Luxe Pack Los Angeles (LPLA) and MakeUp in LosAngeles (MULA) together welcomed 5,250 beauty-loving attendees and 240 exhibitors to the show floor, 100 of which were packaging suppliers, on February 14-15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Visitors also crowded a variety of educational sessions during the two days, with a roster of speakers that included executives from Ulta, Versed Skincare, Credo Beauty and more.

Commenting on the show’s success, Sandra Maguarian told Beauty Packaging, “As the co-founder of MULA, I have seen the evolution ever since the beginning and I must tell you that I have never felt such enthusiasm and satisfaction from both exhibitors and visitors. One major brand, if not the most praised nowadays, told me ‘I have never seen so many innovations in one place.’”

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, MULA sponsored a related contest, in which attendees handed out paper hearts to their favorite suppliers, while a number of visitors and exhibitors sported red clothing items, as well as red lips and nails.

The Integration of Science and Beauty

Holidays aside, the overarching theme at MakeUp in LosAngeles (now in its 8th year in LA) was “Exploring Science in Beauty” as, over the past few years, there’s been a surge of beauty brands that emphasize their R&D expertise with a focus on “scientific identity.” The global cosmeceuticals market, designed to address various skin issues, surpassed $72 billion in 2022, and continues to gain ground. The success of this trend underscores consumers’ recognition of the powerful link between scientific mastery and enhanced product efficacy.

“We firmly believe that our industry is experiencing a transformative synergy between art and science. The intricate sciences are not just shaping, but redefining, the future landscape of beauty,” said Aurélie de Boisvilliers, Marketing & Communications Director, MakeUp in Los Angeles.

There was a general trend toward more active skincare ingredients in color cosmetics as well as plant-based formulations and multi-tasking products.

Talking Points

As always, Beauty Packaging’s Publisher, Jay Gorga, and I spent a good deal of our time visiting with suppliers on the show floor, speaking with brand representatives, and taking the pulse of the event, and of the industry in general. We found a vibrant energy across the board and an optimistic outlook for the future.

Many exhibitors reported a surge in knowledge from brand buyers, now up-to-date on the latest packaging regulations, materials, percentages of PCR, etc. In addition, the suppliers have to be a step ahead in order to make the most accurate and prudent recommendations. This calls for more research on the supplier side, so they can advise their customers on best practices.

Science has become more of a talking point both on the formulation side (as mentioned above) and on the packaging side as well, from materials to recycling. Advances made in materials now allow for higher percentages of PCR in packaging. Where a package is made and how it is delivered has also become more of a talking point.

Mono-materials and refillables were often cited as making great headway in the sustainable packaging arena, but admittedly, refillables have a way to go due to retail stocking issues and consumer acceptance—but numbers continue to grow. One supplier said that some refillables are being sold without mentioning their refillability to consumers, but that brands can opt to promote that feature “when that time comes.” There were also more bio-based options, with materials from wood and fabric scraps for customers interested in going plastic-free.

Recycle-ready has become a selling point for both brands and consumers. Larger sizes in hair care and body care have become more common, and more formulations have expanded, in areas such as scalp care.

In addition, sometimes an innovative package or formulation takes a village of sorts to create and, in this vein, many partnerships are emerging between suppliers teaming up for an impactful brand launch or technique.

Up Close with Exhibitors

Following is a rundown of some of the suppliers and highlights we spotted on the show floor. Companies are arranged in alphabetical order, and include both Luxe Pack LA and MakeUp in LosAngeles exhibitors:

ABA Packaging

ABA presented a large cross-section of packaging products to promote “Luxury Meets Sustainability” at Luxe Pack LA. On display were highly decorated, threaded and crimp-neck aluminum bottles and cans from their Envases lines of products. To add to their sustainable aluminum offerings, ABA highlighted complete lines of aluminum jar packages, aluminum caps, their new and innovative aluminum jar disc-fitments, and their very popular aluminum tubes. An extensive line of stock glass bottles and jars along with mating accessories like treatment and spray pumps, rollerballs, droppers and more, were popular among exhibit attendees. Also new at Luxe Pack LA were plastic products from ABA’s Seriplast lines.

Albéa

The Twirl refillable glass jar with Sulapac lid, from Albéa Cosmetics & Fragrance, is now available with a lid made of biobased and recyclable Sulapac and Verescence’s glass base. The refillable jar provides a reduced carbon footprint while securing “excellent functionality and aesthetics.” (In addition to the refillable jar, Verescence also featured “The Last Drop” serum bottles, with ambient perfume, lightweight options, inside coloration and an airless range.)

Albéa Tubes presented an array of responsible solutions, all Made in America. The team introduced a range of recycle-ready caps, including the HDPE Basic & Classic caps and the Fez flip-top caps that enable the complete tube to be made with mono HDPE materials. According to Albéa, “This major step accelerates the acceptance of tubes as a viable component in the HDPE bottle recycling waste stream.” Brands can also combine the mono-material caps with responsible sleeves such as Greenleaf, which has been recognized as recycle-ready by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass.

Anomatic

Anomatic’s latest addition is a 2-piece aluminum lid that fits on a glass jar. An exclusive contract with Ever-Cycle provides a minimum of 90% PCR metal. The lid can be over-metallized for increased brilliance.

APC Packaging

APC Packaging showed a wide array of “EcoReady Packaging Solutions” at LuxePack LA. Among the highlights was the launch of their BRGP Refillable Glass Airless Pump, which Rick Ponte, Vice President of Project Engineering, APC, says is “a product that not only revolutionizes beauty packaging but also underscores our commitment to sustainability.” APC says this solution reflects their dedication to providing brands with packaging options that prioritize both performance and environmental responsibility.

The BRGP seamlessly merges airless and refillable technologies within a robust, heavy-walled glass container, explains Ponte. “This ingenious packaging solution offers a perfect blend of functionality, durability, and environmental responsibility,” he adds.

Arcade

Product sampling expert Arcade Packaging was highlighting a paper-based sample pack that’s fully recyclable, and ideal for retail or e-commerce.

Asquan

At Asquan, Michelle Wong, Executive Director of Design & Innovation, showed us their Migo Collection, which she said was built with sustainable luxury in mind. The set is styrene-free, rechargeable, refillable, recyclable, metal-free, mono-material, and PCR-possible—all with “unique functionality and a chic aesthetic.”

Axilone

With full recyclability in mind, Axilone presented an extensive line of aluminum products, including compacts, lipsticks, mascara and more. Many packs can be made of either virgin aluminum or PCR. For a super luxe look and feel, brands can choose to use heavier aluminum; as of 2035, European legislation will mandate that weights can no longer be added to packaging.

Bubble Paper

It may sound familiar—but this bubble paper is not the usual. It’s made of sustainable, recyclable, compostable paper. It’s great especially for smaller items—but can be cut to any size. Available in white or natural Kraft paper, and also as mailers.

Capsum

French brand Capsum unveiled a new logo in LA, as well as a new swirl technology, in which 2 products are filled in one bottle—such as bronzer and primer. Brand partners range from Chanel to CoverGirl. Capsum also won the Valentine’s Day Heart Contest.

Case Makes

Case Makes showcased its newest sustainable transfer laminate “LuMet” and other sparkling products at LPLA. LuMet laminates are an ecological alternative to aluminum foil and film laminates. It’s made from a transfer metallized process that makes it plastic-free. The laminate uses a sustainable water-based adhesive and is 100% recyclable.

Cohere Beauty

Cohere Beauty, a premier full-service partner highlighted its 2024 Alpha Skincare Collection. The collection focuses on an enhanced skincare experience that caters to a wide range of demographics, from Gen Alpha to Millennials to Baby Boomers. Leveraging clean yet efficacious ingredients, Cohere said the collection offers an ability to customize to offer a range of benefits and sensorial experiences.

Christine Staples, CEO at Cohere Beauty, said, “Cohere Beauty is distinguishing this new collection by our ability to infuse each product with the right ingredients to deliver on each brand partner’s unique benefit through targeted solutions for specific skin concerns.”

The collection spans various product formats, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, toners, and creams.

Compax

Compax, which makes caps, bottles and jars in the U.S., was focusing on nutraceuticals and supplements in eye-catching bottles and jars, such as iridescent-sprayed chrome, and black soft-touch matte jars for luxe brands. The team said that their U.S. manufacturing has expanded, offering stretch-blow, injection-blow and co-extrusion. A square-neck jar and cap clicks to close.

Cosmogen

Cosmogen says their innovations are based on the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This means that packaging and applicators can be dismantled, recycled and/or reused, and made from recycled materials. New this year at Luxe Pack LA, was Cosmogen’s 5ml Paper Stick, a luxury & sustainable stick. Just as upscale as the company’s 45g version, the 5ml version is dedicated to anhydrous formulas, including lipstick or lip balm, blush, highlighter, sun care and more. Made of 77% paper, Paper Stick stands out with its innovative and patented rotation system which consists of rotating the lower part of the tube to reveal the stick formula, without contact with the fingers. The tube goes down, the formula does not go up. The tubes are fully customizable and recyclable.

Coverpla

Coverpla specializes in high-end packaging for the fragrance and skincare industry with bottles, jars and closures. They also offer low MOQ’s and short lead times. In LA, Coverpla focused on its refillable solutions: bottles with screw necks, lightweight or recycled glass designs and a wide range of caps to pair them with. In cosmetics they showed a collection of bottles, jars, caps and pumps adapted to skincare formulas. Each solution can be personalized thanks to mix-and-match and decoration solutions, including lacquer, screen printing, hot stamping, gilding, and engraving for surface texture effects.

CTK Clip

CTK’s Aqua-Zero Sheet is a single-use, paper-thin formula that dissolves in water and transforms into a creamy foam. The waterless formulation delivers a residue-free clean—and can replace water in cleansing foams, soaps, shower gels and shampoos.

The single-use package protects the formula from moisture and light. It is biodegradable PET, and manufactured without water.

CTK’s Super Moisturizing Cream is a semi-transparent gel texture and comes in a refillable jar with a Gua Sha spatula in the lid to stimulate the skin before application. Its formula contains over 90% of ingredients from plants, and is free from PEG, D4, D5, D6, and polymerized acrylates.

CTK’s Aqua-Zero Sheet and Super Moisturizing Cream were both IT Full-Service category finalists.

Derik Industries

Derik featured a wide range of mono-material packaging from compacts to lipsticks to lip gloss. Rick Persons, President-Derik USA-East, told Beauty Packaging that many customers at the show were looking for mono-materials. Mono-material refillables and non-refillable foundation sticks, also in minis, were of interest.

Eisen

Eisen says their cosmetic sharpeners paired with your pencil make the perfect match—and when better than on Valentine’s Day? The Germany-based specialist showed their extensive range of colorful sharpeners, including single, dual, 5-in-1, and luxury finishes. Eisen told Beauty Packaging that they have invested in efficient manufacturing technologies with low energy consumption and use PCR to decrease their carbon footprint. 

Element Packaging

Element’s design for clean and eco-conscious beauty brand Caliray was an eye-catching palette called Endless Sunset. It includes eyeshadow, highlighter, contour, and blush, with formulas infused with amino acids and rice extracts that are talc-free. The palette features a box and liner made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Its bamboo base is refillable, and it can accommodate a reusable steel mirror and recyclable aluminum shadow pans.

Epopack

Epopack featured their latest product innovations, including an extensive range of luxury packaging solutions. These included glass-like heavy wall plastic packaging, PET airless bottles, 100% PCR PET options, mono-material jars, shatterproof PET droppers and dual-seal caps for oil.

A metal base can be added to the bottle to elevate it and make it look more premium.

Fusion

At Fusion Packaging, Brady​​​​ Bacchus, Marketing Manager, told Beauty Packaging that their Dream Glass Atmospheric range was inspired by “a refined, pill-shaped curvature,” with an innovative snap-on design and a premier locking function housed within a premium glass package.  

The two-piece design integrates with Fusion’s APR-certified Atmos-One 100% polyolefin pump engine technology to provide a recycle-ready glass atmospheric package with PCR possibilities.  

Available in 30ml (with 15- and 50ml variants on the way), Bacchus said Dream “delivers a seamless user-centric experience and unparalleled product performance, ensuring effortless dispensing and precise dosing”  The package is suitable for skincare and complexion formulas.

HCP Packaging

At MULA, HCP showed a wide array of products, many reusable and refillable, and highlighted their Twist Tottle and ‘Grafik’ Refill Compact, both of which were voted as IT-Award finalists; Grafik won in the Packaging category.

The Twist Tottle enables one-handed dispensing and application of liquid cosmetics and skincare products. It can be made from PCR or other materials to achieve the level of flexibility appropriate to the formula’s viscosity. The two-part cap can be reused on a refill bottle.

The ‘Grafik’ refill compact PET case has a contemporary design. It holds the pan securely and without glue due to a spring suspension system, which makes it easy to fill and remove. The compact’s functional bayonet system (fastening mechanism) on the inner ring makes it easy to assemble and remove the metal tray, while the hinge system based on PET plastic pins provides efficient, robust opening and closing. It can be manufactured in PCR PET and is fully customizable down to the outer surface of the bayonet ring.

Icons/America

Icons/ICS Beauty Group, which last year purchased CTL in North Carolina, was offering new decorating options for tubes, and domestic production, with delivery in as little as 2 days, and MOQ’s of 20,000. All-PP jars are also available.

Inoac

Inoac explained that current cold foil technology doesn’t allow you to hot stamp thin-wall PET or any type of polyethylene bottle. Now, Inoac’s cold foil technology can be applied to any kind of bottle without heat. Inoac says they are the only company that can offer this on a primary bottle.

Libo

Packaging provider Libo is getting into the turnkey business. Lip oils were a highlight in LA, as well as chunky circular bottles with large applicators. From pointy to round, customers can choose whichever applicator they want. A wide selection of caps was offered.

Lumson

Lumson’s Supremÿa La Nuit, from Sisley, was designed with chronobiology in mind. The treatment works during the night, “a crucial time for skin regeneration.” The product was launched in Lumson’s glass airless pouch system in September 2023 following 15 years of research. 

Gold metallics highlight the lines of the bottle. The gold pump and the over cap covered in brushed gold aluminum with debossed logo give the bottle its elegance. The “mirror-effect” inner lacquering combined with an external lacquering in shaded semi-transparent shiny gold with UV screen printing on the outside round out the design. 

Lumson also premiered 3 packaging families in glass and plastic in various sizes, larger dispensers for hair care and body care products, and droppers.

Metal Dynamics (MDI)

Providence, RI-based Metal Dynamics, now rebranded as MDI, has expanded beyond metals, manufacturing die cast metal and injection-molded products in a wide range of plastics. One package that James Adelstein, President, showed us was Revlon’s Oui Play. MDI delivered numerous components for the challenging stacked fragrance bottles. Adelstein said, “It’s important to understand the different tolerances that each material inherently has, in order to make sure not only does it aesthetically hit the client’s vision, but it fits and functions in the field. This is what our brands and filling partners count on us for.” 

NF Beauty Group

Unlike aerosol containers that rely on gas, NF Beauty was highlighting a bottle which does not use gas, but instead, provides a continuous fine mist sprayer. The bottle uses up the entire formula, and is good for facial mist, SPF, body spray tanning products and more. Sizes are 40-, 60- and 90ml.

Pennelli Faro

At MakeUp In LA, Italian brush manufacturer Pennelli Faro showcased SEGNO, a stand-out cosmetic applicator. This innovative makeup brush, with an ultra-flexible folding support, features an expanded range, with new applicators. All eye makeup brush heads are now in the collection “offering extreme precision and portability.”

Pibiplast

“Virtual Blossom” was a standout at Pibiplast, where pearly and metallic finishes are reminiscent of “digital flowers.” The collection features an all-over decoration in a mono-material rPET versatile jumbo flaconette with flocked applicator; a lip oil in glass bottle with drop-shaped flock; a face primer with precision dropper applicator; a volume & length mascara, in rPET, with a brush in patented fiber; a tubing primer with a small cylindrical applicator to catch all lashes and a brow fixer with a new kite-shaped mini brush.

Quadpack

Quadpack showed a number of patented sustainable packaging innovations on its stand at LPLA, including its popular Regula Airless Refill, now ‘Made in USA.’ The spotlight was on the ShapeUp Stick, an airtight refillable stick that dispenses high-viscosity formulas in just about any shape or form—a logo, a symbol or any geometric pattern “that adds meaning and helps tell a story.”

Quadpack’s Regula airless PET refillable is their first premium sustainable airless made in the U.S. It has a metal-free pump and the inner PP is ideal for a great compatibility, according to Chris James, Vice President, Sales & Marketing. PET or rPET outer parts make it shiny and transparent. Available in 15-, 30- & 50ml, James said, “It’s our premium solution for U.S. brands who want a domestic solution.”

Adding to the spotlight was Quadpack’s Dip in Gala range of premium lipgloss packaging solutions in PET or glass, with a set of unique applicators for every need. This pack contains more than 95% of its content in recyclable PET, with the possibility of being delivered in 100% rPET.
 

Qualipac

Qualipac, part of Groupe Pochet, showcased their know-how and expertise with multi-materials and sustainability via examples of the new Prada line. The Prada Augmented skin serum pack from Qualipac features a refillable case, bi-injected with electroplating and an aluminum cap.

Prada Dimensions Eyeshadow, with a “complex injection and assembly” is in a refillable compact with an rPET plate. Shiny white bronze is highlighted on the electroplated plate on the top. Prada Augmented skin cream has an aluminum base, with a glass jar with nomadic cup.

Rissmann

Rissmann showcased their gorgeous laser cutting and engraving process, which they say “allows unlimited creativity, and offers nuances without additional ink, and lace effects.”

Laura Carey, Vice President of Sales and Development at Rissmann NJ, told Beauty Packaging, “Both interacting, the laser cutting and engraving technologies not only deliver unique color results, but also provide customizable 3D effects, thanks to superposition of layers of paper.” The rendering—colors, volumes, cuts—depends on the papers used and the depth of engraving. The technique also inspires the consumer to retain the box.

Roberts Beauty

IBG’s recent acquisition, Roberts Beauty, highlighted its standout innovation, the Refillable Luxe Lock Jar, which was a finalist in the IT Awards. Kristen Corso, Vice President of Marketing, Roberts Beauty, told Beauty Packaging that the vanity-worthy jar symbolizes “a fusion of elegance and eco-conscious engineering,” as well as “addressing the often-overlooked question of applicator storage, integrating it seamlessly into the design,” as it is easily stored in the lid loop while locking the cap closed.

The jar’s hinged closure adds a luxurious touch to each use, while the refill-pod system aligns with eco-conscious brands and consumers. The formulation was developed with “clean ingredient technology.”

This refillable jar is based on four main components: a thick-walled luxury PETG jar, an eco-friendly PCR PP refill cap, a reusable hinged lid and a massaging applicator.

Samhwa

Among Samhwa’s innovations was their brand-new and patented 100ml Cleansing Balm.  This package with its unique dispensing mechanism—and wide range of formulation consistency stood out at the show.  As you turn the base, the formula dispenses in two thin sheets that the user simply swipes off the hypoallergenic top. Samhwa engineered the mono-material piece entirely in PP with a PCR option as well. The same patented dosing mechanism was also presented in a compact version. The compact allows for brands to easily combine 2 formulations within for a blended dosing.  An array of refillable sticks was also on display.

Schwan

European color cosmetics manufacturer and supplier Schwan Cosmetics launched its new skincare-infused vegan Glowy Blur Stick at MULA. Designed as both a concealer and highlighter, the new Glow Stick evens out skin tone, adding a natural, dewy look. Its formulation includes hydrasalinol, ginger, sea asparagus, meadowfoam seed oil, and many more moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredients.

Schwan says the product comes in response to industry reports that 70% of consumers want to see more active skincare ingredients in color cosmetics, along with the increasing trend for multi-purpose makeup.

SGB

SGB Packaging displayed a wide range of primary packaging for cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare. They presented innovation such as the Duo-Dose Dropper with 0.3- or 0.7ml dosages available within one dropper, and Matsos, which is an upcycled fragrance cap made from fashion scrap such as jeans, leather or other scraps. SGB specializes in custom development with engineering expertise, and offers an extensive stock portfolio with vast decoration capabilities.

SR Packaging

SR Packaging presented their multi-cartridge Airless Shuttles, in 2-, 3-, or 4-in-one, multi-cartridge customizable possibilities. Each cartridge uses 70% less plastic than the conventional piston-type airless bottles. They can be used with sprayers or pumps. Shuttles are made of PCR, eco-friendly, recyclable EBM Airless for Clean Beauty.

Excellent chemical compatibility makes it perfect for all formulas. With an airless sprayer or pump, it works with all viscosity variations.

The starter pack consists of Day+Night+Eye treatments fitted into the travel-friendly pod. At the end of usage, consumers purchase refills according to current skin conditions to continue. Formulas are engineered according to users’ real-time skin analysis.

Texen Beauty Partners

At MULA, one of the highlights at Texen was their new Aura collection of tubes. The Aura collection is comprised of eight flexible tubes available with applicators and a range of dispensing systems, “an à-la-carte offer for flexible, 100% personalized developments.”

The supplier says that Aura represents a holistic approach to makeup and skincare. It expresses “a notion of well-being to the consumer (thanks to color and chakra combinations and soft-touch packaging), practicality of usage and the promise of results.” The products in this collection target specific zones of the face (lips, eyes, complexion, fragile areas…) as well as the scalp, which is a growing area of focus for brands and consumers. Applicators have either dip formats or are fixed to the tube for a dual role of applicator and dispensing system. Formats vary from 8- to 15ml and tips are adapted to the formula, with sponge or silicone applicators or injected and synthetic-bristle brushes.

Tokiwa

At MULA, Tokiwa showcased its turnkey formulations that they say “prioritize natural and sustainable ingredients without compromising performance.” The company also featured a wide range of refillable packaging solutions for eyes, brows, lip, and liner applications.

Trimpack

Trimpack offered very high-end custom packaging “meant to be held on to.” The promotional custom packaging is designed for cosmetics and fragrance, and included hand embroidery, unusual shapes and other luxury embellishments and features. Low MOQ’s are available.

UDN

UDN was showing their one-piece tube, in which the cap is injected on and can be recycled right along with the tube. Also on display were hexagonal and octagonal tubes, which resembled a diamond shape. The tubes are available in a variety of sustainable materials.

Virospack

Virospack showcased its newest range of roll-on vials at MakeUp in LosAngeles. They are designed for easy travel and for the convenient application of liquid-based products, such as perfumes, serums, essential oils, lip gloss and other skincare or cosmetic formulas. Joanna Milne, Key Account Manager, Virospack, told Beauty Packaging that the company has invested heavily in tubular glass, and is moving into additional types of caps and closures. All standard roll-ons are done in-house.

The vials are offered in 3 size options. They are made from recycled glass for durability, chemical resistance and appearance. Customers can choose either steel or plastic (PP) for the roll-on ball.

Virospack is also offering more compostable and bio-based materials from wood and fabric scraps. 

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