Kuki Skincare

packaging design
product photography
shopify website design

Project Overview
Kuki Skincare is a premium, all-natural skincare brand rooted in Samoan tradition. As the global demand for sustainable and ethically sourced skincare grows, Kuki needed packaging that would stand out on an international level while remaining true to its cultural heritage. The challenge was to design an outer box that felt both commercial and authentic, ensuring it complemented the brand’s existing product line and appealed to a global audience at beauty trade shows.

Following the success of the packaging design, I was also entrusted with Kuki’s product photography and the design of their Shopify website, ensuring a cohesive brand experience across physical and digital platforms.

  • The primary objective was to create a packaging design that:

    • Showcased Kuki’s Samoan heritage while maintaining a modern, high-end aesthetic.

    • Stood out among competitors in the natural skincare market.

    • Aligned with the brand’s sustainability values by using minimal yet impactful materials.

    • Enhanced brand storytelling through design elements that reflect the brand’s roots.

    Beyond packaging, the goal extended to crafting product photography that highlighted the brand’s natural ingredients and luxurious feel, as well as developing a Shopify website that was both visually engaging and user-friendly.

  • Inspired by Tapa, one of Samoa’s oldest art forms, the packaging design embraces traditional patterns that symbolize heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Key elements of the design include:

    • Intricate, hand-drawn patterns derived from traditional Tapa designs, reinforcing the connection to Samoan culture.

    • A refined color palette that differentiates each product while maintaining a cohesive brand identity.

    • Customizable pattern details incorporating subtle etchings that represent key product ingredients, such as charcoal or ginger, creating a seamless link between packaging and product.

    • Elegant typography and a modern layout, ensuring the packaging feels premium and resonates with both local and international audiences.

    For the product photography, I focused on capturing the richness of Kuki’s natural ingredients and luxurious formulations, ensuring consistency with the brand’s aesthetic. The Shopify website was designed with a clean, intuitive layout, reflecting Kuki’s premium positioning while providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.

    • Increased brand presence at global beauty trade shows, with packaging that immediately communicates Kuki’s ethos and authenticity.

    • Stronger brand identity, reinforcing Kuki’s position as a high-end natural skincare brand with deep cultural roots.

    • Enhanced consumer appeal, with cohesive packaging, photography, and a digital presence that attract eco-conscious shoppers looking for products with a meaningful story.

    • Scalability, with a visual identity that allows for easy expansion into new product lines while maintaining brand cohesion across print and digital platforms.

Three KUKI balm product boxes in blue, yellow, and orange arranged on a plain background.
Open gift box with KUKI branded packaging, showing two colorful product boxes inside, one yellow and one blue, labeled 'Nature’s First Aid Kit'.
Bottle of Kuki Fetau oil with dropper dispensing oil
Blue box with "KUKI Charcoal Balm" label and decorative designs
Scoop of white cream on yellow background
A yellow box of Fetau Salve by Kuki, with decorative patterns on the side and white text stating 'Nourish, rejuvenate and protect your skin.' The box contains 30ml or 1.01FL oz of product.
Close-up of a translucent gel on a blue background
Orange box labeled "KUKI Ginger & Turmeric Balm" with decorative patterns on side.
A small dollop of creamy substance on an orange background
KUKI botanical balm packaging, featuring colorful boxes for Charcoal Balm, Ginger & Turmeric Balm, and other products, stacked together.
Three wooden containers labeled as Samoa's natural remedies on a sandy beach with a blurred blue ocean in the background.
Laptop displaying a website with a blue ocean background, featuring the text "Samoa's Natural Remedy" and navigation links. The site offers skincare products. 
maria @ kuki skincare, samoa

“I can see you put in a lot of thought into the packaging design. I like the layout of the logo and incorporating the former engraved artwork on the front. I love it. ”