Why Beauty Brands Are Doubling Down on Custom Folding Cartons

Why Beauty Brands Are Doubling Down on Custom Folding Cartons

Posted by Oliver Inc. on 28th Oct 2025

Say you’re out shopping for beauty products. It’s undeniable that some offerings stand out more than others, practically calling to you from the shelf even before you know what it does. That’s not a coincidence – it’s the packaging doing its magic. In the world of beauty, what encases the bottle, compact, or tube is almost as important as what’s inside. And right now, custom folding cartons are having a major moment. They’re popping up everywhere, from indie skincare lines to luxury makeup brands. Why are so many beauty companies leaning into this specific type of packaging? Read on below to find out:

The First Impression Factor

Anyone who’s ever shopped for beauty products knows how overwhelming it can be, what with the seemingly endless options available in just about every category you can think of. However, in most (if not all) cases, it’s the look of a product that grabs someone’s attention first. 

Custom folding cartons play a huge role in that first impression. They serve as the product’s introduction to a potential buyer, igniting interest and inspiring confidence. More and more brands are now realizing that packaging isn’t just a protective shell for their products: it’s the first hello. A carton that’s been beautifully designed can speak volumes before someone even reads the label. Custom cartons allow brands to express their identity instantly, whether they employ a minimalist aesthetic with soft, neutral tones or make use of bold designs with foil stamping.

Sustainability Is Sexy Now

Nowadays, consumers aren’t just paying attention to what’s inside their beauty products. They’re also taking note of the packaging, and not just for how it looks. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s an expectation. Here at Oliver Inc., we’re committed to being environmentally friendly and can offer folding cartons made out of innovative, recyclable paperboard – a far more eco-friendly option compared to plastic-heavy alternatives. 

Beauty brands know that eco-conscious shoppers want packaging that they won’t feel guilty about tossing into the recycling bin. Using sustainable packaging materials also helps these brands tell a bigger story – one of responsibility and care, both for the consumer and the planet. That kind of messaging hits home in today’s climate (pun very much intended). You can learn more about our commitment to sustainability on this page.

Standing Out in a Saturated Market

It’s no secret that the beauty industry is a crowded one. Every week, there’s a new facial serum, lip tint, or eye cream hitting the market. How, then, does a brand stand out? 

Custom folding cartons are an effective way to get noticed–and stay remembered. There are endless options for design: embossing, debossing, die-cut windows, matte or glossy finishes, and so much more. Thoughtfully making use of these methods can help brands create packaging that feels both premium and unique. 

Carefully designed packaging isn’t just for looking good, either – it creates an experience: when someone opens a beautifully designed carton, it adds a little moment of delight and lends joy to the overall unboxing experience. That emotional connection is pure gold, encouraging consumers to stay loyal to the brand.

Efficiency Meets Style

Custom doesn’t mean complicated. Folding cartons are easy to ship, store, and stack. They’re lightweight, but sturdy enough to protect delicate beauty products like glass bottles or jars. From a logistical standpoint, they’re an absolute dream. That kind of efficiency is also a big win in the fast-paced beauty industry, where time and cost matter. 

Here at Oliver Inc., we also maintain a large paperboard inventory of various types and calipers and make use of modern printing techniques to allow for quick turnaround times without sacrificing quality. By partnering with us, your brand can respond to trends faster and launch seasonal products with fresh, premium designs.

Brand Storytelling Through Design

If there’s one thing that the very best beauty brands have in common, it’s that their products present a cohesive story. It’s not just the formulas – it’s the colors and fonts that are used throughout their product line, maybe even how their boxes open. 

Custom folding cartons offer brands a blank canvas to tell their specific story, from the logos to the product names and beyond. They can be used to forge an emotional connection through every little detail – the texture of the paper, the color palette, even the scent if they add a little fragrance to the packaging. 

This can be a huge deal, especially for independent beauty brands. Without a massive marketing budget, your packaging is your billboard. It can shout confidence, whisper luxury, or wink with a playful tone – all before the customer even uses the product.

In a world where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, custom folding cartons are doing more than just holding products – they’re holding attention, building trust, and telling stories. Beauty brands aren’t just doubling down on this packaging trend because it looks good. They’re investing in it because it works

Looking for custom folding cartons for your beauty brand’s products? We can help. Just visit our Folding Cartons page and fill out the contact form.