The Glossy Beauty Podcast Beauty packaging hall of fame and shame with Allison Kent-Gunn, plus news
Oct 30, 2025
Allison Kent-Gunn, an aesthetician-turned-packaging consultant and social media influencer, shares her expert insights on beauty packaging, categorizing hits and misses. She discusses the bold design of Isamaya's phallic lipstick and critiques MAC's compact redesign. Kent-Gunn highlights sustainability challenges, like oversized refills, while championing Crave Beauty's eco-friendly airless pouch. Accessibility is also a focus, commending Tilt Beauty's intuitive design and pointing out deficiencies in Isamaya's Braille misstep. A must-listen for beauty enthusiasts!
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Phallic Lipstick Sparked Social Media Frenzy
- Isamaya's metallic phallic lipstick created massive social controversy and attention.
- The product worked as a statement piece for DTC-era creative freedom but later disappeared in retail.
Packaging Carries Emotional Memory
- Longstanding packaging evokes emotional comfort and brand loyalty.
- Changing iconic forms can provoke strong backlash and hurt sentiment.
Refills Rarely Succeed Without Repurchase Data
- Refillable systems usually fail without strong repurchase data and consumer adoption.
- Brands often overinvest in refills that don't match buyers' actual purchase behavior.