How to Make Cosmetic Labels

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Homemade cosmetics without labels lack a professional appearance..
Image Credit: Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Whether you are producing homemade cosmetics to sell to customers or just to give to your friends, it is important to properly label your products for both aesthetic and practical purposes. A well-made cosmetic label adds flair and professionalism to the exterior of your cosmetics, and it is crucial that those who use your products are aware of exactly what they are getting in their jars and bottles of lotion and make-up. What's required is creativity and design work.

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Step 1

Purchase adhesive labels based on the size and shape of your cosmetic container. A waterproof label will produce the best results and keep your cosmetics looking clean and professional. Numerous online stores sell adhesive labels.

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Step 2

Design a cosmetic label on your computer. Create the label based on what you wish to convey with your cosmetics. Focus on colors, fonts and images when designing your cosmetic label.

Step 3

Place the name of your cosmetic and its use, such as lotion or lip balm, and the quantity or weight of the product on your cosmetic label.

Step 4

List the ingredients from which your cosmetics are made from the ingredient that represents the largest percentage of the total amount, followed by the other ingredients in descending amounts. Include the common name along with the scientific name of each ingredient so that those who use the products can easily understand what is in them.

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Step 5

Include directions on your cosmetic label for how to use the product. Include how often a person should use the produce and how much to use.

Step 6

Label your cosmetics with the name and address of the person or business that manufactured the product. Include the website for the product to attract future business.

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Step 7

Select font types and sizes that are appropriate to your product. Different parts of the label, such as the name of the product, will be larger than others. Consider a textual layout that is creative and pleasing to the eye while still easy to read.

Step 8

Add borders, logos or other graphics around the text as appropriate.

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Step 9

Complete your cosmetic label design by including any warnings or possible hazards.

Step 10

Print the cosmetic labels with an inkjet or laser printer. Remove the backing from the labels and apply the adhesive side to your cosmetics containers.

Tip

Try to keep the design of your labels congruous with your other sales materials, like your website, business card and brochures.

Consider the image you want to project and how to appeal to your target consumer when designing your label. Should the look be simple or sophisticated? Youthful or mature? High-end or low-brow? Check out other products that target your market for design ideas.

Print one label for the front and one for the back, or a larger wraparound label, instead of squeezing all the pertinent information onto a single front-facing label.

Suitable programs for this task include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop and Label Maker Pro.

Warning

The Food and Drug Administration requires all cosmetics that will be sold to be labeled with their use, ingredients, quantity, manufacturer or distributor information, directions and warnings.

The Food and Drug Administration forbids unapproved cosmetics from being labeled as approved by the FDA.

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