Purpose: This study investigates the mediating effect of perceived value in the relationship between external clues of cosmetics and consumers’ purchase intentions. This study explores how external clues, such as brands and cosmetics package design, contribute to the formation of perceived value, affecting consumers’ active purchase intentions.Methods: Frequency, factor, reliability, and three-step mediated multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS Ver. 24.0. A survey conducted with 430 participants who purchased cosmetics in Seoul and the metropolitan area from October 1 to October 20, 2022, provided the basis for the final analysis, with 422 usable responses.Results: External clues, such as brand and package design, exhibit a positive effect on the perceived value of cosmetics and on consumers’ intentions to purchase cosmetics. Second, perceived value was found to have a partial mediating effect on the relationship between external clues of cosmetics and purchase intentions.Conclusion: Consumers demonstrate a significant interest in cosmetics’ brand and package design, emphasizing the importance of these external clues in stimulating consumers’ active attitude and purchase intention by improving the subjective value of cosmetics. External clues to cosmetics can promote positive consumer behavior and encouraging the purchase of cosmetics. Recognizing the pivotal role of the perceived value of cosmetics during consumers’ economic activities, it is suggested that leveraging the external clues of cosmetics can be a marketing tool that can improve sales and enhance product image.