Trade Show Takeaways: What’s Trending in Beauty Packaging

Alder Packaging is back from the Luxe Pack trade show in New York, where beauty brands and packaging suppliers come together to shape the next era of beauty and wellness. This year, one trend stood out across product categories: skinimalism.

So, what is skinimalism?

Skinimalism is the shift toward simpler, smarter routines that put skincare first. Instead of overcomplicated regimens and products that can irritate or overwhelm the skin, consumers are seeking fewer steps that do more.

What Skinimalism Looks Like in Action

  • Hybrid formulas that blur the line between skincare, makeup, hair care, fragrance, and wellness

  • Skincare-infused makeup like foundation that looks and feels more like a hydrating moisturizer

  • Sensorial applicators for products like lip color, where soft, cushiony textures make application feel more intentional

  • Precision dispensing such as shampoo nozzles designed for more targeted dosage at the scalp

  • Streamlined packaging with fewer components, reduced plastic, and less waste

  • Protective formats like airless pumps designed to help preserve active ingredients

  • Refillable and reusable systems that support a longer-term, more sustainable routine

What Skinimalism Doesn’t Look Like

  • Dull or boring design because minimal packaging can still feel bold, colorful, and full of personality

  • Generic white packaging that looks clean but fails to tell a distinct brand story

  • Overly clinical design that feels cold, sterile, or disconnected from the consumer experience

  • One-size-fits-all minimalism that ignores the needs of different formulas, routines, and categories

  • Sustainability as an afterthought where packaging looks simple but still uses unnecessary parts or mixed materials

  • Beauty without sensoriality because even streamlined products should still feel tactile and memorable

Video: Our Team Members Tell All

During the trade show, we asked our team members to share their top trends and favorite product samples from the Alder showcase.

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