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Are you considering setting up a makeup corner or an area dedicated to beauty product testing within your pharmacy, health and beauty store, or herbalist shop? That would be a smart move, as the dermocosmetics sector is continuously growing. It could be an excellent opportunity to rethink your communication concept, expanding beyond the purely medical field to embrace well-being and beauty in a broader sense.
The strengths of the pharmacy for customers interested in purchasing dermocosmetic products are:
- Specialised assistance in selecting the right product
- The high perceived quality of the products
The makeup and skincare corner can thus become a key element of your professional offering. Even if it is not your primary activity, it represents a highly strategic “complementary” service aimed at:
- Attracting new customers through experiential activities (e.g., brand-focused dermocosmetics events), during which specialised staff convey important and valuable knowledge to clients.
- Building a relationship of trust that turns one-time visitors into loyal customers. The integration of a makeup and skincare corner not only enhances the customer experience but also helps position the business as a key point of reference for beauty.
Design and planning of a beauty station in a pharmacy
Designing a skincare/makeup corner within a pharmacy requires careful consideration from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. Here are some key points to keep in mind for an effective and well-integrated design:
Functionality and workflow
- Limited space: pharmacies often have limited space. It’s crucial to maximise the efficiency and accessibility of the makeup area without disrupting the overall flow of customers (who, let’s not forget, are primarily there to purchase medicines!).
- Accessibility: the area must be easy to reach and highly visible without obstructing shopping pathways. A well-placed corner, for instance near the dermocosmetics section, is ideal.
- Organisation: the makeup area should have clearly defined spaces for product display, testing, and consultation services, with equipment that keeps everything tidy and easily accessible.
- Hygiene: it is essential to ensure that the area is easy to clean, using water-resistant and cosmetics-proof materials.
Style and visual consistency
Let’s remember that we are still in a pharmacy, so let’s stick to a colour palette that conveys professionalism. Neutral shades like white, beige, and metallic accents in gold or silver can work well.
Lighting is critical: a combination of natural light (where possible) and full-spectrum artificial lighting to mimic natural light helps ensure that makeup colours are displayed accurately.
The use of large mirrors (where possible) with professional, well-positioned lighting, along with decorative elements like plants or small metallic details, can create a welcoming and modern atmosphere.
Customer comfort
The workstations must, of course, be comfortable: ergonomic makeup chairs are essential for customers’ comfort during makeup trials. Adding headrests and/or footrests can enhance the overall experience.
The space should feel intimate yet open; aim to create an area that provides privacy for the customer without isolating them entirely from the rest of the store. Translucent panels or glass dividers can be an excellent compromise to visually separate the area without fully enclosing it.
Integration challenges
One of the main challenges is balancing the professional identity with a welcoming atmosphere. Pharmacies are traditionally seen as clinical and trustworthy spaces. A makeup corner must respect this perception without appearing overly luxurious or out of place.
From our experience, the other main challenges include:
- Space management: if the area available is small, you may not always have a wall for an illuminated mirror. In such cases, a mobile station with an integrated illuminated mirror or a freestanding mirror with lights can be the ideal solution.
- Acoustics and noise: in a busy pharmacy, noise can impact the customer’s experience. Acoustic panels can help reduce background noise and create a more comfortable environment.
Technology and sustainability
Lighting in the corner, as mentioned earlier, plays a fundamental role. Makeup-specific lighting, such as I-light, becomes the added value that makes your makeup corner truly professional.
If you have the possibility to utilise a wall, a mirror with white or multicolour backlighting can create a unique customer experience.
Backlit LED panels displaying informative content, such as how to use cosmetic products and/or promotions, can attract attention and provide useful information. Offering QR codes for downloading personalised advice or promotional coupons can enhance customer interaction with the makeup and dermocosmetics brands you offer and encourage purchases.
And finally, what better place than one dedicated to well-being and health to demonstrate sustainable choices in purchasing? Cantoni equipment, entirely made in Italy, uses eco-friendly and sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood (read also Cantoni professional makeup chairs: what makes them different?).
I-light lighting systems are energy-efficient and durable, while the mirrors are copper-free, formaldehyde-free, and compliant with the European RoHS directive (< 0.1% lead).
The durability and lifespan of materials are also key factors that impact sustainability, as well as cost-effectiveness. Opt for professional equipment that is tough, wear-resistant, and stain-resistant to reduce maintenance costs and create a beauty corner perfectly tailored to your pharmacy!
