11 Cosmetic Retail Display Ideas Plus Tips for Beautiful Setups

11 Beautiful Displays from Popular Cosmetic Brands

1. Armani 

Armani’s cosmetic retail display is a masterclass in understated luxury.

The sleek black structure, accented with the brand’s signature deep red, instantly communicates sophistication and brand authority.

Each tier is meticulously organized:  lipsticks standing in precise rows, foundation bottles aligned by tone, and compact products displayed at eye level for accessibility.

This thoughtful arrangement doesn’t just make shopping intuitive; it reflects the brand’s commitment to precision and style.

The design also leverages visual hierarchy effectively: premium products are highlighted under soft lighting, while the brand’s logo and “Makeup Dress Code” slogan take center stage to reinforce identity and aspiration.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Strategic lighting and color contrast can instantly enhance the perceived value of a product.

• Structured, symmetrical product layouts convey a sense of reliability and professionalism.

• Integrating brand slogans within the display strengthens recall and storytelling.

2. Fragonard

Fragonard’s retail display perfectly captures the brand’s artisanal heritage and refined charm.

With nearly a century of experience in perfumery, the brand translates its rich storytelling into a visually captivating setup that feels both artistic and luxurious.

The display features beautifully illustrated packaging, each box adorned with vibrant floral artwork and gold detailing.

When grouped together, they form a mosaic of color and pattern, transforming the shelves into an art gallery rather than a typical retail counter.

The use of LED under-shelf lighting enhances this visual poetry. It highlights every illustration, adds depth to the textures, and creates a radiant glow that draws customers closer. The combination of light and natural wooden fixtures exudes warmth and authenticity.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Integrating storytelling into packaging design turns every product into a visual experience.

• LED lighting can transform static shelves into dynamic showcases that attract and retain shopper attention.

• Consistent visual themes (like floral illustrations) create emotional resonance and instant brand recall.

3. Clarins

Clarins’ bespoke shop display in France stands as an elegant example of how design and experience can merge to elevate a product launch.

The illuminated booth exudes a warm, golden glow, instantly reflecting the brand’s refined and nurturing image.

At the heart of the display is the Double Serum Eye, highlighted through a custom-made glorifier that beautifully mirrors the product’s distinctive bottle design.

The sleek white-and-gold furniture complements Clarins’ premium aesthetic, while the illuminated backdrop reinforces brand messaging with its bold “Now for Your Eyes” campaign visuals.

Beyond aesthetics, Clarins introduced an interactive twist: a mini roulette game that invites shoppers to engage and win special rewards. Participants could enjoy beauty consultations, Luminotherapy sessions, or samples of the featured product. This clever gamification adds excitement, extending dwell time and making the experience memorable.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Combine lighting and layout to create emotional warmth and brand consistency.

• Product glorifiers shaped like the item itself enhance brand recognition and exclusivity.

• Interactive elements such as lucky draws or games drive engagement and attract curious shoppers.

4. Human Nature

Human Nature’s retail display captures attention through a perfect balance of vibrant illumination and approachable design.

The use of soft LED lighting (both on the shelves and behind the header signage) adds a warm, inviting glow that draws customers in.

The LED backlit poster featuring a smiling woman with a sunflower reinforces the brand’s natural and cheerful identity.

Positioned at eye level, it not only highlights the product’s organic appeal but also humanizes the brand — turning a simple product shelf into a friendly conversation starter.

The top signage, boldly marked “Health & Beauty,” ensures clear product categorization and instant recognition for shoppers. Combined with the well-organized product arrangement, the entire display communicates freshness, health, and everyday accessibility.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Warm LED lighting enhances the perceived quality of everyday beauty products.

• Visuals featuring real people strengthen emotional connection and brand relatability.

• Clear, illuminated signage simplifies product discovery and improves shelf navigation.

5. Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit Cosmetics has mastered the art of turning personality into retail presence.

This captivating POP display at a UK department store is a visual embodiment of the brand’s fun, quirky, and confident identity.

The first thing that catches the eye is Benefit’s signature pink palette, instantly recognizable and consistent with its packaging, marketing campaigns, and digital presence.

This cohesive color strategy ensures that shoppers can spot the brand even from across the beauty floor,  a hallmark of strong brand recognition.

The display structure, reminiscent of vintage vanity cabinets, exudes a nostalgic, feminine charm that complements Benefit’s playful tone. Each shelf is organized by product category, ensuring clarity while maintaining a vibrant, almost boutique-like feel.

Subtle lighting within the arches enhances the colors and packaging design, making the products stand out both visually and emotionally. The result? A display that feels cheerful, approachable, and unmistakably “Benefit.”

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• A signature color can serve as a powerful visual anchor across all retail touchpoints.

• Thematic furniture design (like Benefit’s vanity-style display) reinforces brand personality.

• Layered shelving and subtle lighting improve product hierarchy and visibility.

6. Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit’s Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer display in Boots, UK, is another example of how the brand masterfully combines humor, color, and identity into one standout marketing piece.

Shaped like an oversized version of the product itself, this custom POS display immediately captures attention.

The pink cylindrical structure mimics the concealer’s packaging, reinforcing instant brand recognition.

By transforming familiar packaging into a large-scale installation, Benefit ensures shoppers can spot the product from across the store.

Adding to its charm, playful speech bubbles with witty text — “Shh! #ConcealMySecret” and “They think I woke up like this…” — bring the brand’s signature sass to life. These conversational phrases don’t just entertain shoppers; they also act as social media prompts, encouraging customers to share photos and join the hashtag online.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Oversized product replicas are eye-catching and reinforce packaging familiarity.

• Humor and relatable messaging humanize the brand and foster emotional connection.

• Branded hashtags extend the campaign from the physical store to digital platforms, creating an omnichannel marketing loop.

7. L’Occitane

L’Occitane’s display captures everything the brand stands for: vibrancy, warmth, and a touch of nature-inspired sophistication.

This striking in-store setup instantly commands attention through its bold use of yellow and blue, the brand’s signature palette that symbolizes sunlight and serenity.

The combination of yellow flowers and rich blue product packaging creates a harmonious visual rhythm.

This countertop version reflects L’Occitane’s playful Provençal charm. The layout is thoughtfully layered: a tiered structure elevates hero products, while small testers and gift sets on the sides invite hands-on discovery.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• A consistent color palette builds instant recognition and emotional appeal.

• Floral props and natural textures enhance storytelling for eco-conscious brands.

• Tiered display levels help highlight hero products and drive impulse buys.

8. Jelly and Gelato

Zoella’s Jelly & Gelato display is a masterclass in thematic branding.

Designed as a miniature ice cream cart, this whimsical POS display transforms an ordinary retail space into an Instagram-worthy experience.

The cart’s pastel color palette instantly conveys the product line’s playful, youthful energy.

It’s not just visually appealing; it perfectly complements the “Jelly & Gelato” concept, blurring the line between cosmetics and confectionery charm. It’s not just visually appealing; it perfectly complements the “Jelly & Gelato” concept, blurring the line between cosmetics and confectionery charm. Every element feels intentional: the striped awning adds a nostalgic summer vibe, while the wooden cart structure hints at handcrafted quality. The setup encourages customers to approach, explore, and even snap photos.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Thematic displays that mirror product concepts strengthen storytelling and recall.

• Pastel tones and friendly design appeal strongly to younger audiences seeking relatable, lifestyle-driven brands.

• Interactive or photogenic setups can double as organic social media marketing tools.

9. Nars

NARS Cosmetics sets a new standard for modern beauty merchandising with this striking display counter.

Instantly recognizable through its sleek, futuristic design, the setup commands attention through bold visuals, strong lighting, and seamless digital integration.

The metallic frame and gradient panels, accented with dripping lipstick graphics, create a high-impact visual metaphor.

The mirrored surfaces and illuminated signage add sophistication, transforming a simple product showcase into an immersive brand experience.

At the center, perfectly arranged lipstick rows highlight the brand’s depth in shade range. The inclusion of an interactive iPad display invites customers to explore color options, learn product details, and even visualize finishes.

Meanwhile, large digital advertising screens featuring close-ups of models wearing different NARS lip shades provide real-time inspiration. This dynamic, experiential setup ensures customers don’t just browse — they engage, discover, and interact.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Digital integration enhances interactivity and personalization in retail environments.

• Dramatic visual themes (like dripping lipstick) make a strong emotional and aesthetic statement.

• Lighting and reflective materials elevate the perception of luxury and modernity.

10. Watsons

Watsons’ cosmetic display takes a refreshingly practical approach by focusing on customer experience and product testing.

Instead of simply showcasing items, it invites shoppers to sit, try, and truly engage with the products before making a purchase.

The setup features a clean white vanity-style table complete with mirrors, brushes, and testers, creating an intimate, approachable environment that feels more like a personal beauty consultation than a retail aisle.

The addition of comfortable seating encourages customers to take their time, while fresh flowers and soft lighting add a touch of warmth and professionalism.

This thoughtful arrangement bridges the gap between online research and real-world experience, allowing customers to interact directly with the brand. It empowers them to make confident, informed choices while fostering trust in the product’s quality.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• In-store product testing builds credibility and confidence among shoppers.

• A simple, hygienic, and well-lit tester station can enhance perceived brand professionalism.

• Comfort-focused setups encourage dwell time and create memorable experiences.

11. Estée Lauder 

The Estée Lauder display turns a simple table fixture into a storytelling stage.  Instead of standard shelves or acrylic risers, it uses miniaturized beach props to recreate a summer vacation in micro form.

• The sand-toned base simulates a sunny shore.

• A palm tree and beach umbrella instantly evoke the feeling of relaxation.

• A deck chair and mini luggage box subtly connect to the airport travel context.

• Each product is strategically placed where natural light (or LED reflection) enhances its glow.

Key Takeaways for Marketers:

• Scenic storytelling makes displays more memorable and emotionally resonant.

• Props that align with campaign themes reinforce brand storytelling without words.

• Strategic lighting elevates luxury perception and directs attention to hero products.

Tips for Creating a Stunning and Effective Cosmetic Retail Display

Cosmetic retail displays are a crucial aspect of any beauty business. The way you showcase your products can significantly impact sales and attract customers. An eye-catching and well-designed display not only grabs attention but also helps customers navigate through the wide range of products you offer.

Here are practical tips on how to set up your own display in retail, enabling you to create an enticing shopping experience for your customers.

Before diving into the setup process, it’s essential to understand your target market. Research and identify consumer preferences and trends to tailor your display according to their needs and desires.

For example, if your target market consists of younger individuals who prefer natural and organic products, you might want to incorporate earthy colours and eco-friendly elements into your display design.

One way to make your cosmetic retail display stand out is by creating a visually cohesive theme. Selecting a colour scheme and aesthetic that aligns with your brand can help create a memorable experience for your customers.

Consider incorporating branding elements like your logo and slogan into the display and using props and backdrops that complement your products.

Effective organisation is key to a successful cosmetic retail display. Categorise your products based on type, brand, or purpose to make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.

Utilise shelves, hooks, and cases to display different items, ensuring that they are easily accessible and visible. Group related products together to create a sense of cohesion and make it easier for customers to make purchasing decisions.

Showcasing your best-selling and new-arrival products can create a sense of excitement and urgency for customers. These strategic placements not only draw attention but can also boost sales.

Consider positioning popular products at eye level or creating separate sections specifically dedicated to new arrivals. Use signage and promotional materials to highlight the unique selling points of these products.

Lighting plays a significant role in creating an inviting atmosphere for your cosmetic retail display. Incorporate well-placed lighting to highlight focal points or create a warm ambiance throughout the store.

Additionally, mirrors can provide customers with a better idea of product application and results. Place mirrors strategically, such as near makeup testers or skincare displays, to enhance the overall experience and increase customer satisfaction.

Boost customer engagement by incorporating interactive elements into your display. Provide testers and samples for customers to try out different products.

Have tutorial screens or iPads with instructional videos showcasing product usage and benefits. Encourage customers to interact with the products and ask questions. By offering a hands-on experience, you can build customer trust, encourage product exploration, and increase sales.

ODM is a pioneer when it comes to designing and creating store POS displays. Check out one of our creative and high-end display ideas.

In A Nutshell,

our exploration of cosmetic display stands showcased fashion brands’ excellence in design and organisation. We highlighted actionable insights with tips for effective store displays, covering brand integration, materials, positioning, and avoiding overcrowding.

The exploration of promotional competitions covered their role in elevating promotions, acquiring essential data, and enhancing audience engagement. Closing off with marketing tips for cosmetics brands using luxury gift sets, to empower cosmetics brands with impactful strategies to navigate the competitive market.

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Why ODM?

At The ODM Group, we are passionate about crafting unique promotional products that engage customers and enhance brand image. Our team has extensive experience in sourcing and manufacturing, we can help you design and source high-quality and effective custom promotional merchandise. In addition, we offer other services such as quality control, factory auditing, and shipping to ensure the quality and standard of the end products are top-notch.

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