Cosmetic Packaging 101: More than Just Ingredients
Skincare and cosmetic containers and bottles are more than just utilitarian these days. While state-of-the-art packaging and labeling makes these bottles a joy to use, it does not make them immune to common problems such a clogging or breaking. Don’t despair! By using common sense and a few industry tips and tricks, you can save yourself the hassle of packaging meltdown!
These days, cosmetics bottles, perfume flacons and makeup compacts are more than just containers for product, some of them are tiny works of art featuring cut crystal and jeweled ornamentation. Yet for all their beauty, these items also tend to be used, abused and too often, destroyed by daily use. How to prevent skincare containers from breaking? Read on and learn a few tips on how to take care of, and even repair, the beauty outside the bottle!
If a daily application of hairspray is necessary to keep your tresses in place, chances are, you’ve battled with a clogged hairspray nozzle on more than one occasion. Hairspray, composed of gums and resins designed to keep stray hairs in place, can also stick to the nozzle opening, creating a gooey mess. To keep the nozzle clear and spraying freely, rinse under very hot water to remove product build-up, spray a few times to remove excess water from the opening and blot dry. Performed weekly, this maintenance will prevent the nozzle from becoming clogged with product. If hot water alone doesn’t seem to remove the blockage, try using a toothpick to gently remove build-up from the nozzle, and continue as above.
Body lotions or creams that are packaged in pump bottles also tend to suffer from over-use meltdown. One easy way to prevent product buildup is to remove any excess product from the nozzle opening after each use with a cotton swab or tissue. If, however, the opening is already backed-up with excess lotion or cream, try using a toothpick to loosen and remove the blockage. Once cleared, a weekly rinse of the nozzle opening with hot water should help prevent future problems. Anti-aging facial creams and lotions, often packaged in air-tight bottles with one-way pump valves can also present a problem. If the pump stops working, try this quick fix: turn the bottle upside down and rap it gently against a hard surface to remove excess air.
Another tricky bottle opening that all too often becomes hardened with excess product and impossible to use is one of the tiniest bottles of all: nail polish. A hardened, impossible-to-open nail polish cap is a universal problem that can easily be combated. After your manicure, gently swab a small amount of nail polish remover around the grooves of the nail polish bottle to remove excess product, close tightly and store upright in a cool place such as a closet. If the top is already stuck, a rubber band wrapped around the lid before opening may help to ensure a firm enough grip to break the nail polish seal. Also, rinsing the lid under very hot water may also help to loosen hardened polish.
Another container that tends to break easily is the makeup compact-be it powder, blush or eye shadow. Often used on a daily basis, these tiny containers not only get carried around in bags, briefcases and purses, they also tend to be dropped, which can result in the compact breaking or worse, the makeup shattering, leaving a fragmented mess. One easy way to help protect the makeup itself is to place a cotton ball inside the compact before closing. The cotton will act as a buffer for the delicate powders against any potential bumps or drops. If it’s too late and the compact has already slipped, hit the tile and shattered, don’t despair. Most powders, blushes and eyeshadows can be revived with this simple trick: place as much of the shattered powder back into the compact, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the item (in the compact), smooth back into shape with a small knife, and let it dry. Another option is to instead place the shattered product into a re-sealable bag, crush into a uniform loose powder and use that way instead of from the compact. If the compact itself has broken into two pieces, a rubber band can be used to keep the two-sides together while traveling.
Lipstick is another especially delicate makeup item that tends to break easily. If exposed to high-heat, such as in a hot car or confined space, almost every lipstick will melt. Instead of pitching in the trash, place the lipstick, upright, in the refrigerator for an hour or so, which will re-set the lipstick, making it usable again. If the lipstick bullet is broken, yet hasn’t fallen out of the tube, try heating the base of the lipstick with a blow dryer, set to low heat, and the gently press the lipstick back into the base. The heat will help re-attach the lipstick to the container. As a very last resort, store the lipstick in an empty lip gloss pot or contact lens case and apply with a brush!
Maintenance of cosmetic bottles and containers may not seem like a very beautiful chore, but it will make your life easier and your skincare budget go further! Stop throwing your money down the drain! By being a little resourceful with your skincare regimen, you’ll be able to enjoy the skincare product you love - without the hassle.