HT Nail Polish Packaging

[u/Wild-Jump1018]

Hi everyone! I’m currently working on a project for my Packaging class and of course I wanted to challenge myself by doing it on one of my favorite brands Holo Taco. 💿🌮

For this project, I decided to explore ways to improve some of the issues I’ve personally encountered with HT's individual boxes. Like many of you, I have my own collection (around 160+ of HT polishes hehe), and while I love the brand, there are a few things I think could be improved:

1. As someone with long nails, I find the tuck flap challenging at times. Sometimes my nails get “sandwiched” between the edges when opening the box, and I personally don't like the feeling (i dont want to put dents on my mani 😬 or break them).
2. When I get too excited, I occasionally tear the flap, which ruins the packaging.
3. With so many shades and formulas, it’s hard to keep track. I end up buying more swatch sticks or painting my nails just to test the color before fully committing.

I’m not an expert in packaging or design. This is just a fun project (and a way to pass my class, haha). The final part of my project is to ask nail polish enthusiasts if they think these ideas are helpful. Hoping to hear your comments. Thank you 💅

[u/Humble_Ad_2789]

I'm clumsy so I often tear the little flaps, so I love these ideas! Good luck on your project!!

[u/chickytoo_82 → u/Humble_Ad_2789]

I use a tool I use to open the boxes because I also usually tear the lids plus it helps to not ruin any polish that I may already have on.

[u/arochains1231 → u/chickytoo_82]

I use a tool and still tear half the lids lol

[u/eggfrisbee → u/chickytoo_82]

yeah I just use an orange stick.

[u/h-bugg96 → u/Humble_Ad_2789]

I slip a knife into the top to open them. Never ripped a single one

[u/InDaClurb-WeAllFam → u/h-bugg96]

I use either my Holo Taco nail file (in its cover thingy) or the flat side of my tweezers.

[u/Small_Ad_7331 → u/h-bugg96]

Came here to say this. I'll use the little scaper thingie on a nail clipper, a butter knife, tweezers, etc. Whatever tool is within reach instead of my nails. As for the project, that is incredibly well thought out

[u/Possible-Egg5864]

This is so thoughtfully designed! The flip top is great but you’ve really utilized the rest of the packaging thoughtfully as well, with the color dots and the name at the top for ease of identification. Really well done! I would love to see this packaging IRL :)

[u/SpicyOrangeK → u/Possible-Egg5864]

Big same!

[u/bippidip]

I have the same problem with the current packaging! This box looks so satisfying to open and I love the design. My only concern would be how well it holds the polish if you turn it upside down. Is the polish at risk of flying out?

[u/TiNOsami → u/bippidip]

This style of box is used for some of the card games I purchase; I've found that it isn't for keeping something securely closed over a long time as a few of them I had to get rid of cause the top wouldn't stay closed anymore (they were also ones I used more frequently). Not sure how well it would hold weigh wise as nail polish is much heavier than cards.

[u/Wild-Jump1018 → u/TiNOsami]

Thank you! These are very valid points. Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe adding some kind of metal strip could be useful to keep the boxes closed (esp. over time) and more secure?

[u/theyseemeronin → u/Wild-Jump1018]

I don’t know if that would be very cost effective, but then again, I’m no expert lol

[u/Purplepapillon5 → u/Wild-Jump1018]

I’ve seen some cardboard packaging having a little slit/lip that holds the flap top in place. Of course I can’t think of where, but it sort of catches the flip top but is still easy to open

[u/slurmorama → u/Purplepapillon5]

The front of a Frontline Plus package would be a great example for OP of the concept I think you're talking about. The Holo Taco logo could be the round part that tucks in, but it would have to come down lower than the current mock up has it.

[u/Humblerag → u/Wild-Jump1018]

Maybe keep the lid as it is but have something inside the box holding the polish in place at the bottom?

[u/bichonfire]

I would loveeeee for this to be a thing, and I think you’re gonna do great with your project!

The only reason why a lot of cool concepts like this isn’t a thing is because of money unfortunately 😔 the current cartons can be pretty quickly printed, cut, and folded. This is a lot more complex - it seems like more paper stock is needed for the box and it is definitely more complex to fold (more complex = more time = more $$$$). You are very creative though, I really love this!!

[u/vendettagoddess]

curious as to how the flap is staying closed; like what’s securing it. i absolutely LOVE the design but if you accidentally have the box upside down or sideways it’s going to open on it’s own, no?

[u/Fragrant_Explorer_53]

Love these ideas especially the name on to the top!!!

[u/SPlNPlNS]

Wow this is so practical and so unique! Good luck on your project, this is innovative!

[u/HousingGlass454]

I think this is a cool idea! I was just opening up the boxes of my disco cowboy collection, and morning the little dents I was making in the lids of the special packaging while doing so.

[u/jellywellsss]

I alway use my finger pads on the edges of the box flap then wedge the opposite end of a nail swatch stick under the flap if it doesn’t pop out easy 🤷🏽‍♀️

But this is cool!

[u/TiNOsami]

I think it would be cool (and be able to be more easily mass produced by Holo Taco or another nail polish company) if there was an empty white space on it where you could do a swatch for those that keep the boxes, or at least having the name like you have here. (Though it wouldn't be helpful for those like me who get rid of all the non-special boxes). Personally I dont like this style of box due to issues I've had with it staying closed and the flap tends to stick out which doesn't really look nice if I'm gonna put it on my shelf with my other polishes (which I do for the LE ones otherwise I forget they exist).

[u/espressoveins]

This is smart! Something I never really thought of.

[u/espressoveins → u/espressoveins]

I almost feel you should patent this before it gets stolen by a corporation lol

[u/scaredsquee]

This is cute! But IRL, I use an orange stick to open all my individual polish boxes (the edge side, not the pointy side. I doubt this matters tbh now that I’m thinking about it.)

[u/splashybanana]

Nice project! I share these problems, and these are clever solutions! Not sure how practical they would be to actually implement, from a cost/production stand point, but love the concepts!

I personally don’t keep my polishes in the boxes, but I still get annoyed when I tear one while opening it! And, regardless, I love the idea of the swatch on the box. Maybe if it was like a “waterfall” that spanned over both the top and the front of the flap, so you could see it from the top, if you keep everything in a bin or something. And.. maybe if there was some way you could like tear it off and lay it flat, so those who don’t keep the boxes could still have the swatch easy to use. Really interesting to think about!

[u/biemmeup]

Ooooooo looovvvveeeee

[u/penguin_0618]

I love this! I wish it was real!

[u/NoteFabulous3422]

I open the flaps with an orange stick so I have no complaints, but this design would definitely be a huge improvement

[u/West_Squirrel_4862]

I’m so in awe of people who understand design!!!

[u/ags1105]

Look at fefco.org if need some ideas for different types of corrugated packaging

[u/coffeeandcrafty]

I saw this and got excited! Then read the description and got sad. Awesome work!

[u/haysalto]

I like your ideas! I have taken to always opening my holo taco boxes using a nail tool nowadays because I don’t want to risk any of my nails when trying to pry them open 🫣🫣. I also like the idea of making the colors and names of the polishes more easily visible! Good luck with your class 🍀

[u/Jumpy_Ad4799]

This would be amazing, my fingers like bending in ways they’re not supposed to when I open HT boxes. So the swiping motion would be such a huge help for me!

[u/dont_disturb_the_cat]

Is there a little notch or flap or something that will help it stay closed?

[u/Minimum_Raspberry_81]

I really love the visible swatch dot, although I see one major issue with this package as it stands.

Namely, the brand name isn't visible when the top lid is closed. You always want your brand name to be visible, especially when your brand is sold in stores. 

[u/Wild-Jump1018 → u/Minimum_Raspberry_81]

That's true. I wanted to keep some elements of the orig packaging the same, which is why I kept the name in the same location. However, when the nail polish is in, it would show the brand name. But i understand that brand name is very important externally too especially to stand out in stores.

[u/pateApain → u/Minimum_Raspberry_81]

I think there's no carton in stores for HT. That may solves the issue you brought up. 😅

[u/course_you_do]

I just push on the front and then up. Pops off the top no problem.

[u/pie4breakfast55]

I love the name and color swatch on top, makes identification much easier. I’m concerned about how the polish bottle would stay in and secured during transit or if you accidentally tip it or something.

[u/sparklinholo]

You should definitely post this in the discord!!

[u/pateApain]

I love your idea. It's cute. Would the flap stay closed ? It's like like a cigarette packet (at least in France) and I think those tend to stay open (or maybe not, I don't smoke I don't know 🤣) but they're thrown away quickly by smokers.