Welcome to Beauty Packaging Magazine’s March 2026 issue!

Here we are in March, and makeup trends and predictions have been issued for the year—and packaging, of course, will play a major role in consumer purchases. 

For this issue’s feature story on Color Cosmetics Packaging, we reached out to packaging suppliers, brands, industry experts, and trend forecasters to bring you a clear picture of what we can expect to see on shelves, online, and via social media in the coming months.

Many of those we spoke with indicated emerging consumer trends in makeup packaging. These are causing brands and suppliers to give a second thought to the components they have traditionally used. Sustainability stands out as the No.1 “want” across development, but portability, colors, and products clearly all play a role. Products for lip and cheek are surging.

In speaking with Mintel analyst Lauren Ryder, we learned:

• 28% of U.S. women, ages 18-34, bought a new brand/version of a makeup product in the past 12 months to try a new format or packaging. For women 55+ age group, it was only 11%.   
• 49% of U.S. women, ages 18-34, reported using lipstick in 2025. This is down from 58% in 2024.
• 30% of U.S. makeup users are interested in refillable options. 

We also spoke to Karen Young, CEO, The Young Group, who is an adjunct professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology and teaches the graduate course in product development.

In this issue, Young gives us her take on today’s color market. She emphasized how a successful product integrates the applicator and the product. “There are so many design directions in makeup packaging, it is hard to focus!” says Young.

“Color cosmetics are often more closely integrated into the packaging than other product categories,” Young explains. “It is not a question of a jar, a pump, or a tube. It’s the impact of the brush and the wiper on mascara performance. It’s the way the lipstick tube feels in the hand and the fluidity of the swivel mechanism.” 

Young also says that makeup products are generally more public-facing than skincare or fragrance. “When the lipstick or lipgloss is flaunted in public, the packaging tells a story about the user.” 

At press time, the beauty industry trade show season takes off. We’ll have much more to share on this category, and others, as we speak with suppliers and brands throughout the year. Stay tuned!

Publisher Jay Gorga and I hope to see you on the show floor!

Jamie Matusow | Editor-in-Chief

Email Jamie: jmatusow@rodmanmedia.com

IN THIS ISSUE: January / February 2026

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

Makeup Packaging: Brands are Re-Thinking Packaging for Today’s Color Cosmetics Market—and packaging focuses on distinctive designs, tactile appeal, social media buzz, sustainability, and more. 

High-Tech Beauty Hits the Mainstream: It’s an exciting time for ‘beauty tech’ as the latest technologies advance beauty devices, tools, and even packaging. 

Twist-Up Beauty Sticks: Minimalist Beauty with a Twist—Cosmetic brands are fully embracing the convenience of twist-up stick packaging.

Trend Report: What Lies Ahead for Color Cosmetics? A Q&A with Mintel’s Lauren Ryder, Global Packaging Analyst about upcoming trends in the color cosmetics market.

Sustainable Packaging Insights: A spotlight on Kiehl’s Sustainability Initiatives in this Q&A with Maggie Kervick, Global Head of Sustainability and CSR.

Enjoy!