Beauty that is savored: cosmetic brands are betting on the edible in their sensory marketing campaigns

Rhode, Kylie Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, Glossier and Milk Makeup join the trend of incorporating sensory experiences into their products

25 of April of 2025
Save
Beauty trends that loves foodie content
Beauty trends that loves foodie content

More and more brands in the beauty universe are opting for creative strategies that capture the attention of a consumer eager for novelties and increasingly demanding. The classic still life compositions are a thing of the past: today, originality and collaboration with other sectors —such as the food sector— are positioned as key to standing out. These associations not only surprise visually, but also amplify the sensory experience of the product, connecting with the public in a more emotional and memorable way.

The sensory association between cosmetic and edible products has become a growing trend. Beyond aesthetics, this strategy reinforces branding by transmitting values such as naturalness and closeness. By evoking familiar flavors, textures and aromas, brands directly appeal to the consumer's psychology: they use desire —and even hunger— as a tool to connect emotionally and enhance the desire to buy.

Article Images
Rhode

Sensory marketing is inspired by the most irresistible aspects of edible products to transfer them to the world of beauty. From glosses that evoke the texture and shine of honey —like those from Gisou— to blushes that look like candy, like Milk Makeup's Jelly Blush, brands seek to awaken desire through visual and emotional stimuli. The objective is clear: to appeal to the consumer's senses and turn each product into an experience as provocative as it is appetizing.

NIB Articlesentries to retouch (28)
Gisou
Article Images (1)
Milk 

The inclusion of food elements in cosmetic campaigns activates sensory and visual stimuli that function as powerful psychological triggers. From a scientific perspective, when seeing something that is visually appealing, the brain activates the same pathways associated with pleasure and desire. As a result, the product not only attracts attention, but is perceived as something that you need to have.

This strategy is especially effective in paid ads, where brands compete to capture attention in just a few seconds. By stimulating several senses —such as sight, texture, taste or even the memory of smell— the chances of users stopping scrolling are increased. The more immersive and sensory the visual experience, the greater the impact and connection with the consumer.

 

About the author
Paula Tudó

Paula Tudó

Journalist and publicist specialized in communication and marketing of fashion and luxury

Graduated in Journalism and with a Master's Degree in Communication and Digital Marketing from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, she also has a Diploma of Specialization in Fashion and Luxury Communication and Marketing from ELLE Education, in addition to various certifications in key areas of digital marketing, such as paid media. With more than five years of experience in the field of communication and digital marketing, she currently works as a Paid Media Specialist at Boehringer Ingelheim, where she applies her knowledge and passion for marketing and advertising. The fashion, cosmetics and luxury sector has always been one of her great passions. Her curious and analytical approach, driven by her training in journalism and advertising, leads her to constantly investigate the latest trends and delve into their analysis with a critical and creative eye.
See all author's articles