Color trends in cosmetic packaging predicted

Although she declined to identify the sources of the third-party research used to arrive at the trend information, Sunny Maffeo of Engelhard claims her company’s trend and color forecasting is very well known in the cosmetics industry. In a speech at the HBA Innovative Packaging Symposium held in New York in early May, Maffeo said next year’s colors can be grouped in four color palettes that Engelhard is calling “Ceramics,” Halo,” “Kaleidoscope,” and “Nocturnal.” Additives to create these colors can be purchased from any materials manufacturer.

Ceramics coloring includes earth tones such as terra cotta, brick, and earthenware colors. The colors can be accompanied by enameled surfaces as well as varnished effects. “You can look at the special effect finishes and not be able to identify immediately that it’s a special effect,” Maffeo said. “The tactile quality is as important as the color itself. Layering transparent materials with effects coming from underneath creates contrast in this pallet.”

Halo colors, she said, are more feminine. This color pallet includes multicolor combinations. “The matte, and neon-types of effects fit in here,” Maffeo said. “It’s velvety, misty, shimmery, ephemeral, intangible.”

Kaleidoscope colors represent a return to nature. Moss, mineral, and lichen colors are included. Shimmering surfaces and marbleized effects are utilized to create a sense of tone. “Animal prints and mother of pearl are big here,” Maffeo said. “Mineral tones and mossy papers create a subtle and spectacular result.”

Nocturnal colors are similar to those found in the glamorous 30s and 40s supper club era. Dark colors with light-catching effects, slick black and crystallized materials are represented. “Crystalized things that transmit light fit in this category,” Maffeo said. “Luminescence and shimmer, presented in contrasting hues to maximize reflective qualities help create the illusion between night and day. That’s what we’re looking for.”