Custom lipstick boxes are small printed cartons or rigid boxes sized to hold a lipstick tube upright, and TBPB makes them to your tube with no minimum order. We beat any written quote for the same specs.
Sizing for the tube you actually use
Lipstick cases vary more than most people expect. Many full-size tubes are under an inch across and around three inches tall, but metal cases with a wide base, square cases and twist-up styles all differ. Measure width, depth and height with the cap on, then add about an eighth of an inch of clearance per side for paperboard. A box that is too tight tears at the opening, and one that is too loose lets the tube tip over. Send the tube, or exact measurements, and we draw the dieline for approval.
Structures that work
A straight tuck end carton is the standard because it is simple, stacks well and keeps the front panel clear for branding. A reverse tuck puts the opening at the bottom for some display racks. A hang tab version lets a small box sit on a rack, and a rigid lid-and-base box suits limited editions or sets of several shades. For multi-shade sets, a rigid base with a fitted insert shows each tube in order.
Board, inserts and print
Paperboard from 16 to 24 pt is common for lipstick, with SBS board giving a clean white surface for color. A paperboard insert, usually a die-cut cradle, holds the tube upright. CMYK reproduces photography and gradients, and Pantone matching keeps a shade name the right color. Soft-touch lamination feels luxurious in the hand but marks if rubbed, so use it for premium editions. Foil on the logo and a spot gloss on the shade name are a common pairing. Keep small type large enough to read after printing and cutting.
Shade information and regulatory copy
Lipstick cartons carry shade names, ingredients and warnings that vary by market. You are responsible for that copy, and for confirming requirements with your own regulatory adviser. TBPB prints the artwork you supply and does not provide compliance sign-off. Leave a clear area on the dieline for a shade sticker if you share one carton across a range, because it lets you reuse the same box for every color.
Choosing between related boxes
If your range includes foundation or palettes, see makeup boxes, which are sized for larger items. A straight tuck end box is the standard carton style. For a rack-friendly version, use hang tab boxes. The wider cosmetic packaging category shows other styles that match a range.
Order a sample before a full run. Slide the tube in and out, close the flap and look at the print around the opening, where small boxes show wear first. Because TBPB has no minimum order, one prototype is an ordinary first step. If you sell many shades, keep one carton design and change only the sticker or a color band, which makes reordering simple and keeps stock flexible.
Keep type on the narrow side panels short. Text that wraps around a fold is hard to read on a box this small.
- Styles: straight tuck end, reverse tuck, hang tab, rigid lid-and-base
- Board: 16 to 24 pt paperboard, SBS, rigid chipboard
- Print: CMYK, Pantone match, matte, soft-touch, foil, spot UV
- Inserts: die-cut paperboard cradle, multi-tube trays
- Quantity: no minimum order
Send the product dimensions and the quantity you want, even if it is one, and TBPB will draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a lipstick box?
It depends on your tube. Measure the width, depth and height with the cap on, then add about an eighth of an inch per side. Send us the tube and we will draw a dieline to fit.
Is there a minimum order for custom lipstick boxes?
No. TBPB has no minimum order, so you can order one sample or thousands. Send your tube size and quantity and we will quote it.
Which board is best for lipstick boxes?
Paperboard from 16 to 24 pt is standard for retail cartons. SBS board gives a clean white surface that reproduces color well. Rigid board suits gift editions.
Do lipstick boxes need an insert?
Usually yes. A die-cut paperboard cradle holds the tube upright so it does not rattle or tip. Multi-tube sets use a fitted tray.
Can one carton serve several shades?
Yes. Use the same print and leave an area for a shade sticker. You can reuse the carton across the whole range, which keeps print runs simple.
Do you beat competitor quotes?
Yes. Bring a written quote for the same size, board, print and quantity, and TBPB will beat it.
More Cosmetic Packaging
See the full Cosmetic Packaging range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
