f course! Here is a comprehensive guide to the lipstick tube, the iconic packaging for one of the world's most beloved cosmetics.
A lipstick tube (or lipstick case) is a rigid, cylindrical container designed to hold, protect, and dispense a solid stick of lip color. Its primary function is to safely extend and retract the bullet-shaped product for application. It's a marvel of simple mechanical engineering and a key element of a brand's identity.
Understanding the parts is essential to understanding the whole.
Case / Barrel: The main outer body of the tube. This is the part you see and feel, often highly decorated.
Inner Mechanism: The heart of the tube, located inside the barrel. It consists of:
Cup: A small holder that grips the base of the lipstick bullet.
Threads/Screw: As you twist the base, these threads push the cup (and the lipstick) upwards.
Swivel Base: The bottom part of the tube that the user twists to raise and lower the lipstick.
Cap / Top Cover: Fits over the bullet to protect it from damage and drying out. It can screw on, snap on (a "click" mechanism), or slide on.
Bullet: The molded stick of lipstick product itself. Its shape (pointed, flat, rounded) is distinct from the tube.