Selling a cosmetic product in today’s market can be a challenge considering all the existing competitors, some with substantial budgets and marketing teams. If your product lacks an eye-catching label, it’s unlikely to grab the attention of consumers. Potential customers will either return to products they trust or try the first product that catches their eye. Prioritizing your cosmetic product’s label design is the best way to set your product apart from the competition.
In this article, we share 6 considerations to make during the label design process.
Physical considerations
Consider the physical aspects of your label to ensure it fits well with your product’s packaging. The following physical considerations can impact the labels’ appearance, texture, and overall feel.
1. Size, shape, and style
Start by choosing the type of label that best fits your product packaging. The label should be large enough to accommodate all the required information while still being cost-effective to print.
For small jars, wrap-around labels are suitable since they provide sufficient space for product information, directions for use, and brand messaging.
For hinged containers such as eyeshadow palettes, the top lid label can showcase the brand message while the product details can be placed on the bottom of the case.
Health and beauty labels often contain a lot of information. To keep the label minimalistic while still providing essential information, a summary label can be included, which can be folded underneath the primary brand message and secured with a small sealing strip.
2. Materials
When printing labels for cosmetic products, consider the room they’ll be used or stored in. Creams, lotions, makeup, or perfumes are typically used in bedrooms or bathrooms and kept in drawers so they don’t need to be waterproof.
Products like body washes, shampoos, or shaving gels are used in a bathroom and often kept in the shower so need to last under high water exposure.
Paper labels are a cost-effective option and can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause them to disintegrate. If your product is likely to come in contact with water, it’s recommended to print the labels on waterproof vinyl to ensure they remain intact.
3. Adhesives
Adhesives keep your label in place on your product’s packaging, there are three main types of adhesives:
- Easy-peel. Removable label, designed for non-permanent use. A great option for price tags or freshness seals on cosmetic products.
- Permanent. Label with high adherence levels. Often used for lotions, creams, and makeup products.
- High-tack/extra-permanent. High-stick label. Used for products likely to get wet, such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, etc. Also great for products in packaging that less powerful adhesives don’t stick to.
Design considerations
When you know the shape, size, and finish of your label, it’s time to design the graphics. The following considerations will help you create an eye-catching product label:
4. Colors
- Before starting any design work, it’s important to ensure your design platform is setup in CMYK. Most systems default to the RGB system for digital work, which won’t give you an accurate representation of the final product.
Color plays a significant role in label design, conveying information about the product and brand before customers even read the description or ingredients. By utilizing color effectively, your label design can influence consumers and encourage them to choose your product over competitors.
Choosing complementary vs. tonal colors can significantly impact the appearance of your label. Here is a brief guide to some common color schemes:
- Monochromatic. Also called “tonal.” This scheme uses various shades of the same color to create an understated and sophisticated appearance, making it ideal for high-end makeup products.
- Analogous. Using colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel creates a relaxing and organized appearance. This scheme works well for relaxation products like face masks, nail polish, or hair conditioning treatments.
- Complementary. Pairing two colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel creates a bold and balanced appearance, making it ideal for hair care products.
- Triadic. This scheme utilizes three colors that are equally spaced on the color wheel to create a fun and playful appearance, making it great for bold makeup or hair styling products like dry shampoo, volumizing spray, or curling mousse.
5. Font and font size
Font refers to how the text on your label looks. Fonts not only provide a visual “accent” to your brand, but also communicate your brand’s voice, tone, and personality to your customers. Simple fonts are sophisticated and timeless, while curly cursive fonts are elegant and playful.
To maintain a cohesive label design, it is recommended to use three fonts throughout your design. One for your main heading or brand name, another for your other headings and product name, and a third for any body of text. Select fonts with contrasting styles to create an intentional and well-thought-out appearance.
Your heading font should be large enough to be easily read from a few feet away, and your body font should be legible at an arm’s length.
6. Copy
Copy refers to what the text on your label says. The language you use should reflect your brand and the products you are selling. If you sell bubble baths gel geared toward children, the language should be playful and fun. If you sell bubble baths geared towards luxurious spas, the language should be professional and calming.
Aside from the essential or obvious information you need to include (such as the product name, ingredient list, etc.), you can decide to include additional copy such as product description, directions for use, or your brand’s story.
Custom cosmetic product label design by Ritter’s Printing & Packaging
At Ritter’s Printing & Packaging, we have over 30 years of experience packaging products for success. We pride ourselves on providing quality design and printing services you can rely on.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our label printing services, contact our team at 954-771-7204 today. We would love to work with you and help you create a custom label for your cosmetic business that will make your product stand out.
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