seeing it for a while so if you still want it, there’s the place to look 😉
Rebecca says
November 5, 2013 at 10:39 amYes! Haha. But ultimately the highest quality product will win out, even if the packaging is boring and utilitarian. Most of my facial care stuff comes in boring packaging, for example, but if it’s something I’m less particular about (like hand cream) then why not get one that looks attractive on your vanity? I may be in the minority but I actually sort of like the way the Crazy Meteroites Perles container looks. I’m not sure I would describe it as “pretty” or “cute” though, maybe more along the lines of “edgy” and “colorful”.
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:26 amOh Rebecca you’re actually right about skincare. I never consider packaging when I pick it up because how pretty can skincare packaging be eh? hehe… I do think the Crazy Meteorites packaging will appeal to some. In fact, many aren’t even turned off by it. One of those things about art eh? It will appeal to someone 😀
Romana says
November 5, 2013 at 10:42 amPretty packaging will attract me to check the product out at the counter. But ultimately I’d buy it only if I like the actual product inside. Don’t really understand the fuss about the Guerlain pots. I buy them for what’s inside. The new ones have some interesting colours. I’m excited to try them out. However I do have in my collection cosmetics with nice arty prints which I bought mainly because they’re are limited edition eg Lancome and Chanel. But again, only those which will work for my skin tone.
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:29 amFor me the problem with the Guerlain pot is that I’d have to look at it and it jars with my ideas of aesthetics 🙂 The contents are of course ultimately what it’s about but I figured I’d survive till the next one. Goodness knows, I have enough perles to last me till the end of time! 😀
Ginger says
November 5, 2013 at 11:09 amSometimes. Especially if it has a cat theme 🙂 But I wish that the packaging are sometimes marked or labeled distinctly. I have Dior’s Artistry Palette x 2, Dior Blush x 2 and Dior’s Shimmer Powder and they are all boxed (individually) in those blue Dior boxes and their blue pouches, same sizes and dimension. It’s a pain if you are in a hurry to open the boxes one by one to see what’s inside 😉 I know I can just turn to the back of the box to see what it is but I would have preferred if the description was on the front instead.
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:32 amHaha then you’d have loved the Paul & Joe cat print lipsticks and eyeshadows? 😀 Oh I get you about packaging like Dior’s or even Chanel. They all look so uniform it’s hard to pick out in a hurry but I guess it’s a matter of aesthetics and design too? I dunno haha when I’m in a hurry, I tend not to reach for any Dior or Chanel blush because I’d just waste too much time trying to work out what is what!
Lily says
November 5, 2013 at 11:17 amI like a sturdy packaging which doesn’t break easily, like Burberry ones for examples. Simple classy elegant… AND the product is of great quality. Doesn’t mean much if I don’t like the product. I guess I don’t buy makeup based solely on how pretty it looks, but like you said, it IS a bonus 🙂
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:34 amGood point about sturdy packaging. Burberry’s is good although the uniformity does confuse me sometimes. Am not a huge fan of the brand still though. Just a little something off about it for me. Maybe my bad experience with the lipstick soured it. But yeah, I’m glad I don’t go for packaging only as a criteria or I’d have a cupboard full of useless stuff seeing as to how many cute/pretty packaging aren’t from good quality brands lol!
Hani Lutfi says
November 5, 2013 at 12:04 pmI am usually swayed by really pretty packaging but then when I open it to see the product, if I’m disappointed I won’t get it. There is the case of the new collection of RiRi x MAC where the rose gold packaging is probably one of the prettiest packaging ever, plus it’s quite sleek as well, isn’t it? Sadly, my local MAC store (we have only one) has totally sold out on the whole collection and they won’t be restocking any of it. I am absolutely gutted!
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:35 amOh yes I have seen the Riri x MAC packaging and it is certainly interesting. That said, I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of Riri x MAC anyway. She seems to have a couple more coming out?
Penny says
November 5, 2013 at 12:47 pmIt’s very tempting to, probably because of my design background I do get suckered in with beautiful packaging. (Being someone behind-the-scenes, I -still- haven’t learnt that sometimes it’s all advertising and gimmicks. The shame!) But I try to do some research before buying, and only buy what I’d use (:
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:37 amThat’s a good point, Penny and I feel ya re: advertising and gimmicks. I should know better and still there I am handing over cash for something that could well be crap or a gimmick! Haha… Women eh?
Parita says
November 5, 2013 at 12:50 pmNope! I have never bought anything solely because of their attractive packaging..atleast not yet 🙂 for me I love simple and elegant packaging..something which looks classy and not like something which a 12 yr old would play with! Of course I love girly stuff but def its the product that matters in the end!
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:38 amLOL I’ve see 12 year olds heading for MAC these days which is scary! When I was 12, makeup was the furthest thing from my mind. But simple and elegant packaging is the way to go for me too. I guess I’m just not very girly. I like beauty and beautiful things but I can pass on “pretty” 🙂
Tracy@Beauty Reflections says
November 5, 2013 at 12:53 pmI love pretty packaging, but it matters more as to what’s inside it. I have been suckered into the pretty though and been burned, so now I try not to be silly lol!
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:39 amWell said. It’s what inside that matter, not just the outside although something that actually looks nice does help eh? 🙂 I too have been down that route and so often, pretty doesn’t equal good!
Robert c. says
November 5, 2013 at 1:19 pmHaven’t been suckered by “pretty packaging” but it certainly adds to the wow-ness of the product . Also, I like product that have a sleek and elegant packaging (but these products are normally expensive – sigh – like the recent purchase of diorskin skinflash illuminating pen) .
Nevertheless , would consider not to get it if I don’t like what’s in the product though . Or usually just wait a few days out to think I I reaaallly need it .
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:40 amOoh I love Dior Skinflash. Best illuminating pen ever! Design is great too although I’m not a fan of the clicky pen. For me, sometimes pretty packaging actually turns me off a product. So weird, I know. But then I guess I’m not into anything girly or cute or flowery so it’s easy for me to switch off 🙂
AnT says
November 5, 2013 at 1:20 pmHi dearie Paris!! ^_^
Pretty packaging can truly entice me to look at it and chances are higher to make me buy though :p Nevertheless, will still place priority to how good the product is 😀
By the way, what first caught my attention on this post of yours is your laminated floor 😀 Nice 😀
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:41 amHi AnT! I think that’s the idea behind pretty packaging 😀 It makes you look even if you don’t buy although they hope you will of course 🙂 I love my floors – bestest investment ever!
AnT says
November 11, 2013 at 10:04 amLOL! True to bits 😀 Part of the marketing strategy 😀
Yes, can see how you love your floors 😀 You love it so much that you can just sit on it with all your precious things and that’s how I love my floors too 😀 LOL! Bestest investment ever it is!! *five* ^_^
Florence says
November 5, 2013 at 3:34 pmI wanted to buy a Dior Addict lipstick for my mum but upon trying out the lipstick, I realized the packaging feels delicate, plus the colour range are not my mum’s favourite. So, I end up buying Burberry Lip Cover for her because of the sleek and classy packaging! When she asked why I bought that for her, I said because the packaging is so pretty. She gave me the “it’s not worth the price” look. But I know she loves it! She used the lipstick until the very last bit 😀
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:42 amI think the Rouge Dior packaging is a little more elegant IMO 😉 But Burberry lipsticks are beautifully packaged I’d agree! I had a poor experience with Burberry lipstick which is why I don’t pay them a lot of attention anymore, but I can’t deny they do lovely colours and the sleekness of the packaging can’t be beat!
Jennifer says
November 5, 2013 at 5:24 pmPretty and cute packaging are mostly an add on bonus to me – if the product works, I can forgive the packaging. Add on bonus in the sense that if the packaging complements the great benefit of the product, it will be a blessing to be holding and looking at a beautiful product while using it at the same time. Well if I can only recall the single moment that I fell in love with a product, it would be my Sigma Mrs Bunny set. I loved the pastel blue and pink combination.
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:43 amNail on head, Jennifer 🙂 Pretty packaging will ultimately add to our pleasure using an already good product. But if it’s a sucky product, it’d just sit and moulder away in our cupboard so there’s no point is there? Still, can’t deny pretty packaging will make us look at least twice right? 😀
Hanny Daforcena says
November 5, 2013 at 5:59 pmPackaging does not do a thing for me really, what matters is the content. Simplicity speaks volumes to me, heh heh ^.^
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:44 amCan’t deny something in pretty packaging will make you look twice! 😉 But yes, I go for simple too. Little fuss, good product wins all around.
Sarah says
November 5, 2013 at 7:41 pmInteresting question!
I find myself shying away if something is too pretty/cute. I’m scared I would just end up not using it. A good example would be those Paul and Joe Cat lipsticks (paw prints on the lipstick) and blushes (cream stick-blush shaped like a cat wearing a top hat). I don’t remember what season they were from, but too cute! I backed away as soon as my mind started with “buy two of each, one to use and one to look at!”
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:46 amAww Sarah that’s the most honest opinion I’ve read so far! 😀 You’re right you know. There’s always that fear of destroying the lovely design or pattern on a product and so often, when it’s actually used, it doesn’t look as enticing anymore! For me the first swipe is always the hardest but if it’s a good product, I use it. I tell myself makeup looks the best when it’s used! 😉
Sabrina Tajudin says
November 5, 2013 at 8:20 pmguilty as charged. yes. pretty packaging sold me sometime but depends too. when i wanna buy something i will look at the points where, does it easy to store, does it fits my drawer, doe it look nice/easy to differentiate between different color and so on… like as for now, i don’t big palettes anymore.
Paris B says
November 10, 2013 at 9:47 amHaha I think for most of us, we’ll look twice or even three times and coo over how pretty the packaging of a product is. But so often also, if the product doesn’t perform there isn’t any point is there? I’ve skipped big palettes now too 🙂 I just do the basics if I want a palette. So I go for a simple eye palette most of the time instead of something all in one.