When developing a refillable lipstick range, an important packaging design question is whether the outer shell can stay in use after the lipstick has been used up. Sambound’s YR1035 lipstick tube separates the inner assembly containing the lipstick bullet from the decorative outer shell. Once the lipstick is used up, the matching inner assembly is replaced, while the cap and decorative outer shell are kept for continued use.
YR1035 Dimensions and Separated Components
YR1035 has a cylindrical shape. The cap and lower outer shell form the complete tube when closed. The catalog version has a light-colored pattern on the outer shell and a shiny cylindrical inner assembly.
| Item | YR1035 Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Lipstick tube with a replaceable inner assembly |
| Outer diameter | Ø26±0.4 mm |
| Overall height with cap closed | 82.5±1 mm |
| Replaceable unit | Inner assembly containing the lipstick bullet |
| Parts retained for reuse | Cap and lower decorative outer shell |
The outer diameter and overall height describe the external dimensions of the complete lipstick tube. Lipstick bullet diameter, fill quantity, and formula compatibility need to be confirmed against the matching inner assembly and filling plan.
Replace the Inner Assembly, Keep the Cap and Outer Shell
In the opening image, the patterned cylinder at the lower left is the lower decorative outer shell. The shiny assembly in the center, with the red lipstick end visible, is the refill assembly. The short patterned cylinder at the upper right is the cap. The three parts have the following roles:
| Part | Function | What Happens When the Lipstick Is Used Up |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | Covers the upper section and forms part of the closed tube’s appearance | Retained for continued use with the matching components |
| Inner assembly containing the lipstick bullet | Holds the lipstick bullet and provides the twist-up function | Replaced as a complete matching inner assembly |
| Lower decorative outer shell | Holds the inner assembly and carries the tube’s exterior design | Retained to accept a new matching inner assembly |
The refill is supplied as a complete inner assembly containing the lipstick bullet, so consumers do not need to refill the old tube themselves. During development, brands need to plan the complete initial product and subsequent refills together, check that the inner assembly fits the original outer shell, and provide instructions on removal, installation, and secure seating that match the actual sample.
For Lipstick Ranges That Keep the Outer Shell in Use
YR1035 allows a decorative outer shell that is still intact to remain in use after the lipstick is finished. The graphics, branding, and colors on the shell can remain visible during daily touch-ups after the inner assembly is replaced. For brands that value a recognizable package and want the outer shell to be worth keeping, the decorative design gains a continuing role in use.
For range planning, this structure suits two development directions: an everyday lipstick range with an ongoing supply of matching refills, or a mid-range to premium range that emphasizes decorative packaging and gifting while allowing further use through refills. Brand positioning also depends on the quality of the exterior design, the feel in use, the formula, and the selling price.
Keeping the outer shell creates an opportunity to avoid supplying another outer shell with every purchase. Actual changes in material use and cost should be calculated separately for the complete product, the refill, and their additional packaging.
Discuss Color and Graphics First, Assess Size Changes Separately
The existing external dimensions of YR1035 are Ø26±0.4 mm in diameter and 82.5±1 mm in overall height with the cap closed. Appearance options and dimensional changes can be discussed separately for this packaging:
| Customization Discussion | Relevant Parts and Design Goal | Scope and Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Color | The cap and lower outer shell can be discussed together to create a consistent appearance in the brand’s colors | Specific colors and their appearance must be confirmed with samples |
| Graphics and branding | The exterior decoration area can express a range theme and accommodate the planned branding position | The decoration process, position, and available area must be assessed for this model’s components |
| Gloss and surface effects | Define the desired appearance | The process used to achieve it must be confirmed against the component materials and samples |
| Outer diameter, height, or tube shape | Change the existing external dimensions or shape | This is structural development and requires assessment of the inner assembly, component fit, and mold design together |
Exterior customization needs to consider how the cap and lower outer shell look together, as well as the complete appearance once the inner assembly is installed. If dimensions change, it is also necessary to confirm whether the existing inner assembly can still be used. Color and graphic options can first be discussed with Sambound and then developed into specific samples for this packaging.
