When it comes to beauty and skincare packaging, a label isn’t just a decorative touch. It plays a vital role in performance, consumer trust, and how your brand is perceived.
For products like self-tanning mousse, labels must withstand oils, humidity and frequent handling, all while projecting a premium look and feel.
At Label Apeel, we produced labels for Freshly Baked London, an indie self-tan brand. The solution combined silver polypropylene, digital foil, and a matt laminate finish. Three elements that demonstrate how custom label printing can deliver both durability and design excellence.
Here’s how each choice played a role.
Silver Polyprop: Durable, Flexible and Premium
Why it works:
Silver polypropylene (PP) is a synthetic film material designed for performance. It’s waterproof, resistant to oils and scuffing, and flexible enough to wrap seamlessly around curved mousse bottles without lifting.
The silver base also provides creative opportunities. By printing transparent inks over it, you can achieve metallic effects and subtle shimmer across larger areas. When combined with digital foil, this allows brands to balance broad metallic tones with precise high-shine highlights.
Considerations:
- Generally, more expensive than standard paper stocks
- Not ideal for brands seeking a natural, craft-led aesthetic
- Recyclability depends on how well the label material works in harmony with the container - an important factor for sustainability-conscious brands
Digital Foil: Adding Distinction Without the Complexity
Why it works:
Foil remains one of the most effective ways to signal luxury. Digital foil eliminates tooling and reduces waste, while still achieving a crisp metallic finish. For Freshly Baked London, foil was used to highlight the brandmark, helping it stand out both on-shelf and in the consumer’s hand.
Considerations:
- Works best on smooth label surfaces, ensuring details stay sharp and professional.
- While striking, reflective finishes can feel out of place for brands aiming for a natural, minimalist or craft-led look.
Matt Laminate: Modern, Tactile and Protective
Why it works:
A label’s finish is where design meets functionality, influencing both visual impact and tactile appeal. For this project, matt laminate was chosen to contrast against the metallic foil and silver base.
The result: a smooth, contemporary finish with a tactile edge that invites interaction.
Matt laminate also provides functional benefits. It resists fingerprints, scuffs and glare, ensuring the label retains its premium appearance throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Considerations:
- Colours may appear softer compared to gloss laminate.
- Less suited to designs that rely on maximum shine and vibrancy
Why This Combination Works for Skincare Labels
For self-tanning mousse, the combination of Silver Polyprop, digital foil and matt laminate delivered a label that is:
- Durable enough for humid bathrooms and repeated handling
- Visually striking, balancing shimmer, foil highlights and matte texture
- Flexible for smaller production runs and future design variations
Together, these choices show how smart material and finish selection can elevate cosmetics labels, balancing durability with design flair.
Your Partner in Skincare & Cosmetics Labels
Every cosmetic and skincare brand has unique challenges. The right label solution depends on your packaging format, consumer environment and brand positioning.
At Label Apeel, we combine technical knowledge with creative finishing options to ensure your packaging performs as beautifully as it looks.
Whether you’re launching a new product or refreshing existing packaging, we’ll help you choose the right materials, embellishments and finishes for your label. Contact us today or request our Portfolio to see how we can bring your packaging vision to life.