Cosmetic packaging is on the rise these days as the market cap for such packaging stands at USD 55.38 billion in 2024, as per the latest research. One of its most common types is custom display boxes – these are used to pack various beauty items and display them on the shelves. Since the basic goal of these boxes is to attract customers, brands often question if they also fulfil their functional aspect equally – to protect the items. This guide will throw a light on both the aesthetic and functional features of this packaging type. Let’s have a look:

The Dual Purpose of Cosmetic Display Boxes

Before exploring how these boxes maintain a balance between aesthetics and functionality, let’s quickly explore both of these elements:

What are Their Functional Features?

Like every other box, one of their main goals is to protect the packed items. To fulfil it, they have a strong build and a sturdy core, thanks to the use of bespoke materials. The following stocks are used in their build:

  • Cardboard: This is the most common material option used by brands. Made of paper pulp, it offers various perks. For example, it is affordable, offers durability, and allows recycling. On top of that, cardboard comes in a wide range of variations – from 12 pt stock to 24 pt stock. Not to mention, its ability to offer various customizations for brands.
  • Paperboard: If you want a lightweight alternative to cardboard, paperboard is your next shot. It is also made of the same paper pulp but has more space among its fibres. This makes paperboard light, compared to other materials. Brands prefer it to reduce the shipping weight as well as storage charges.
  • Kraft: If you need an all-round option, choose Kraft. This stock is made of cellulose fibres, which make it green in nature as well as affordable and customizable. On top of that, its unbleached-making process renders it even more sustainable.

Apart from the use of the above stocks, these boxes also have some other elements that make them more secure. For instance, they have reinforced corners. All these elements collectively ensure that your items are well-protected on shelves.

What are Their Aesthetic Elements?

The main purpose for which display boxes are designed is to impress and engage the buyers. And they are the pros of this game. For starters, they are designed in a way that can attract the attention of the users. They don’t have any upper lids, which allows shoppers to explore the items placed in them. This increases engagement and they are more likely to buy the item, increasing sales as well as revenue.

To leverage this aspect, they are often placed on retail shelves. This is the area that faces the buyers. Thus, keeping the items here increases their exposure as well as the chances of engagement from the users. Apart from the display aspect, these boxes are also designed with various types of customizations to elevate their look and presentation. Examples of a few customizations are given below:

  • Lamination: This is the most common type of final touch. It involves the wrapping of a single plastic sheet over your packaging such as custom eyeliner boxes. The benefit is that this not only uplifts the shine of your boxes but also makes them scratch-resistant.
  • Coating: This involves the painting of a specific type of liquid over your boxes and drying it out under heat, pressure, or UV light. Soft coating is used for a soft touch, matte coating is used for a dull effect, and UV coating is used to highlight your design.
  • Specialty touches: There are 2 types of these touches – embossing and debossing. Embossing gives raised patterns. On the other hand, debossing produces regressed designs. Both kinds are used to tactically engage the buyers.

Achieving the Balance

Let’s address the elephant in the room – do custom cosmetic display boxes offer a balance between functionality and aesthetics? The answer is quite crucial for the brands who are going to use them for their items. If the boxes are good at protection, they will miss the buyer’s engagement, which is the main purpose of this packaging. On the other hand, if they are only good at presentation, they won’t be able to protect your items, destroying the whole consumer experience. So how to achieve a balance between both of them?

For starters, think about your design approach. Go with the elements that don’t compromise on the durability of these boxes. For example, adopt a minimal design. This will serve a dual purpose – one it won’t hurt the protection part. Second, this will outshine your rivals and give you more engagement, thanks to their elegance and minimalism.

Further, try to use sustainable materials. These are the stocks that have been treated to recycle or reuse your boxes, such as paper-based packaging. An added benefit is that this will also attract eco-conscious buyers, giving you a wider audience.

Apart from that, you can also play with colors and designs. Use the hues that are more attractive. These include bold and eye-catching tones. While choosing any color, mind that they resonate with your brand values and also fulfil the product and buyer’s needs. You can also go with harmonious color combinations to create designs and patterns to make your boxes visually appealing.

Finally, it is advised that you should choose the stocks or materials that are compatible with a wide range of customization options. This helps you not only get the required affordability as well as the aesthetic looks.

The quick summary is that cosmetic display boxes are used to present your items on the shelves, thanks to their bespoke shape. However, brands shouldn’t neglect their functionality aspect or protection part while making them more buyer-centric. If you are looking to add this packaging to your lineup, contact Packaging Mania. Order now to avail of up to 30% discounts as well as free shipping to anywhere in the US.